Live Trial Updates: Diddy’s Federal Sex Trafficking Case – Key Moments from Cassie Ventura’s Testimony & What’s Next!

The trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs is underway in Manhattan. On Wednesday, the prosecution wrapped up questioning Cassie Ventura, Combs’ former girlfriend. She is the key witness for the government. The defense will start cross-examining her soon.

Combs, 55, faces serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. Prosecutors allege he has abused and coerced women for years, forcing them into marathon sexual encounters known as "freak offs." They also claim he used his wealth, along with threats, to hide his actions.

During her testimony, Ventura described a decade of violence in their relationship. She recounted harrowing experiences, including nights filled with drug use and brutal episodes of physical abuse. Jurors even watched a disturbing surveillance video from 2016 that shows Combs assaulting Ventura in a hotel hallway.

Combs has denied all charges. If found guilty, he risks life in prison. He is currently held without bail in Brooklyn. The trial could last at least eight weeks, and a jury of 12 New Yorkers will ultimately decide his fate.

This case highlights serious issues surrounding abuse and coercion. According to a recent report from the National Domestic Violence Hotline, nearly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence. Such statistics remind us of the impact of abuse on victims and the importance of support systems.

For real-time updates from the trial, you can follow various news outlets, including the Associated Press and CNN.

If you or someone you know is in need of help regarding domestic violence, resources are available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). More information can be found here.

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Cassie Ventura, sex trafficking, Sean "Diddy" Combs, New York City