'The Punisher' tells court how he discovered Diddy's identity as rapper wore 'religious face covering during freak-offs'

Warning: This article contains allegations of sexual harassment and domestic violence which some readers may find distressing

An exotic dancer known as 'The Punisher' has testified that Diddy wore a religious face covering during his infamous 'freak-offs'.

Sean Combs' racketeering and sex-trafficking trial reached day seven in New York on Tuesday (20 May), and Sharay Hayes is one of the 10 witnesses who has taken to the stand so far.

Prosecutors allege that the rapper 'directed' 'freak off' sex events that were 'coercive, manipulative events designed to break down victims and keep them dependent'.

His ex-girlfriend Cassie, legally known as Casandra Ventura, testified to the court that she was often physically abused during the freak offs, which could last up to four days.

Sean 'Diddy' Combs has pleaded not guilty the charges (Noam Galai/Getty Images for MTV)

The court yesterday heard from Hayes, who testified that he initially wasn't aware he was meeting Diddy because he wore a face covering during freak-offs.

Hayes, who got his nickname from playing basketball in his teens, has been in the escort industry since 1995.

He testified that the first time he met Diddy, without knowing it was actually him, was when he was hired in 2012 by someone who called themselves 'Janet'.

The author of In Search of Freezer Meat claimed he was greeted at the door by Cassie at Trump Tower in Midtown, who 'handed me' $800.

"I was specifically told to not acknowledge her husband, not to look at him, no communication between me and him," he claimed.

Sharay Hays, known as ‘The Punisher,’ testified he was hired by Diddy up to eight times (Instagram/@getpunished)

The dancer testified that he and Cassie started putting oil on themselves when a naked man wearing a head covering walked in.

“I could not see his face,” Hayes said. “He had what the Muslim women wear, where their face is completely covered and you could only see his eyes.”

Hayes added that the masked man was carrying a bottle of lubricant and masturbated in the dimly lit room.

When Cassie left the room, she allegedly gave Hayes another $1,200.

The dancer told the court that he was hired by them another eight to 12 times.

“My understanding was we were creating a scene, a sexy scene, that was enjoyable to her partner,” he said.

Diddy pictured with his ex-girlfriend Cassie, who testified against him in court last week (Jeff Vespa/Getty Images For GQ)

Hayes says he only discovered who the masked man was when he went to meet the couple at the Essex House Hotel in New York with a welcoming sign which read 'Mr. Sean Combs', adding that his last encounter with Diddy and Cassie was in 2015.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.

If found guilty on all charges, the 55-year-old faces life in prison.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence to the national domestic violence helpline Refuge on 0808 2000 247, available 24/7, or via live chat, available 10am-10pm, Monday to Friday.

Alternatively, if you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact The Survivors Trust for free on 08088 010 818, available 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-3pm and 6pm-8pm Monday to Thursday, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm on Fridays, 10am-12.30pm on Saturdays and 6pm-8pm on Sundays.