Pop singer Dawn Richard is set to return to the witness stand Monday in the high-profile federal sex trafficking trial of hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, after testifying last week that she witnessed years of physical and emotional abuse inflicted on his then-girlfriend, Casandra Ventura.
Richard, a former member of the girl group Danity Kane, recounted a 2009 incident at Combs’ Los Angeles residence in which she said he attacked Ventura and dragged her upstairs by the hair. She told jurors she later heard glass shattering and screaming.
The following day, Richard said, Combs gathered her and others who had witnessed the alleged assault, gave them flowers, and warned that their careers could be at risk if they spoke out.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to five felony charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transporting individuals for prostitution.
He remains in custody at a Brooklyn jail. If convicted on all counts, he faces 15 years to life in prison.
Ventura, 38, an R&B artist known professionally as Cassie, served as the prosecution’s key witness last week.
She testified over four days that Combs coerced her into participating in drug-fueled sex parties he called “Freak Offs” and detailed repeated incidents of abuse throughout their relationship.
Now in the late stages of pregnancy with her third child, Ventura told the court that Combs raped her at her home in August 2018 after the couple had broken up. “I just remember crying and saying no, but it was very fast,” she said.
In an effort to cast doubt on the rape allegation, Combs’ attorney presented text messages on Friday that appeared to show Ventura engaged in consensual sexual activity with him a month after the alleged assault.
The trial, taking place in Manhattan federal court, has garnered widespread media attention due to Combs’ stature in the music industry. Proceedings are expected to continue for up to two months.
Combs, previously known as Puff Daddy and P. Diddy, is the founder of Bad Boy Records and is credited with launching the careers of artists such as Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, the Notorious B.I.G., and Usher.
Part of the criminal case stems from Ventura’s civil lawsuit filed in November 2023, which she testified was settled for $20 million within 24 hours.
Richard has also filed a separate civil suit against Combs, alleging abusive working conditions, including groping and assault. Her complaint further claims she witnessed Combs violently attacking Ventura on multiple occasions.
