Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura is because of take the witness stand in Manhattan federal court docket on Tuesday — the star witness within the embattled hip-hop mogul’s surprising sex-trafficking trial.
Ventura, who is eight-months pregnant, is predicted to testify about how the rapper allegedly pressured her into drug-fueled, days-long sexual “freak-offs” with male escorts.
The 38-year-old “Me & U” artist dated Combs for a few decade.
Here’s what else there may be to know concerning the singer.
What to find out about Cassie Ventura’s upbringing
Born Cassandra Elizabeth Ventura in New London, Connecticut, in August 1986, Ventura started her profession as a mannequin however quickly advanced right into a promising music profession that noticed the discharge of her debut album in 2006, in accordance with CNN.
The album was a part of her collaboration with producer and songwriter Ryan Leslie.
How did Cassie Ventura and Diddy meet?
Following her debut launch, Ventura’s expertise and sweetness drew Combs’ consideration, and he went on to signal her to his Dangerous Boy Leisure label.
In 2007, she turned the face of Combs’ “Sean John” trend line and in addition delved into performing with a task within the dance movie “Step Up 2: The Streets,” CNN stated.
In 2012, the couple went public with their romantic relationship, with the pair often seen collectively at Hollywood events, trend exhibits and different celeb occasions.
What allegedly occurred between Cassie Ventura and Diddy?
Ventura, recognized as “Sufferer-1” within the federal case in opposition to Combs, alleged that the connection turned more and more abusive of their relationship.
In a civil lawsuit she filed in 2023, she claimed she was subjected to bodily abuse and degrading sexual encounters with male escorts — whereas her rich boyfriend watched or filmed them.
She claimed that the escorts have been paid hundreds of {dollars} for the pressured trysts.
What to find out about Cassie Ventura’s lawsuit in opposition to Diddy
The lawsuit, filed November 2023 in Manhattan federal court docket, claimed Combs trafficked, raped and viciously beat Ventura beginning in 2005 and till 2018, alleging he was able to “uncontrollable rage.”
She claimed that the mogul routinely plied her with medication and alcohol earlier than the sick sexual encounters, however remained insanely jealous — allegedly blowing up rapper Child Cudi’s automotive when he expressed curiosity in her.
Combs settled the lawsuit shortly, with the quantity of the payoff not revealed.
Comply with the most recent on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal sex-trafficking trial:
What to know concerning the video of Diddy allegedly assaulting Cassie Ventura
Some of the disturbing revelations because the claims in opposition to Combs started to floor was a video dated March 5, 2016, which allegedly exhibits the rapper and producer chasing Ventura by means of the hallway of the InterContinental Lodge in Century Metropolis in Los Angeles.
The video exhibits Combs briefly dragging Ventura on the carpet and repeatedly kicking her.
Combs is then seen sitting in a chair, grabbing an object and throwing it at Ventura.
Prosecutors on Monday stated the “Mo Cash Mo Issues” rapper paid a $100,000 bribe to a resort safety guard in hopes of maintaining the sickening tape quiet. It was in the end obtained by CNN and made public final yr.
What’s Cassie Ventura’s life like now?
Ventura’s life has taken a flip since her tumultuous relationship with Combs led to 2018.
She is now married to Alex Fantastic, a 32-year-old bull-riding celeb health coach and mannequin who was noticed on the Manhattan federal courthouse this week to point out assist for his spouse.
Fantastic’s purchasers have included high-profile names like Odell Beckham Jr. and Jennifer Aniston.
Cassie collaborated with Kim Kardashian’s undergarment line Skims in 2022, telling Web page Six on the time: “I’ve additionally come to a spot of loving my physique for all that it’s performed for me and my household and embracing it for what it’s. I believe that this marketing campaign celebrates that.”
She and Fantastic wed in 2019 and have two daughters. Ventura is pregnant with their third.
“[Alex and I] additionally make sure that to carve out time with one another,” she informed Web page Six. “It’s troublesome with two toddlers, however we make it work. It’s simply horny it doesn’t matter what once we get that point, as a result of we now have to work for it!”
