Warning: This article contains discussion of domestic violence which some readers may find distressing
Cassie Ventura has shared harrowing details about the events which led up to her former partner Sean 'Diddy' Combs assaulting her in the hallway of a Los Angeles hotel.
The singer and dancer was called to give evidence during the second day of Combs' New York trial, which saw the 38-year-old share details about their romantic relationship and what happened at the hip-hop producer's infamous 'freak off' parties.
Combs is currently on trial over charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution and could face up to life in prison if convicted on all counts. The 55-year-old has pleaded not guilty and 'emphatically and categorically' denied all charges made against him.
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Part of Ventura's testimony included sharing her account of the 2016 Los Angeles InterContinental Hotel incident. The security footage, which was originally published by CNN, showed Combs following Ventura through hotel corridors before allegedly punching, kicking, and dragging her across the floor.
Footage of the incident was also shown to jurors at the trial, despite attempts from Combs' team to have the clip excluded from evidence.
Addressing the incident in her testimony, Ventura told the court the 'freak off' happened two days before the premiere of her film A Perfect Match in March 2016, explaining that she'd been worried about messing up her body ahead of the event.
Ventura went on to explain that there was 'a lot' of drinking before Combs allegedly hit her and gave her a black eye.
Recalling the aftermath of that moment, she said 'I had to get out' and told the court that she left the hotel room while Combs was distracted.
However, he later caught up with her in the hallway, with the altercation captured in the video where she was 'thrown to the ground' by the rapper.
The rapper addressed the video in a statement before his arrest, saying there were 'no excuses' for his behaviour in the clip.
"I take full responsibility for my actions in that video, I'm disgusted," he said.
Meanwhile, on-duty security guard at the time, Israel Florez, also gave evidence to the court, revealing that Combs had allegedly offered him a 'sack of money' in exchange for his silence.
Florez was also questioned by Combs' defence about his decision to record some footage on his phone, to which he explained it was to show his wife as she otherwise wouldn't believe him.
The trial continues.
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.
Topics: US News, Diddy, Crime, Celebrity News
Brenna Cooper