Coverage of Sean "Diddy" Combs' trial in N.Y. as Cassie Ventura will face cross-examination from Combs' lawyers.

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, began what could be a days-long testimony in Combs’ sex trafficking trial Tuesday, alleging on the witness stand Combs had subjected her to physical abuse and coerced her to participate in “freak off” sex performances. (Here is a complete list of the allegations against Combs).

Sean “Diddy” Combs was arrested in September 2024 and charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty.

Attorneys for Sean "Diddy" Combs are honing in on the rapper's turbulent relationship with Cassie Ventura after the singer's harrowing testimony.

Jennifer Beidel, a former US attorney for the Southern District of New York, tells the BBC that because of the length of Casandra Ventura and Sean "Diddy" Combs' relationship - about a decade, on and off - Ventura's testimony in this case is crucial.

Like Harvey Weinstein and R. Kelly, Combs is accused by prosecutors of using his influence and wealth to coerce women into unwanted sexual activity and intimidate them into staying quiet for years.