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In the ongoing trial against the US rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs, new allegations of his supposedly violent behavior towards his ex-partner Casandra “Cassie” Ventura have been expressed before the New York court. The singer Dawn Richard, a former friend Venturas and former Combs employee, appeared as a witness and described a new incident.
Attacks and death threats according to Dawn Richard
Dawn Richard said in court that the 55-year-old Combs had thrown his partner at the time in 2009 during an attack with a frying pan. Combs also physically attacked Ventura, according to the 41-year-old: “He struck her, choked her, tugged her and hit her on her mouth” (quotes via “Spiegel”). After the incident with the frying pan, Combs threatened her and another witness that you would “disappear” if you talk to someone about the incident. When asked, Richard said that he would have meant that “that we could die.”
Richard also stated that Combs’ employees were repeatedly witnesses to his outbursts of violence – without intervening: “You did nothing.” The defense tried to question Richard’s credibility by emphasizing that the witness was angry with Combs because he supposedly ruined her career. In addition, a civil lawsuit is currently underway – Richard against Combs, in which she accuses him of not paying out her.
Further witness describes control behavior and violence
In addition to Dawn Richard, Kerry Morgan, another close confidante and girlfriend Venturas, said in court. She reported that Ventura was unable to leave Combs because he had completely checked her life – a representation that Ventura himself also confirmed in her testimony.
Morgan described two incidents in which she was supposed to witness physical assault Combs’ on Ventura. According to “Spiegel”, she also reported that she was a victim of violence through Combs: he choked her and beat her up with a hanger. After the attack, Ventura urged her to sign a confidentiality agreement. In return, Combs is said to have paid her $ 30,000. Morgan ended contact with Ventura after this incident.
Heavy charges – Combs insists on his innocence
The statements are part of a more comprehensive criminal proceedings in which Combs is charged, among other things, due to alleged sex trade, organized crime and other serious offenses. The rapper has been in custody since mid -September 2024. Combs rejects all accusations and does not guilty. However, his defense admitted in her opening plea that Combs had been violent in the past towards women, but decided the allegations related to sex trade.
Prosecutor wants to show violence patterns
Although Combs is not explicitly charged with assault, the public prosecutor wants to show stuff: interior statements such as that of Dawn Richard, a pattern of violent behavior. The aim is to show that Sean Combs put his former partner under pressure through violence and thus also forced sexual acts with other men. In the event of a conviction, the musician threatens a lifelong prison sentence. The process is scheduled for around eight weeks.