New York —
Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs allegedly attempted to force his way into ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura’s apartment with a hammer following a 2016 hotel assault, a New York court heard on Monday during his ongoing sex trafficking trial.
Kerry Morgan, Ventura’s former best friend, took the witness stand and described the incident as “terrifying,” telling jurors she watched through the peephole as Mr. Combs banged on the apartment door with a hammer. The episode occurred shortly after an alleged assault at the Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles, a moment now central to the federal charges Mr. Combs faces.
The 55-year-old music executive has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. If convicted, he could face life in prison.
Graphic Surveillance Video and New Testimonies
Jurors have been shown security footage of the hotel assault several times. Morgan testified that Cassie Ventura appeared emotionally broken following the attack and, at the time, expressed no concern if Combs entered the apartment or even harmed her.
Police reportedly arrived at the apartment three hours after the hammer incident, but no official complaint was filed.
Morgan also described another violent episode she allegedly witnessed during a group vacation in Jamaica. According to her, Combs dragged Ventura down a 50-yard hallway by her hair because she was “taking too long in the bathroom.”
The witness also shared her own account of alleged abuse. She claimed that in 2018, Combs choked her and threw a wooden hanger at her head while interrogating her about Cassie’s supposed infidelity. Morgan said she was later diagnosed with a concussion and sought urgent care.
Morgan testified that she and Ventura ended their 17-year friendship after the altercation. She told the court that Ventura met her a month later and paid her $30,000 to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). They have not spoken since. “I draw my line at physical abuse,” Morgan stated in court.
Former Assistant Describes Work Environment
After Morgan’s testimony, David James, Combs’ former personal assistant, took the stand. James testified about the demanding work environment, often working 20-hour days, six to seven days a week.
James described the culture at Combs’ company, Bad Boy Entertainment, as one of total allegiance, referring to the office as “Mr. Combs’ kingdom.” He also recounted an unsettling comment Combs allegedly made in a vehicle conversation in Manhattan: when asked about Ventura, Combs replied, “Cassie’s good. I got her right where I want her, she’s young,” adding that she was “very mouldable.”
Trial to Resume
The trial is set to resume on Tuesday, with Mr. James expected to continue his testimony.
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