Mother of Combs’ Ex Testifies at Sex Trafficking Trial

Regina Ventura, mother of Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, testified at Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking trial about threats and violence her daughter endured during their decade-long relationship. She recounted an email from Cassie in late 2011, revealing that Combs threatened to release explicit sex tapes of her and to physically harm her and rapper Kid Cudi after discovering their relationship. Combs also demanded $20,000 from Regina to recoup money he claimed to have spent on Cassie, a payment made out of fear for Cassie's safety and later returned. Ventura described photographs showing bruises on Cassie’s body, supporting claims of abuse. Defense attorneys sought to undermine Cassie’s testimony by alleging voluntary participation in Combs’ coercive sex parties known as "freak-offs," but did not cross-examine Regina. The testimony highlighted the ongoing federal charges against Combs, including sex trafficking and leading an illegal sex ring involving crimes such as arson, kidnapping, and bribery.