Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ trial is likely to end sometime this week, with the defense making a shocking decision not to call witnesses. Closing arguments are tentatively expected to come around June 26, barring any significant developments. With the prosecution officially resting their case, we’ve seen all the witnesses there are to see. With the trial likely to wrap up soon, let’s take a look back at all of the key witnesses who have testified.
Cassie Ventura was a star witness at Diddy’s trial
Cassie Ventura, the star witness who dated Diddy for a decade, took the stand early on in the trial. Ventura detailed her relationship with the music mogul and the physical and sexual abuse she endured during the romance.
Over a four-day period, Ventura detailed being coerced into sex parties, fearing retaliation if she pushed back against the Freak-Off events. She noted that Diddy hit her, kicked her, and pulled her hair regularly. Ventura remarked that Diddy controlled her career and her finances. Video depictions of being abused were played for the jury.
Regina Ventura, Capricorn Clark, Kerry Morgan, and Dawn Richard all served as witnesses at Diddy’s trial
The abuse suffered by Cassie Ventura was an essential part of the prosecution’s strategy. Her relationship with the rapper helped the prosecution establish a pattern of abusive and coercive behavior, but they didn’t leave it entirely up to Ventura. Several other witnesses testified about the horrors Ventura experienced.
Her mother, Regina Ventura, testified about the abuse she was aware of. Capricorn Clark, who served as Diddy’s assistant, noted that she saw Ventura abused by the rapper and that she had several run-ins of her own with the mogul before leaving the job behind. Clark admitted to being afraid of Diddy and later called him “the devil.”
Kerry Morgan, Cassie Ventura’s best friend, testified that she witnessed at least two violent assaults against Ventura by Diddy. She also revealed the rapper choked her during a 2018 incident. Morgan says Diddy attacked her and screamed at her to tell him “who Cassie was cheating on him with” while Ventura hid in the bathroom.
Dawn Richard, who worked with Diddy as a member of Danity Kane, said the music mogul was difficult and controlling. She testified that she witnessed Diddy beat Ventura with a skillet because she didn’t cook his eggs the way she wanted. She also revealed Diddy threatened her to keep her quiet about the incidents she witnessed.
Kid Cudi recounted being harassed by the music mogul
Scott Mescudi, best known by his stage name, Kid Cudi, also took the stand to share harrowing details of his interaction with Diddy. Cudi explained that he briefly dated Cassie Ventura, which Diddy didn’t appreciate. During the brief romance, Cudi revealed that Diddy broke into his home, locked his dogs in another room, and opened his Christmas present.
Cudi said a few weeks later, his Porsche convertible was firebombed. He approached Diddy about the incident, but the famed music producer denied responsibility. He later apologized. During the trial, while on the witness stand, Cudi described Diddy as a “Marvel villain,” according to the Associated Press.
George Kaplan and David James both testified
George Kaplan and David James, both of whom served as assistants to Diddy at various times, took the stand earlier in the trial, as well. Kaplan discussed his involvement with the setup and teardown of Diddy’s hotel parties. Kaplan was also responsible for booking accommodation. He admitted the working environment was intense and often hostile.
David James, who worked as an assistant for Combs from 2007 to 2009, described an equally intense environment. He recalled feeling threatened by Diddy and his erratic behavior often. James also disclosed that Diddy dated multiple women at once and was frequently violent with those women.
Brendan Paul served as a key witness after being granted immunity
Brendan Paul, a former Syracuse University basketball player, worked as an assistant to Diddy from 2022 until 2024 when he was arrested. According to the Washington Post, Paul was primarily tasked with ferrying drugs for Diddy, although he denied being a “drug mule.”
Paul confirmed he was routinely tasked with procuring drugs for the rapper and his party participants. Paul admitted to sourcing cocaine, ketamine, ecstasy, “tusi” (pink cocaine), various pills, and marijuana during his employment. He also occasionally set up and cleaned up during Diddy’s sex parties, although he admits to having never attended such an event. Paul testified as a witness at Diddy’s trial in exchange for immunity.
An anonymous ex also took the witness stand
Cassie Ventura wasn’t the only former lover to take the stand. A recent ex-girlfriend, who opted to testify anonymously as “Jane,” also took the stand. Her testimony, much like Ventura’s, lasted several days.
During her testimony, “Jane” revealed that a verbal “love contract” existed between her and Combs. She said he used coercion to get her to perform sex acts she was uncomfortable with. Jane also revealed she felt forced to have sex with escorts and that Diddy had physically assaulted her.
Male escorts, exotic dancers, Homeland Security Investigations special agents, and a psychologist offered testimony
Various other professionals and experts took the stand as the prosecution built their case against Diddy. Male escorts took the stand, describing how Diddy choreographed their interactions with Cassie Ventura and other women Diddy paid them to have sex with.
Special agents took the stand to discuss the evidence they found after raiding Diddy’s compound. They described weapons and drugs that were found at the scene. Dr. Dawn Hughes, a forensic psychologist, took the stand as well. Dr. Hughe provided professional insight into trauma bonds, fragmented memories, and why abuse victims remain in toxic relationships.
In total, 34 witnesses have been interviewed over a six-week period. Not all were considered key witnesses, and some only testified for under an hour. While the defense isn’t expected to call any new witnesses in Diddy’s trial, they are expected to share evidence. Even after closing arguments, it could take several days for a jury to reach a verdict.
