Casandra “Cassie” Ventura is ready to take the stand against her former partner, Sean “Diddy” Combs, in a significant upcoming trial. Cassie will be testifying using her real name, which is a notable move in a case that involves serious allegations against the music mogul.
Prosecutors have announced that Cassie, who is referred to as “Victim-1,” will not be hiding her identity when she appears in court. The trial is set to begin on May 5 and includes charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and other related offenses. Three additional victims are expected to testify as well, but they will remain anonymous to protect their identities.
In the court documents, it was emphasized that Cassie is prepared to testify under her own name. Meanwhile, the other victims have requested to be referred to by pseudonyms during the proceedings to shield their identities from public exposure. Prosecutors have stressed the importance of this measure due to the intense media coverage surrounding the case, which could lead to unwanted attention and harassment for the anonymous victims.
The allegations against Combs, who is currently 55, date back to September 2024 when he was first charged with multiple counts related to sex trafficking and racketeering. A more recent indictment has added additional counts linked to another victim as well.
Representatives for both Combs and Cassie have not commented on the ongoing situation. The indictment suggests that Combs and his associates allegedly used manipulation and coercion to entice individuals into participating in exploitative situations, which included elaborate sexual performances.
Previous accusations against Combs became public in May 2024, following the release of a surveillance video that purportedly showed him physically attacking Cassie at a hotel in 2016. This footage reportedly intensified the scrutiny surrounding their past relationship.
As the trial date approaches, Combs remains in custody in a Brooklyn detention center. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and faces over 60 allegations of sexual misconduct from various plaintiffs, which he has denied.
The upcoming trial is expected to draw significant attention as detailed accounts start to emerge in court.
