Ex-pop star Dawn Richard and Cassie’s ex-best friend detail alleged abuse and threats during explosive trial.

The Sean “Diddy” Combs sex-trafficking trial took another dramatic turn on day six as a former pop star and close friend of Cassie Ventura delivered harrowing testimony about repeated violence and threats made by Combs. Dawn Richard, ex-member of Danity Kane and Dirty Money, told a Manhattan federal court how Combs was “frequently” violent with Cassie and threatened to kill anyone who spoke out.

Richard recounted witnessing Combs attempt to hit Cassie with an egg skillet, after which he warned her and another woman they “could go missing” if they revealed what they had seen. The testimony painted a chilling portrait of abuse behind the scenes of the celebrity world, with Richard describing beatings including punches, slaps, kicks, and choking inflicted on Cassie. “When she tried to stand up for herself, he hurt her for it,” Richard said.

One particularly disturbing incident was said to have taken place in a West Hollywood restaurant in the presence of celebrities like Usher, Big Daddy Kane, Jimmy Iovine, and Ne-Yo. Despite the public setting, violence allegedly erupted, underscoring the severity of the accusations.

Richard also detailed Combs’ drug use, describing him storing narcotics like ketamine, cocaine, and ecstasy in a Louis Vuitton pouch. During cross-examination, the defence questioned changes in her account over time, but Richard explained she was recalling “traumatic” events from over a decade ago.

Adding further weight to the accusations, Kerry Morgan, Cassie’s ex-best friend of 17 years, testified about witnessing violent attacks by Combs. Morgan described hearing Cassie’s “guttural, terrifying” screams and seeing Combs drag her by her hair. She recalled Combs choking Cassie until “finger marks” were left on her throat and throwing a wooden hanger that caused a concussion.

Morgan shared how the trauma left her dizzy and vomiting, requiring urgent care. She revealed receiving a $30,000 settlement from Combs after the assault but said her friendship with Cassie ended due to Cassie’s lack of support. Morgan testified that Cassie felt trapped in the relationship, reliant on Combs for her job, car, and apartment.

The trial also touched on jealousy within the relationship. Defence lawyers highlighted that Cassie was jealous of Combs’ ex Kim Porter, while Combs was allegedly jealous of actor Michael B. Jordan, with whom Cassie reportedly had a brief relationship in 2015. Morgan confirmed Cassie and Jordan had spent time together, stirring tensions.

The final witness on the stand was Combs’ former personal assistant David James, who described grueling 20-hour workdays in Combs’ demanding orbit. James testified Cassie confided she couldn’t leave because Combs “controls my career, pays my allowance, and pays my rent,” underscoring the control he wielded.

Sean Combs, 55, founder of Bad Boy Records and one of hip-hop’s most influential figures, faces five criminal counts including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. He denies all allegations. Having been jailed since September, he risks a minimum 15-year sentence or life imprisonment if convicted.

The trial continues to reveal a darker side to the glamorous public image of Combs, with witness after witness describing a pattern of violence, manipulation, and control behind closed doors. For Cassie and those close to her, the courtroom has become a stage where painful truths are finally being aired.