Diddy Trial Live Updates Week 3: Former Assistant Continues Testimony

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The court is in session for the 11th day.

Following Capricorn Clark’s passionate testimony against Sean “Diddy” Combs during his sex trafficking trial, arson investigator Lance Jimenez revealed his account of being called to Kid Cudi’s residence in 2012 after a car fire, as reported by NBC News journalists present in the court.

The investigator from the Los Angeles Fire Department shared with the jury on May 28th, “We were informed about a vehicle fire in the driveway, so we went to examine the situation, just as one does during an investigation. Upon closer inspection, it appeared that the fire had originated within the car – there were burn marks on the seats and center consoles. Furthermore, there was a scorched bottle on the front seat and a charred handkerchief on the center console.

He clarified his thoughts, “I examined various possibilities for what might have happened. The engine wasn’t harmed, so I checked the battery, but found nothing. I eliminated some potential causes. Upon inspection of the bottle, I noticed its smell of gasoline, liquid inside, and a handkerchief, leading me to conclude it was a makeshift incendiary device, a Molotov cocktail.

Earlier this month, it was testified that the rapper known as “Day ‘n’ Nite” (Scott Mescudi) mentioned his car exploded, which happened around when he and Cassie Ventura, ex-partner of Diddy (Combs), had called off their short relationship.

According to Jimenez, there was significant thermal harm to the Porsche. However, he stated that the incendiary device did not lead to severe burn damage as the fabric came loose and the bottle remained intact.

The individual, who claimed to have looked into over a thousand fires since his appointment in 2011, testified that if the bottle had shattered and released gasoline, “the vegetation would likely have ignited and potentially sparked a house fire.

He stated, “It seemed to be aimed at its position,” he added. “Interestingly, another vehicle parked in the driveway didn’t seem to be a target. The Porsche was situated near the house and in a region that doesn’t often experience criminal activity.

Jiminez’s testimony supports Mescudi’s claims that Combs, who had an on-again, off-again relationship with Ventura between 2007 and 2018, set fire to his car following the accusation that Combs illegally entered his home and allegedly damaged it.

Combs has not publicly addressed the alleged break-in or the car explosion.

Combs denies all charges related to human trafficking, running a brothel, conspiring in organized crime, forced prostitution, deceitful means of procurement, and transporting individuals for the purpose of prostitution.

For more revelations from the Diddy trial, keep reading.

Following reports that Sean “Diddy” Combs’ occasional girlfriend Cassie Ventura was involved with Kid Cudi (real name Scott Mescudi), Capricorn Clark, a former employee of the rapper, alleged that Combs had made threats against their lives.

Previously employed aide, who additionally stated that she assisted Ventura in purchasing a temporary cellphone during her relationship with Mescudi due to concerns for her security, declared that the event transpired following the hip-hop tycoon’s alleged break-in at Mescudi’s residence.

She informed the jury about Combs that he was extremely enraged, expressing intense frustration. He exclaimed something to the effect of, “I wish I could harm all of you and disfigure her.

According to Clark’s claims, it was reported that after Combs discovered Ventura and Mescudi were in a relationship, he allegedly visited the residence of the “Pursuit of Happiness” rapper armed with a firearm on December 22, 2011.

She informed the jury that there were individuals, among whom was Combs, standing at her doorstep. His demeanor suggested anger – he was walking back and forth restlessly, and while she couldn’t make out what he held in his hands clearly.

I repeated, “I’d prefer not to accompany you,” in response to his abrupt command, “Let’s head out and eliminate Mescudi.” However, he was unfazed by my wishes, retorting bluntly, “I couldn’t care less about your plans.” His demeanor was unlike anything I had ever witnessed – a whirlwind of anger, fury, and rage directed squarely at me. It was startling to see him at my home, to witness the unfamiliar sight of a weapon in his hands. This was an entirely new experience for me.

Clark is reported to have contacted Ventura to inform her that Combs had supposedly brought Clark armed to Cudi’s home with the intention of killing him.

Clark stated that following the disappearance of three expensive items of jewelry – specifically a bracelet and a diamond watch among them – she became a potential suspect and underwent a polygraph examination.

She claimed that a “large man” threatened her, stating that if she didn’t pass the test, he would “push her into the East River.

She declared that she had been worried about the potential consequences of failing, as she stated. He mentioned it was uncertain, and suggested, “Relax so I can interpret accurately; otherwise, you might find yourself in the East River.

She said the test took five days to prove her innocence.

According to former employee Clark’s claims, it was reported that Combs became angry after learning about Ventura dating Mescudi. On the morning of December 22, 2011, Combs is said to have shown up at Clark’s apartment armed with a gun, saying, “Get dressed, we’re going to harm Mescudi.

Clark expressed that he had never encountered something similar before, adding that the man’s behavior gave him a sense of uncertainty, as if unexpected events might unfold.

According to Clark’s testimony, Combs instructed her to contact Ventura and inform him that he must appear if Clark was not to depart. As Ventura consented, Clark proceeded to fetch the performer, and they both returned to Combs’ residence together.

According to Clark’s testimony, Combs began assaulting Ventura by both punching and kicking him. She stated that none of the security personnel present stepped in to stop it, and she herself didn’t intervene because Combs warned her he would do the same to her if she did.

Clark stated that she phoned Regina Ventura, Ventura’s mother, and said, “He is brutally attacking your daughter. I’m in way beyond my depth. Please offer assistance. She needs help urgently, and I’m unable to call the police, but you can.

In 2012, Combs dismissed her due to her failure to disclose information about Ventura and Kid Cudi. During the testimony, Clark stated that he informed her, “I will ensure you never work again, all these people are not your friends, and I will make you want to take your own life.

Clark said she returned to the fold as creative director for Ventura from 2016 until 2018.

Clark stated on the 27th of May that she recommended Ventura to obtain a new phone – one not covered by Combs – for communicating with Kid Cudi, during their brief relationship in 2011.

Clark stated that they went to Best Buy with Ventura to purchase a temporary phone because they were concerned that the singer might endanger everyone due to his actions.

In 2012, shortly after his car incident, Mescudi recollected a discussion he had with Combs. He claimed that Combs and his companions had burglarized his home in December 2011, following the revelation of his short-lived relationship with Ventura. The rapper behind “Day ‘n’ Night” made this allegation.

Following the arson of Mescudi’s car in January 2012, an incident he attributed to Combs, Mescudi described a subsequent encounter they had in a hotel meeting room in Los Angeles. In this setting, Combs was reportedly standing with his back toward the window and his hands clasped behind him, resembling a Marvel supervillain observing from afar.

The 41-year-old testified, “There was only him and myself in the room.” He shared the entire account of how Cassie and I became a couple and why we split. His main argument was ‘You were with my girlfriend,’ to which I replied ‘She had informed me that you two were broken up, and I believed her word.’

In a composed manner, he handed me water not once but twice, which felt unusual given his tranquil demeanor. It was this composure that struck me as odd. However, Cassie eventually arrived. To my disappointment, I learned she had returned to him. Essentially, she conveyed that we found ourselves in a whirlwind of love, and events simply unfolded as they did.

During her four-day testimony earlier this month, Ventura detailed the alleged mistreatment she experienced at the hands of Combs. She stated that she ended her relationship with Mescudi following Combs’ warning, “I’m going to cause harm to both of us.

Following their discussion at the LA hotel conference room, before matters escalated, they stood up and exchanged a firm handshake.

Clinging onto every word, I inquired, ‘What’s the plan for my vehicle?’ As our hands intertwined, I couldn’t help but bring it up. He feigned ignorance, ‘I have no idea what you’re referring to.’ But then he paused, seemed to reflect, and asked, ‘Are we alright?’ I retorted, ‘Well, you torched my car.’

Mescudi shared insight into two incidents, which he blames Combs for, during his testimony. 

In December 2011, the “Pursuit of Happiness” artist claimed he received a phone call from Combs, following reports that Combs and his associates forced their way into the musician’s home. This incident occurred after the musician started dating Ventura, who had an on-again, off-again relationship with Combs between 2007 and 2018.

In other words, Mescudi stated to the jury that he responded with, “What’s going on?” and then exclaimed, “Hey, are you in my house?” to which the individual replied, “I am here waiting for you.

While he said he wanted to “fight” Combs, he decided not to since he wasn’t sure who was with him. 

Later in February, Mescudi’s vehicle was set ablaze by a Molotov cocktail (found in the driver’s seat according to him) as he was approximately 45 minutes from his house.

In a 2023 lawsuit against Combs (which was later settled), Ventura claimed that he had made a threat to destroy Mescudi’s car after learning about their relationship. Specifically, she stated, “Around that time, Kid Cudi’s vehicle experienced an explosion in his driveway.

On the seventh day of Combs’ trial, wrapping up on May 20th, the rapper addressed everyone present in the court with a statement.

He declared openly, “I love you all,” as the court session ended for the day, according to People magazine. Then, more quietly to himself, he murmured, “Indeed, I do.

After making his statement, Combs conversed with a lady in the audience, suggesting through his words that she should pass on a thought he was having for his son, Justin Combs, who is 31 years old. In essence, he asked her to tell Justin that he was thinking about him.

On May 20th, Regina Ventura testified that back in 2011, Diddy (Combs) allegedly threatened to reveal sexually explicit videos involving Cassie Ventura, following her relationship with Mescudi.

In simpler terms, Regina explained to the court that she felt extremely ill, both physically and emotionally. She confessed that she was taken aback when confronted with the sex tape. Her concern was that this man intended to harm her daughter who had been in a relationship with Scott Mescudi. He demanded $20,000 as a condition for not exposing their relationship.

She claimed that she and her spouse, Rodrick Ventura, resorted to borrowing money through a home equity loan as the means of acquiring the needed funds. Furthermore, she mentioned that this was their sole option for securing the money.

As for why Combs demanded the lump sum?

She informed the prosecutor that he was upset because he had given her money, but she was involved with someone else instead.

During his testimony, David James disclosed details about Combs’ travel bag, revealing approximately 25 to 30 bottles of pills. Among these, he mentioned finding some pills featuring the likeness of former President Barack Obama.

In my testimony, as recorded in court documents obtained by NBC News, I stated that among several pills, there was one distinctly shaped like a former U.S. President’s likeness – specifically, President Barack Obama.

James stated that Combs was known to carry over $10,000 in cash, pain relievers like Advil and Tylenol, Viagra, and pills said to boost sperm production, as well as Percocet and ecstasy, within his Louis Vuitton bag. He additionally claimed this.

During his testimony, James explained to the jury that Combs’ usual belongings in his travel bag included a minimum of $10,000 in cash, pain relievers like Advil and Tylenol, erectile dysfunction medication such as Viagra, and pills intended to boost sperm production.

James additionally claimed that Combs was found with “Percodan and MDMA” in his possession, an assertion supported by his former assistant‘s eyewitness account of Combs consuming them.

The prosecution provided a peek into the rapper’s room at the Park Hyatt hotel in New York, during the time of his arrest on September 16th.

The photographs submitted by Homeland Security Special Agent Yasin Binda, who presented the evidence, depicted various items such as baby oil and Astroglide lubricants sealed in Ziploc bags, five bottles of baby oil discovered in a bathtub, two additional bottles of lubricant found in a drawer, two packages containing a powdery substance, and $9,000 in cash.

As reported by Binda, the contents of the two bags discovered within a prescription container were confirmed to contain ketamine and a blend of ketamine and MDMA.

On May 19, a past friend of Ventura’s provided testimony stating that she directly observed Combs physically mistreating Ventura during their trip to Jamaica as well as at a residence Combs had rented in the Hollywood Hills.

Kerry Morgan testified that her 17-year friendship with Ventura ended when Combs assaulted her at his apartment in 2018. According to NBC News, Morgan was there listening to music when Combs unexpectedly grabbed her from behind, leaving marks on her neck and striking her head with a wooden hanger. Cassie was in the bathroom at the time, and the blow landed behind Morgan’s right ear.

In the course of things, she engaged a legal representative (Morgan), though she didn’t proceed with a court case, instead opted to put her signature on a Non-Disclosure Agreement, receiving a payment of $30,000 in return.

Morgan stated, “I haven’t had any conversation with Sean since, and the last time I interacted with Cassie was when I put my signature on the Non-Disclosure Agreement.

Additionally, during her testimony, Morgan mentioned that she had already moved forward with her life but agreed to appear due to a legal summons from the authorities.

She stated that she recommended Ventura to part ways with Combs, but she claimed she couldn’t due to her obligations like her work, vehicle, and residence.

During questioning from defense attorney Marc Agnifilo, Morgan stated that she no longer communicated with Ventura as he had failed to offer support following the 2018 incident. Furthermore, she emphasized her boundary against any form of physical violence by saying, “I refuse to tolerate physical abuse.

Dawn Richard, formerly of Danity Kane, declared on May 16 that she observed Chris Brown pursuing his ex-girlfriend, Ventura, with a skillet loaded with eggs, as far back as 2009.

He stormed down the stairs, swearing, and demanded angrily where his eggs were, accusing Cassie of always getting things wrong and asking where his food was. Richard stated this during court proceedings, as recorded in the transcript obtained by NBC News. He then approached the skillet containing the eggs, trying to strike Cassie over the head with it, causing her to fall to the ground.

Ventura “went into the fetal position,” Richard continued, “literally trying to hide her head.”

During “freak offs,” Combs’ preferred baby oil was not combined with any drugs, as Ventura stated on May 15th.

2024 saw me, a fervent admirer, stunned by a legal claim that rocked my idol, Combs. In October of that year, it was claimed he had tainted the oil with GHB, infamously known as “the date rape drug.” This revelation left me shaken and disheartened, casting an unwelcome shadow over his illustrious career.

During the questioning under cross-examination on May 15, Ventura stated that Combs would become envious and react in a volatile manner whenever she used drugs with others rather than with him.

She mentioned that at one point Combs had an overdose from painkillers. When defense attorney Anna Estevao inquired if his former partner’s mood changes were linked to the drugs, Ventura responded affirmatively, stating, “That was indeed a factor.

Throughout the day, I’ve been pondering this question about Diddy – is he a drug addict? Well, let me tell you, based on my observations and understanding, I wholeheartedly believe that, yes, he has struggled with addiction.

Her response affirmed that Combs did display signs of anger or volatility while dealing with withdrawal symptoms.

“I’m not a doctor,” Ventura said, but “coming off of certain pills he would be pretty irritated.”

During Ventura’s testimony on May 15, Judge Arun Subramanian temporarily halted the proceedings as Combs’ defense presented graphic emails and text messages during their questioning.

During the trial, defense attorney Estevao showed Ventura sexually suggestive communications exchanged between them as a pair in 2009, to support the claim that their relationship was consensual. However, the prosecution objected to this evidence, and the judge agreed with their objection.

After hearing the objection, Ventura was spotted talking quietly to the judge, prompting the official to unexpectedly call for a 10-minute recess.

A lively disagreement arose between the prosecution and the defense, prior to the entrance of the jury, as the main defense lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, contended that additional texts ought to be presented in court. However, the judge stated that certain messages breached federal evidence guidelines.

Yet, several pieces of testimony were allowed as evidence, where Combs and Ventura discussed their intimate sexual activities in explicit terms.

On May 15th, Ventura admitted that she couldn’t definitively say exactly how many times she and Combs engaged in such activities, but she estimated it to be approximately “hundreds.

She claimed that her former partner secretly recorded their intimate moments for potential blackmail, threatening to expose them which could harm her professional life.

Ventura explained, “He often brought them up when he was troubled by something, which was quite frequent. It was simply a habitual action.” He continued, “I was terrified for both my job and my family. It was all deeply humiliating. Awful and revolting. Such actions should never be inflicted upon anyone.

On May 14th, Ventura testified that she received a $20 million settlement from her former boyfriend, Combs, following a lawsuit she filed against him in November 2023. This lawsuit claimed that he had subjected her to sexual assault and physical abuse throughout their relationship.

Testified Ventura, after having dinner with Combs at a Malibu restaurant in 2018, where he was reportedly “very kind,” he later escorted her to her apartment and allegedly committed a sexual assault against her. She mentioned that she had been in a relationship previously with Alex Fine, whom she married the following year in 2019.

She shared with the court that “I entered the house, then he followed and violently attacked me on the living room carpet.” She recalled feeling overwhelmed, crying out and saying no, but it happened swiftly. His eyes were dark, he seemed altered, as if a part of him was being controlled against his will, like an object being stolen from you.

comb’s legal representatives continue to assert that he never engaged in any form of sexual activity without consent, and that the individuals accusing him of sexual misconduct had willingly participated in any sexual encounters.

Ventura stated that she engaged in consensual intercourse with Combs on another occasion following the alleged attack. When questioned about her decision to be intimate with Combs a second time, she explained, “You can’t simply switch off feelings like that. I still held a positive image of who he was as an individual.

At the end of 2011, Ventura split from Mescudi due to testimony that Combs had allegedly threatened to destroy “Scott’s vehicle.

Ventura explained to the court that there was an excessive risk and unpredictability about what might transpire if they continued their meetings, stating, “Sean threatened to harm us both.

In her testimony on May 14, it was revealed that the “Freak offs” caused Ventura to develop urinary tract infections, mouth ulcers, and stomach problems.

During her testimony, Ventura explained that there were numerous instances when we had confrontations, which followed each other closely, and on some occasions, these confrontations occurred while I was dealing with an infection. I attempted to clear it out by using water. Eventually, the antibiotic CIPRO became ineffective. It was a chaotic situation.

She continued, “It was really painful for a long time. I can’t believe I actually dealt with that.”

In a set of text messages displayed in court, Ventura informed Combs that she had lesions on her tongue. Combs responded with “I apologize.

On his second day as a witness, Ventura narrated the 2016 hotel incident that had been recorded on CCTV cameras and broadcast by CNN in May 2024.

She stated that Combs hurled a vase at her following an attempt to exit the Intercontinental Hotel, prior to physically attacking her.

During his court appearance on May 14, Ventura stated that the vase appeared to be approaching him. “It struck the wall instead of me,” he added. “I wasn’t harmed, but he was shouting at me. I believe he was yelling something other than my name, though I don’t recall the exact words precisely.

However, she said that Combs told her “that I wasn’t going to leave him, that I couldn’t.”

Right after the hotel incident, Ventura mentioned that she had to attend the red carpet event for her movie “The Perfect Match” with visible injuries on her face and body, accompanied by Combs. To conceal her swollen eye and split lip, she needed to apply a lot of makeup. Additionally, she had bruises on her legs, so she adjusted her attire for the occasion.

On May 13, the singer declared under oath that Sean Combs assaulted her in the corridor of a Los Angeles hotel back in March 2016, as he was enraged over her departure from their heated altercation known as a “freak off.” (Footage of this incident recorded by hotel surveillance cameras was released by CNN in 2024. However, the defense failed to have the video deemed inadmissible as evidence.)

Ventura stated in court that he decided to depart, and then Sean accompanied him down the hall, seized him, pushed him to the floor, kicked him, and pulled him back into the room, gathering his belongings.

Initially, she had no desire to join in, but she had a film premiere scheduled just a few days ahead, and she wanted to keep Combs content. So, she stated, “If I could appease him by performing exceptionally well,” Ventura said, “then my premiere would go off without a hitch.

In response, she exclaimed, “Given the situation, all that ran through my mind was ensuring a safe exit. My premiere was approaching, and I certainly didn’t wish to compromise it.” As he shoved her onto the floor in the hallway, Ventura explained, she chose to remain there because “I didn’t want him to inflict any further harm than he had already caused.

Testified Ventura, she consumed alcohol and ecstasy during her first intimate encounter with an escort in the presence of Combs. To endure what she referred to as “freak offs,” she admitted to using marijuana, ketamine, mushrooms, or any drug that was popular at the time.

“I couldn’t imagine myself doing any of that without having some sort of buffer,” she said.

In the heat of intense situations, I’d find myself feeling quite queasy, almost to the point of nausea. However, Combs would always urge me to push through, encouraging me to keep going despite the challenges.

She expressed to Combs that the hurtful remarks left her feeling extremely bad about herself, even worthless, as Ventura put it. However, he seemed to downplay her worries and concerns.

After an unusual incident, it is likely that baby oil would cover the entire hotel room, according to Ventura’s testimony. If Combs had told someone to wet the bed, there might be traces of urine on the linens. Additionally, if she was menstruating at the time, there could also be blood stains not only on the sheets but potentially on other furniture as well.

In my professional opinion, experiencing being urinated on left me feeling deeply humiliated. It was an overwhelmingly disgusting situation, one I never wished to find myself in. I was caught off guard, struggling to escape a predicament that was far from ideal.

Speaking as a devoted adherent, I must confess that his actions were intriguing, leading us down a particular path. When queried by Emily A. Johnson, the prosecutor, about why I didn’t resist his instructions in those instances, I simply stated that I believed my reluctance was apparent to all.

On May 13, Ventura stated that Combs instructed her, as well as others involved in the “freak off” activity, to apply baby oil onto their bodies.

In court, she stated, “Sean desired it to be hot and radiant, so we applied it every five minutes.

At a surprising gathering held at the Montage Beverly Hills, Ventura recounted that Combs suggested she enter an inflatable pool filled with baby oil while still dressed in her clothing.

She didn’t feel like it, but if it was something Combs desired to occur, then that’s exactly what would transpire, she emphasized. “We employed a total of ten standard-sized bottles of baby oil,” she added.

On May 13th, Ventura disclosed to prosecutors that during their ten-year relationship with Combs, he suggested they incorporate voyeurism into their intimate activities. The initial encounter involved Ventura hiring an escort and arranging a scenario for her to “perform” in front of Combs, who would observe her with another person.

Over time, it became clear that organizing these explicit dance routines labeled by Combs as “freak offs”, which could span from 36 hours up to four days, transformed into a regular occupation for her.

She reminisced, “At first, Sean arranged everything, including making the necessary arrangements within the hotel room and more. That’s what I remember.

Ventura said that her “stomach churned” when he first proposed the experience.

In her own words, “I didn’t initially grasp the allure of it, yet I embraced the role, for I adored him deeply and desired his happiness above all. I felt a mix of bewilderment, anxiety, but also an overwhelming affection that made me want to please him. However, this wasn’t something I eagerly looked forward to, especially given its frequency, but my love for him was unwavering.

She admitted, “At some point, I felt I didn’t have much of a choice.”

In a statement, Ventura claimed that she often experienced violence from Combs while they were in a relationship, spanning the years 2007 to 2018.

She informed the jury that their disagreements were indeed intense, often escalating into acts of physical violence such as hitting her head forcefully, pushing her over, dragging her, and kicking her.

She mentioned that her wounds were frequently noticeable, explaining, “I’d develop lumps on my forehead, suffer from black and red eyes, have redness everywhere on my body due to bruises.

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2025-05-28 19:20