Cassie Ventura to testify against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs using her name in sex trafficking trial

Cassie Ventura, known for her hit “Me & U,” is set to testify under her real name against her ex-boyfriend, music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, in his upcoming sex trafficking trial scheduled to begin on May 5, 2025, in New York federal court.

Ventura, previously identified as “Victim-1,” has chosen to forgo anonymity, unlike three other alleged victims who have requested to remain unidentified due to concerns about media harassment. Her testimony is central to the case, as her 2023 lawsuit describes Combs orchestrating drug-fueled “Freak-Offs,” during which he allegedly forced her to procure male escorts, subjected her to physical abuse, and coerced her into participating in exploitative sexual acts.

Prosecutors allege that Combs and his associates lured victims under false pretenses and coerced them into participating in staged sex acts. Combs, currently held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, has pleaded not guilty and faces charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. His legal team argues that introducing uncharged allegations would unfairly prejudice the jury and distract from the core charges.

The trial has attracted significant public attention, especially following the release of a 2016 surveillance video showing Combs assaulting Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel, which he later apologized for. The case continues to develop as both sides prepare for the upcoming trial.