Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial: Cassie cross-examined in rapper’s sex trafficking case

King Combs, son of Sean "Diddy" Combs and Quincy Brown, stepson of Sean "Diddy" Combs, arrive at federal court for Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial. (ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ family continues to show up to support the rapper.

Diddy’s mother, Janice Combs, along with his kids, Justin Combs, Quincy Brown, Christian Combs, were seen entering the courthouse this morning.

His kids spoke out about their father’s arrest in October, a month after Diddy was incarcerated.

"The past month has devastated our family," they wrote in a joint post. "Many have judged both him and us based on accusations, conspiracy theories, and false narratives that have spiraled into absurdity on social media."

Diddy’s former partners have also attended court, including Misa Hylton. The fashion designer, who is the mother of Diddy’s son Justin, left the courthouse abruptly during a break in Cassie’s testimony Tuesday.

Fox News' Brendan McDonald contributed to this report. 

Diddy and Cassie (Getty Images)

Cassie Ventura's text messages with Sean "Diddy" Combs were reviewed Thursday during cross-examination.

Cassie, 38, told Diddy's lawyer, Anna Estevao, that the "Last Night" singer allegedly sent a number of loving messages during their relationship.

Diddy allegedly attended a luncheon, and appeared to be supportive of whatever decision she wanted to make, she testified.

Estevao asked Cassie why she apologized to the "Victory" rapper in one of the text exchanges.

"They were uplifting text messages,” Cassie told the court. She added that Diddy sent texts with affirmation, and said, "words were helpful … he’s got that energy, inspiring energy.”

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Cassie and Diddy, courtroom sketch (Getty Images/Jane Rosenberg)

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ former girlfriend of 10 years, Cassie Ventura, was called as the prosecution’s third witness in the rapper’s federal trial for sex crimes.

When she took the stand this week, Cassie was noticeably pregnant with her third child with her husband, Alex Fine.

While the U.S. Attorney's Office is relying on her testimony as "Victim 1," legal experts told Fox News Digital that her presence as a pregnant woman may impact the jury when deciding Diddy's fate.

"Cassie being pregnant may make her an even more sympathetic figure on the stand," criminal defense lawyer Dan Rubin exclusively told Fox News Digital.

"It certainly invokes the maternal side of the singer, and that could really impact the way some members of the jury view her. They may find it interesting that – even if it's not said out loud – Cassie is looking at the dark events of what happened through the new lens of motherhood."

While on the stand, Ventura testified to allegedly being raped by Diddy following their breakup. She also claimed to enter rehab and pursue trauma therapy in the beginning of 2023 after having "horrible flashbacks" while on the set of a music video.

Read more about Cassie's testimony in the Diddy federal trial.

Cassie and Diddy (Getty Images)

Cassie Ventura claimed during cross-examination on the witness stand Thursday that the drugs she took were consumed orally.

The singer, who is pregnant with her third child with husband Alex Fine, told the jury that drugs were not placed in baby oil.

On March 25, Sean "Diddy" Combs' homes in Los Angeles and Miami were raided in connection to a federal human trafficking investigation, officials confirmed to Fox News Digital at the time.

During the search, authorities allegedly seized various "freak off" supplies, including narcotics and more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant.

"Members and associates of the Combs Enterprise, including high-ranking supervisors, security staff, household staff, personal assistants, and other Combs Business employees, facilitated the Freak Offs by, among other things, booking hotel rooms for the Freak Offs; stocking the hotel rooms in advance with the required Freak Off supplies, including controlled substances, baby oil, lubricant, extra linens, and lighting," the indictment claimed.

The associates also cleaned hotel rooms following the "freak offs to "try to mitigate room damage," arranged the travel for victims, commercial sex workers and Diddy to and from the "freak offs," and we're responsible for "resupplying Combs with requested supplies."

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Cassie and Diddy (Getty Images)

Cassie Ventura claimed Sean "Diddy" Combs was not only abusive in their romantic relationship, but also with her friends.

Cassie, 38, testified about a time period toward the end of her relationship with Diddy where she was also ending a friendship with "Ms. Morgan."

Diddy allegedly witnessed Cassie and Morgan doing drugs, and then hit Morgan with a hanger. Cassie claimed she heard the hit, but did not see it happen.

The alleged assault was the catalyst to end her friendship with Morgan because she was "very mad."

Morgan allegedly sued Diddy and made demands of Cassie.

The pregnant singer testified earlier this week that Diddy's staff had quit over witnessing his abuse on Cassie.

After the jury was shown screenshots from the alleged “freak offs,” Cassie claimed that it had become common for Diddy to become “physical” with her. She defined “physical” as punishment, beatings, kicking, etc.

Cassie claimed Combs’ security was present and aware of the rapper getting physical with her at times. Additionally, Cassie testified that Diddy’s driver in New York City knew about the abuse.

Some of Diddy’s assistants knew about the physicality as well, according to Cassie. She told the jury she is aware people quit due to witnessing physical abuse.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Diddy on trial (Jane Rosenberg)

Sean "Diddy" Combs and Cassie Ventura allegedly consumed many different drugs throughout their relationship, Cassie testified in court.

Cassie claimed Thursday that she and Diddy were both addicted to painkillers.

Diddy's defense attorney, Anna Estevao, asked Cassie about a trip in 2012 when Diddy questioned if Cassie took his drugs.

Cassie claimed Diddy squeezed her leg in a theater before admitted she still wanted to be with him.

"On the way home it was really tense," Cassie testified. "I just wanted him to be happy."

Cassie testified earlier this week that drugs, including ecstasy, ketamine and cocaine, were in regular circulation during the "freak offs" in order for her to disassociate during the sessions.

Cassie admitted that ecstasy made her feel euphoric and aroused, while ketamine would make her dissociative. She said cocaine made her heart race, mushrooms made her see things, and GHB, also known as the date-rape drug, made her feel drunk.

Fox News Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Sean "Diddy" Combs and Cassie Ventura often did drugs together, according to her cross-examination. (Getty Images)

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassive Ventura testified that the rapper suffered from an overdose.

During cross-examination, Cassie claimed that Diddy was concerned for her health at times when they did drugs together. Combs did not always understand the side effects she was experiencing, according to Cassie.

Diddy’s defense lawyer asked what it’s like to take too much ketamine. Cassie described the feeling while on the stand, telling the jury, “You dissociate” and “act like you’re not there, in a whole other space.”

Diddy’s lawyer Anna Estevao brought up the night the rapper allegedly overdosed.

Cassie explained, “We had a freak off, we went to a sex club in San Bernadino, and he had a party…” The singer-songwriter confirmed Diddy had to go to the hospital.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Diddy and Cassie at the Met Gala (Getty Images)

Cassie Ventura claimed she hid her drug use from Sean "Diddy" Combs while they were dating.

Cassie, 38, testified Thursday about using drugs during the 2016-17 time period.

When Diddy's defense lawyer, Anna Estevao, asked if she hid the drug usage from Diddy, Cassie responded, "Yeah, for sure."

Cassie couldn't recall if Diddy urged her to go to rehab, but she did remember pursuing a life coach.

She also admitted she didn't remember a lot from this time period because she was using drugs. Estevao asked if Diddy was ever concerned for Cassie’s health, to which she replied yes.

While on the stand earlier this week, Cassie testified she used drugs, including ecstasy, ketamine and cocaine in order to disassociate during the “freak offs.”

Cassie admitted that ecstasy made her feel euphoric and aroused, while ketamine would make her dissociative.

She said cocaine made her heart race, mushrooms made her see things, and GHB, also known as the date-rape drug, made her feel drunk.

She testified that she would almost always get sick from the drugs and often vomited. Diddy was allegedly aware that she was sick while engaged in a "freak off."

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Cassie claimed she and Diddy referred to themselves as "getting high partners." (Getty Images)

Cassie Ventura testified that Sean “Diddy” Combs would become “explosive” if he found out she had used drugs with anyone but him.

Cassie told Diddy’s defense lawyer Anna Estevao that she and Combs did drugs together during “freak offs” and explained they had tried a variety of drugs. According to Cassie, drugs became a part of the former couple’s relationship.

The singer claimed she and Diddy called each other “get high partners.”

At times, Cassie testified she would also get high with friends. She said Combs would become “explosive” when he found out she did drugs with others.

Cassie previously claimed that she always did drugs before “freak offs” because she needed to dissociate.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Cassie on the stand, Cassie and Diddy (Jane Rosenberg/Getty Images)

Cassie Ventura told the court Thursday that her ex-boyfriend, Sean "Diddy" Combs, had an abusive nature while under the influence.

Cassie, 38, testified that she witnessed Diddy being abusive while inebriated. She also claimed that "rehab wasn't really a thing during our relationship."

The pregnant singer, who is expecting her third child with husband Alex Fine, said that she did a variety of drugs with Diddy during their "freak offs."

She previously testified that the "freak offs" could last days at a time and include multiple partners.

In evidence submitted from January 2017, Cassie sent a text message asking Diddy to stop with the "freak offs" because "nothing good comes from [them] anymore."

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Cassie claimed Diddy once believed she was dating Michael B. Jordan. (Getty Images)

At one point, Sean “Diddy” Combs suspected Cassie Ventura was in a relationship with actor Michael B. Jordan.

Cassie testified that she broke up with Diddy in 2015 while in South Africa for a movie. She told Diddy’s defense lawyer that someone had reached out to her about being at an event, but Cassie wasn't actually there. She testified that she eventually learned Combs was at the event with Gina, another woman he had been seeing. Cassie admitted during cross-examination to being angry because she thought Gina was no longer in the picture.

Cassie explained she cut off contact with Combs, blocked him, and focused on the movie.

Diddy began to suspect she was in a relationship with Jordan, but Cassie testified she doesn’t remember his reaction.

Fox News Digital reached out to Jordan's representatives for comment.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Cassie, Kid Cudi (Getty Images)

While Cassie Ventura was on a break with Sean "Diddy" Combs, she began a relationship with rapper Kid Cudi.

On the stand Thursday during cross-examinations, Cassie claimed Diddy thought the romance was offensive because of Kid Cudi's status in the music industry.

Diddy's defense lawyer, Anna Estevao, asked Cassie if she thought Diddy was cheating on her with other celebrities, to which Cassie said she didn't believe so.

Cassie confirmed her Kid Cudi relationship hurt Diddy because, in part, Diddy was the one to put Cassie in the studio with Cudi.

The rapper was one of many notable names brought up during last week's voir dire process for jurors.

Comedian Mike Myers, Diddy's children – Justin and Christian Combs – Aubrey O'Day, actress Lauren London, actor Michael B. Jordan, Kid Cudi, Kanye West, singer Michelle Williams, Dawn Richards and Cassie were among the names recognized by some of the potential jurors during the voir dire.

Fox News Digital contacted Kid Cudi's representatives for comment.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Cassie and Diddy (Getty Images)

Cassie Ventura testified Thursday in Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal trial that the disgraced music mogul physically reacted upon finding her secret phone.

Diddy allegedly found Cassie's burner phone during one of their "freak off" sessions and lunged at her.

Cassie, 38, previously testified that she kept a secret phone hidden from Diddy. Diddy allegedly discovered an email correspondence between Cassie and rapper Kid Cudi.

Cassie, 38, and Cudi, who's full name is Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi, dated in 2011 when she was on a break in her relationship with Diddy.

In the messages, Cassie allegedly relayed to Kid Cudi what toiletries she could leave at his house.

Diddy became "upset" upon reading the messages, which she had kept as a secret. Cassie testified she had a "burner phone" to keep Cudi a secret from Combs.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Cassie claimed she was insanely jealous of other women Diddy was seeing. (Getty Images)

Cassie Ventura was often upset that she was not integrated into Sean “Diddy” Combs’ family life, the jury was shown during cross-examination.

The singer-songwriter admitted it could be heartbreaking to see images of Diddy on various vacations.

Cassie claimed that she would see women on social media claiming to have relationships with Diddy often. The musician stated Gina, a woman Diddy had allegedly been seeing in April 2014, was the main problem in her relationship with the rapper.

Cassie was shown another text exchange where Diddy asked what he was doing to be disrespectful. Cassie replied, “you make me look like a side piece…” She testified that at the time she was upset about “not being the main girlfriend” because in 2013 she thought she was.

The “Me & U” singer admitted she was insanely jealous, but said it didn’t pertain to every situation. Cassie agreed with the defense lawyer that it was hypocritical for Combs to date other women while expecting her to be monogamous. Cassie noted that when Combs suspected she was seeing other men, he lost his temper.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Cassie and Diddy (Getty Images)

Text message evidence between Cassie Ventura and Sean "Diddy" Combs was questioned on Cassie's third day of testimony.

Diddy’s defense lawyer, Anna Estevao, reviewed a screenshot of something called "mass pleasures," which Cassie guessed was a sex club.

In another text, Diddy allegedly asked Cassie if she was ready, to which she replied she had to get things.

Cassie asked Estevao if this was about what she felt was relevant because Diddy's legal team skipped over a lot.

Estevao continued with more exhibits from the defense, showing Cassie allegedly texting Diddy that she missed "our love sessions in the afternoon."

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Diddy and Kim Porter began dating in the 1990s. (Getty Images)

Cassie’s testimony in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial shifted to Kim Porter during cross-examination.

Diddy’s lawyer asked if there was a time when the rapper left a “freak off” with Cassie to see his ex. Cassie replied that she wasn't sure.

Defense lawyer Anna Estevao then asked if Cassie was jealous of Porter. Cassie admitted she was. She also testified that it upset her when Combs spent the holidays with Porter. Diddy and Porter were never married, but had a long-term relationship that spanned over a decade. The two officially called it quits in 2007. Cassie and Combs sparked dating rumors shortly after.

Porter died on November 15, 2018 at the age of 47. Her cause of death was determined to be pneumonia.

Diddy’s lawyer went on to ask Cassie about Diddy spending time with other women. Estevao brought up a woman named Gina, whom Diddy had been seeing in April 2014. Cassie said she learned of her through social media. Cassie testified that Combs was spending time with Gina and that made her “really upset.” Cassie doesn’t remember Combs’ response, but said she believed he denied it. Cassie testified there were multiple times Combs got back together with Gina.

When asked about Diddy’s reactions to Cassie dating other people, she described it as “a little scary.”

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Cassie Ventura and Sean "Diddy" Combs dated from 2007 until 2018. (Getty Images)

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense presented messages to the jury during Cassie Ventura’s cross-examination that seemingly showed the singer wanting to participate in the "freak offs."

Diddy’s defense lawyer, Anna Estevao showed messages from Cassie to Combs in March 2018.

Cassie wrote, “I love our fos.” “fos” referred to “freak offs.” Estevao asked if that’s how she felt. The musician replied that “loving fos were just words at that point.”

A text from Diddy to Cassie read, “I want to freak off right now..” Cassie replied, “lol me too…I want to have fun with you.”

More messages between Cassie and Combs showed the rapper asking for a "freak off," but “if you’re not into that, no problem.”

The jury is shown another message where Combs wants “freaky fun.” Cassie responded that she was ovulating. Combs said they would be “extra careful.” Cassie interpreted that to be careful to not get pregnant. Combs asked, “if you’re not super horny, WTF.”

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Jane Rosenberg (Getty Images)

Cassie Ventura took the stand Thursday for cross-examination in Sean "Diddy" Combs federal trial.

The 38-year-old pregnant singer wore a blue blazer with a white blouse while testifying in a Manhattan court.

Diddy, 55, sat near his legal team wearing a khaki sweater.

Diddy was charged  with racketeering conspiracy; sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and transportation to engage in prostitution in a federal indictment unsealed Sept. 17. He has maintained his innocence.

If found guilty, he faces a minimum of 15 years behind bars or a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Authorities allege Diddy ran a criminal enterprise through his businesses, including Bad Boy Entertainment, Combs Enterprises and Combs Global, among others. He used "firearms, threats of violence, coercion and verbal, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse" to fulfill his sexual desires, according to prosecutors.

Marc Agnifilo arrives at court. (Getty Images)

After the court's lunch break, Judge Arun Subramanian addressed scheduling issues with Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense and prosecution. The federal judge explained that he sent the jury home early Wednesday under the assumption that Cassie’s cross-examination would be completed by Friday.

Cassie accidentally re-entered the courtroom during this discussion and she was escorted out.

Subramanian noted Cassie’s direct examination took a day and a half, and he will give a day and a half for the cross-examination. He stated he wants the cross-examination done by lunch tomorrow. The judge scheduled the government’s redirect for the afternoon.

Diddy’s defense lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, claimed it's not uncommon for cross-examination to take much longer than the direct examination.

The judge then asked Agnifilo, “In what universe did you not understand this was important?” He said it’s in numerous filings that this witness needed to be done this week. Subramanian continued it was not mentioned before today that Cassie would go into next week.

Agnifilo admitted it might be needed to cross-examine such an important witness.

The judge ended the discussion saying he has made his expectation clear and there will need to be a good reason for an exception.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Alex Fine, center, arrives Thursday for Cassie Ventura's cross-examination. (Getty Images)

Cassie Ventura has been supported by her husband, Alex Fine, throughout Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex-trafficking trial.

Fine has been present every day of Cassie’s testimony, where she’s discussed the alleged physical and sexual abuse she experienced at the hands of Diddy. During Cassie’s testimony Wednesday, Fine was required to leave the court room while the singer spoke about Diddy allegedly raping her in 2018.

Cassie testified that Diddy raped her after one of their last dinners together.

According to the singer-songwriter, after the two had dinner together in Malibu, the two went home together. Diddy brought her inside after the dinner and was being funny and polite, she testified.

Cassie claimed Diddy raped her on the living room floor, then left. At the time, she had been dating Fine. Diddy’s defense team has indicated they may call Fine as a witness.

Cassie admitted to seeing Combs again after the alleged rape, telling the jury they had been together for 10 years and had a connection. Diddy and Cassie had dated on-and-off from 2007 until 2018.

That same year she began a relationship with Fine, whom she married in 2019.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Diddy and Cassie (Getty Images)

Sean "Diddy" Combs and Cassie Ventura's text messaging history was reviewed Thursday while the pregnant singer testified for the third day in a row in his federal trial for sex crimes.

While under cross-examination, Diddy's lawyer , Anna Estevao, asked Cassie why she was apologizing to the "Last Night" singer in one of the messages.

Cassie, 38, admitted on the stand that she didn't know why. She continued that Diddy would allegedly send words of encouragement and uplifting messages to build her up.

"They were uplifting text messages,” Cassie told the court. She added that Diddy sent texts with affirmation, and said, "words were helpful … he’s got that energy, inspiring energy.”

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Britney Spears attended Cassie's 21st birthday party. (Getty Images)

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense team revealed the rapper brought Britney Spears to Cassie Ventura’s 21st birthday party.

Diddy’s defense lawyer, Anna Estevao, took Cassie back to the beginning of the former couple’s relationship during cross-examination. At Cassie’s 21st birthday party, Combs brought Dallas Austin and Britney Spears. Cassie and Combs had seemingly just begun seeing each other romantically.

While Cassie was on the stand, the defense attorney made a comment about her being “very beautiful and charming.” Cassie responded, “thank you.”

When Estevao asked about Cassie’s financial situation at the time of the party, she claimed she “was doing well,” referring to her first album and modeling. At this point, Cassie had put out her first album, self-titled “Cassie.”

Cassie recalled a performance she had on "106 & Park" at the time. “It did not go well for me,” she told Estevao. Cassie said Combs had her back, doing a YouTube video that they were moving on from it. Cassie admitted the performance “was just bad.” The feedback “wasn’t great.” Cassie confirmed it meant a lot that Combs supported her.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Cassie claimed Diddy was once addicted to opiates during her cross-examination. (Getty Images)

Cassie Ventura alleged Sean “Diddy” Combs was “heavily dependent on opiates” at one point during their 10-year relationship.

Cassie confirmed Diddy, who was an actor, company owner and singer, was often busy and had lots of meetings. She also agreed Diddy was very busy when they were having “freak offs.” The “Me & U” singer alleged Diddy was consuming substances during the “freak off” sessions and would need time to recover afterwards.

During the cross-examination, Diddy’s defense lawyer asked Cassie if the rapper was an addict. Cassie agreed, saying he was addicted to success.

Cassie claimed he was addicted to opiates at one point, agreeing with the defense that Diddy was “heavily dependent on opiates.”

She described withdrawing as “painful" saying you "can’t really do normal things, can’t function normally.” When Cassie was in withdrawal, she said her symptoms included nausea and she claimed withdrawing would affect your mood, making you more agitated.

Diddy’s lawyer questioned if Diddy’s drug use affected their relationship and Cassie agreed the worst years were affected by the drug use.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Cassie and Diddy broke up in 2018. (Getty Images)

Cassie Ventura testified that she had her privacy invaded “quite a bit” during her relationship with Sean “Diddy” Combs.

Diddy’s defense lawyer, Anna Estevao, asked Cassie about conversations she had with Diddy about the rapper having a sexual encounter with another female in front of her. Cassie confirmed she watched Combs with another female about two or three times. Estevao then brought up a the swinger’s lifestyle and Cassie testified it was about what a swinger’s lifestyle is, what you see, seeing it in person in sex clubs.

The defense lawyer asked if “freak offs” were related to a swinger’s lifestyle. Cassie explained they were “related in a sexual way, yeah,” but added, “They’re very different.”

During the cross-examination, Cassie admitted she kept the “freak offs” a secret from her friends.

At times, Diddy’s staff, including personal assistants, would come into the room after a “freak off” session. Cassie testified that she doesn’t know if they saw anything, “probably better if they didn’t.”  She continued, “I had my privacy invaded quite a bit during the relationship.”

Cassie confirmed she never told any of Combs’ staff about what happened during “freak offs” and she didn’t want them to find out.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Cassie Ventura has been on the stand in Diddy's sex-trafficking trial for 3 days. (AP)

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense moved the topic to “freak offs” after questioning Cassie Ventura about the early stages of her relationship with the rapper.

Cassie confirmed she wanted to be discreet with the “freak offs” because “the encounter itself was pretty crazy” and “it’s not what I wanted.” She claimed that Combs also didn’t want anyone to know. Cassie testified that she would have been embarrassed if tapes had been released. The singer previously testified that Diddy recorded the “freak offs” and used them to blackmail her.

Diddy’s lawyer, Anna Estevao, asked Cassie if it was fair to say Combs’ career was ruined after she filed her sexual assault lawsuit against the rapper. Cassie said, “I could understand that, yeah.”

The defense began showing more messages between Cassie and Diddy. One set of messages, from July 29, 2012 through July 31, 2012, showed the two discussing their plans. Cassie wrote, “let’s go out and have some carefree fun…” She later added, “I love it when you’re on top of me…” Diddy responded that he loves “when we f--- up and make love after.”

Cassie told Diddy’s lawyer that it’s getting awkward and that she didn’t want to continue reading. She confirmed they were talking about a “freak off” and that after a “freak off session” she would have sex with Combs.

Cassie and Diddy began dating around her 21st birthday. (Getty Images)

Cassie Ventura felt “protected” by Sean “Diddy” Combs in the first year of their relationship.

The jury was shown messages between Diddy and Cassie from 2007.

Cassie wrote that she felt “protected when I’m in your arms…you’re one of the sweetest people I’ve met in a long time…you make me feel like I can do anything…I never seem to make the right decisions to you…always go back to maybe Carrie would have been the better one…I feel like I’ve given so much of myself in a short time…I really do love you and hope to be able to learn what you want in a woman…”  Diddy’s defense lawyer Anna Estevao commented on the length of the message, saying “there’s a lot in here.” Cassie replied, “Sure is.” She was “reading it like a journal entry.”

Cassie testified the relationship between her and Diddy was complicated from the beginning. The now 38-year-old singer had written that Combs thought she was sneaky. Cassie explained that it could have been because of her relationship with Ryan Leslie.

Estevao asked if Diddy was still seeing Kim Porter at the time of this message.  Cassie testified that she didn’t know, but admitted in the message she was hoping to have more of a future with Combs.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Cassie testified that the "freak offs" were an important part of her relationship with Diddy. (Getty Images)

Cassie Ventura admitted the alleged “freak offs” with Sean “Diddy” Combs were a defining part of their 10-year relationship during Thursday’s cross-examination.

The jury was shown more Blackberry communications between Cassie and Diddy from Dec. 8, 2009. Combs wrote, “I want to do what you want me to…” Cassie responded, “I like that.  I want it and I want to do the same…in order to be more open with you…I need to feel safe...”

Diddy’s lawyer then read more of Cassie’s messages where the young singer-songwriter said she was getting nervous about being just a girlfriend. While Cassie couldn’t remember the message specifically, she confirmed she was worried about that.

Cassie claimed she was concerned about being just a girlfriend Diddy could “get his fantasy on with” and that she wasn’t a public girlfriend.

Diddy’s lawyer then asked Cassie if the “freak offs” were a defining or important part of their relationship and the musician agreed.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Cassie is shown sexually explicit messages between her and Diddy during cross-examination. (Getty Images)

The jury in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex-trafficking trial was shown sexually explicit messages between the rapper and ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura.

In one set of blackberry communications from Aug 7, 2009 Diddy said he was horny. Cassie replied, “OMG was about to text you the same thing.” Then shortly after added, “lol I’m sorry. I’m nervous. I want to f---.”

In another message from Aug. 7, 2009, Diddy wrote he was “so horny I can’t concentrate.” Cassie replied that she was going to get candles and pack a bag. She added that she was going to take her “vitamins” before leaving the house.

According to Cassie, she was setting up a “freak off.”

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Cassie Ventura in court May 13. (AP)

Cassie Ventura requested a break after being read sexually explicit messages between her and Sean “Diddy” Combs.

Diddy’s lawyer, Anna Estevao asked Cassie if Diddy trusted her with his secrets. Cassie confirmed and explained that she wanted to earn his trust. The defense lawyer questioned if Cassie wanted to do “freak offs.” The singer replied, “No.”

The jury was then shown Blackberry messages from Aug 5, 2009 between Cassie and Combs. The rapper said he missed Cassie and asked when she wanted to “freak off.”

Cassie replied, “I’m always ready to freak off.”  She goes on to tell Combs a weekend would be good so they can recover from the work week. Cassie then followed up writing they could do it during the work week. Diddy replied, “Friday it is. Maybe we can get Jules here.” Cassie confirmed she would call Jules, a male escort they typically involved in the “freak offs.”

Estevao then showed the jury a message from Aug 7, 2009 from Cassie to Diddy. The lawyer referred to Cassie’s message as “explicit.” Diddy replied saying he couldn’t wait to see Cassie “hot.”

The criminal defense attorney then referred to another “extremely explicit message” from Cassie to Combs on Aug 7, 2009.

Cassie requested a break and Judge Arun Subramanian granted it.

Cassie and Sean "Diddy" Combs first met in 2005. (Getty Images)

Cassie testified that she and Sean “Diddy” Combs weren’t open about their relationship in the beginning during cross-examination.

The musician confirmed sometimes they didn’t see each other for long periods of time due to both of their travel schedules.

The jury is shown more Blackberry communications between Cassie and Diddy from 2010.

Cassie wrote, “I haven't talked to you at all…3 minutes out of your day and don’t even try…really hurt by the way you treat me…don’t need your money…”

She explained she wanted more time with Combs. According to Cassie, she wanted to spend so much time with Diddy because she fell in love and cared about him.

Cassie testified that Diddy was larger than life because he was charismatic and had a big personality.

Diddy’s lawyer asked what made Cassie fall in love with Combs. The singer-songwriter confirmed the beginning of the relationship was “fast paced, scary” but the more time she spent with him she saw “his real personality” or what she thought was his real personality.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Cassie Ventura was 21 years old when she began dating Diddy. (Getty Images)

The jury was shown loving messages between Sean “Diddy” Combs and Cassie Ventura during cross-examination Thursday.

Cassie and Diddy began dating in 2007. She was 21 years old at the time and had met the rapper two years prior after signing to his record label.

Defense lawyer Anna Estevao shared multiple emails between Cassie and Diddy from the early stages of their 10-year relationship. Cassie testified that she communicated with Combs via a Blackberry at the time.

Diddy wrote, “I love you so much it makes me cry…” in one message.

The defense shared another exhibit, confirming “BG” was baby girl, referring to Cassie. “Pop Pop” was Cassie’s nickname for Diddy. Cassie testified previously that the rapper made her call him by her grandfather’s nickname.

The defense showed more messages from April 4, 2010, roughly 2.5 years into the former couple’s relationship. In one, Cassie wrote she was going to sleep, sharing her love for Diddy.

Combs wrote back that he loved Cassie so much it hurt. Cassie replied, “I’m so happy that we fell in love.”

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Cassie Ventura and Sean "Diddy" Combs began dating in 2007. (Getty Images)

During cross-examination, Cassie was questioned about the beginning of her relationship with Sean “Diddy” Combs.

Diddy’s lawyer, Anna Estevao, asked Cassie if she was in love with Diddy and if she took care of him. Cassie replied, “Yes.”

She then asked if Cassie knew the “real Sean,” a version the rest of the world didn’t get to see. The singer-songwriter confirmed she knew a version of Diddy that the public and even his family didn’t know.

However, Cassie testified that at times she was unsure of Diddy’s feelings towards her.

“No, I don’t think I always knew,” she told Estevao when asked if she knew Diddy loved her.

Cassie, now 38, explained she put up with a lot because she believed in Combs’ love. She also claimed the early part of her relationship with Diddy was filled with love and passion.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Cassie Ventura testifies in court on May 13. (AP)

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex-trafficking trial resumed Thursday with the cross-examination of Cassie Ventura.

The prosecution finished the direct examination of Cassie on May 14. Diddy’s team will now question the singer-songwriter on the stand. The cross-examination is likely to last through most of Friday.

Cassie told the jury Wednesday that she chose to testify against Diddy because she could no longer carry the guilt. “I can’t carry this anymore," she told the court. "I can’t carry the shame, the guilt … what’s right is right. What’s wrong is wrong …”

Throughout the day, jurors heard Cassie  describe allegedly being raped by Diddy after their breakup. She claimed to enter rehab and pursued trauma therapy toward the beginning of 2023 after suffering "horrible flashbacks" on set of a music video.

The jurors also saw screenshots from Diddy’s alleged “freak offs,” where Cassie claimed she was forced to have sex with male escorts while the rapper watched. She testified that Diddy was often violent towards her during these sex sessions.

Fox News' Maria Paronich and Fox News Digital's Tracy Wright contributed to this report.

Brian Steel joined Diddy's legal team in April. (Jane Rosenberg, Getty Images)

Atlanta-based lawyer, Brian Steel , joined Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team on April 15, joining Marc Agnifilo, Teny Geragos, Alexandra A.E. Shapiro, Anna Estevao, Jason Driscoll, Xavier Donaldson and Nicole Westmoreland.

After graduating from Fordham University School of Law, Steel initially began his career as a tax attorney, but has since taken on clients accused of many crimes, including RICO, wire fraud, immigration fraud and money laundering to murder, armed robbery, drug offenses, rape and child sex offenses.

Diddy isn’t the first rapper Steel has defended in his career, having defended rapper Young Thug in 2022 when he was indicted under Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), as authorities claimed he used his music label YSL as cover for a violent gang.

After spending 30 years defending people accused of criminal conduct, Steel told the New Yorker, “I don’t believe allegations…I go into it believing the person is innocent.”

"The more challenging the case is, the more likely I’ll take it," Steel told the outlet. "Do I like the person I’m defending? That’s the main thing."

In addition to being known as a “legend” in his career, Steel is known for his clean lifestyle.

"Brian doesn’t drink, doesn’t smoke and can’t believe anybody would," lawyer David Botts told the New Yorker. "He won’t curse, even in court, even if he’s reading from a transcript. So when he’s cross-examining, he’ll say, ‘So-and-so F-word.’ The court will say, ‘Mr. Steel, you can read that word.’ But Brian still won’t do it."

Cassie Ventura leaves for court in NYC. (BACKGRID)

A very pregnant Cassie Ventura headed to court Thursday for her continued testimony in Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex-trafficking trial.

The now 38-year-old musician spent Tuesday and Wednesday sharing her side of the story with the jury. While on the stand Wednesday, Cassie remembered having dinner with friends in New York on the night Diddy allegedly assaulted her for the first time.

Cassie testified that she had witnessed Diddy flirting with another woman in 2007 or 2008, and attempted to "shrug it off." Once they were in the Escalade SUV, she claimed Diddy "knocked me around."

The singer-songwriter also testified about Diddy's attack at Intercontinental Hotel in 2016 that was caught on surveillance video.

Diddy's defense team will get a chance to cross-examine Cassie today and Friday, May 16.

Fox News Digital's Tracy Wright contributed to this report.

Sean "Diddy" Combs arrived to the courtroom and hugged his attorneys before taking a seat at the defense table.

Diddy's legal team and the prosecution are discussing pending trial issues with Judge Arun Subramanian. The defense is wanting to introduce text messages as evidence that they claim speak to his state of mind.

Cassie testified May 13 and May 14 about the alleged physical abuse she experienced at the hands of Diddy. She claimed Combs began physically abusing her one year after they met.

Diddy appeared calm before opening statements on Monday. He sat reading the Bible as he waited for jury selection to begin.

The prosecution claimed Combs ran a criminal enterprise for 20 years and described the violent relationships he had with both Cassie and an anonymous woman, "Jane.” They accused Diddy of using lies, drugs, threats and violence to force Cassie and Jane to have sex with escorts. Diddy would record the encounters and threaten to release the videos if the women didn't comply with his demands, according to the prosecution.

Fox News' Maria Paronich and Fox News Digital's Stephanie Giang-Paunon contributed to this report.

Photo evidence of a broken vase at the Intercontinental Hotel. (SDNY)

Surveillance footage showing Sean “Diddy” Combs attacking Cassie Ventura is “the most important evidence” in the rapper’s sex-trafficking case, according to an expert.

“It bolsters Cassie's credibility and corroborates her account of trying to escape a freak off,” former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani told Fox News Digital. “People can lie, but video doesn't lie.”

“The video makes the violence real,” the West Coast Trial Lawyers founder added. “That's why the prosecution raised the video repeatedly during jury selection, opening statements, and introduced it through their first witness. It's the smoking gun evidence in the case, and why the defense is desperately trying to differentiate between domestic violence and sex trafficking."

The jury saw the video in full and heard testimony from Cassie and a former hotel security guard, Israel Florez. The security guard claimed he responded to a call about a woman in distress and found a broken vase in the elevator lobby.

Cassie told Florez not to call the police and left the hotel on her own.

At the time of the attack, Cassie had been trying to leave an alleged “freak off."

Cassie Ventura testified on May 13 and May 14. (Jane Rosenberg)

Cassie Ventura will “gain sympathy” from the jury from being an assault victim and a soon-to-be-mother, a legal expert told Fox News Digital.

The now 38-year-old has spent the past two days testifying in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex-trafficking trial.

While Cassie is a sympathetic witness, the defense can “diffuse” her appearance on the stand through evidence.

"...Diddy’s team can remind the jury of how long ago this was, and that she was very different back then,” entertainment lawyer Tre Lovell told Fox News Digital. “Appearance before a jury is always very important, for both the defendant and credibility of witnesses, but the attorneys can diffuse this through evidence and reminding the jury that everyone in court will be on their best behavior and, by design, not exhibit the conduct for which they are either the subject of the prosecution or a testifying witness."

Cassie is expecting her third child with husband Alex Fine. Cassie and Fine married in 2019 after meeting the year before.

The video surveillance footage from the Intercontinental Hotel showing Sean “Diddy” Combs beat Cassie Ventura will make the former couple’s relationship dynamic “more palpable” for the jury, according to a legal expert.

 “It’s one thing to have testimony about a harrowing event, but seeing frame by frame a visual depiction of a man brutalizing a woman can be very impactful for this jury,” criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor Eric Faddis told Fox News Digital. “The panel will see the force and fury with which Diddy inflicted the attack, and how Cassie’s body coiled up in an effort of self-preservation.”

“The jury could conclude that this was the ever-present physical threat that the defendant posed to the alleged victim, and it would make sense why she felt she couldn’t say no to his freak-off demands,” he explained. “The video could make the violence and fear in this relationship dynamic more palpable for the jury and could certainly affect their deliberations.”

The jury was shown the video and heard testimony from Cassie about that day. The singer-songwriter claimed she was attempting to leave a “freak off” when Diddy allegedly her in the elevator lobby on March 5, 2016.

Sean "Diddy" Combs listens to testimony in court. (Jane Rosenberg)

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal trial for sex crimes began on Monday, after a 12-person jury, consisting of eight men and four women, was finalized minutes before opening statements began. There were also six alternates selected.

The youngest juror, Juror No. 321, a 24-year-old male, works in coffee services, while the oldest juror, Juror No. 217, a 74-year-old female, lives alone and used to be a treatment coordinator.

Both Juror No. 5 and Juror No. 25 admitted to seeing the hotel surveillance video of Diddy attacking Cassie Ventura, with the latter he also knew Diddy as a "business person" and was aware of "violent behavior," but had not formed an opinion about what he had seen.

Multiple Bronx residents were picked to sit on the jury. Juror No. 58, a 41-year-old man who works as the head account clerk in corrections, said he enjoys '90s hip-hop and sports. Juror No. 184, a 39-year-old male, lives with his brother and is employed as a social worker program supervisor.

Juror No. 2 admitted to having familiarity with domestic violence but said this wouldn’t interfere with his ability to remain impartial. Juror No. 28, a 30-year-old woman said while she was aware of Diddy’s arrest, she didn’t know the reason until now, and would be able to follow instructions.

Juror No. 75 retired from J.P. Morgan, and Juror No. 160 lives with her husband and is a physician’s assistant. Also on the stand is Juror No. 116, who said he would have trouble staying impartial when looking at violence.

Both Juror No. 201, a 67-year-old man, and Juror No. 230, a 57-year-old man, have children and reside in Westchester County. Juror No. 234, a 34-year-old man who lives with his parents and sister in Manhattan, doesn't watch the news and prefers reading video game magazines.

Juror No. 247, 40, is from New York County and is a physician scientist and has a master's degree and bachelor's degree in chemistry. Juror 292 mentioned she knew one location noted in the voir dire.

The final juror selected in Diddy's sex crimes case was Juror No. 330, a 37-year-old man from New York County who works with the U.S. State Department and prefers watching "Andor" with his girlfriend, who works in the medical field.

Fox News Digital’s Tracy Wright contributed to this report