Diddy Trial Day 6: Cassie Ventura’s former best friend takes the stand

The second week of testimony in the Sean “Diddy” Combs federal trial began with a series of bombshell witness accounts and, for the first time, the public release of disturbing images showing alleged physical injuries suffered by Cassie Ventura, Combs’s ex-girlfriend.

Witnesses Describe Repeated Violence

Monday’s proceedings opened with the testimony of Dawn Richard, a former member of the girl group Danity Kane and Diddy Dirty Money. She recounted witnessing Combs physically abuse Cassie on several occasions and described urging Cassie to leave the relationship. Richard recalled a chilling incident, saying, “Puff and Cassie were in the hallway arguing. He punched her in the face. Shawn Combs punched her in the face.” Richard’s testimony was later put under scrutiny during cross-examination, with the defense questioning discrepancies in her accounts over the years.

The day’s most anticipated witness, however, was Carrie Morgan—Cassie Ventura’s former best friend. Taking the stand, Morgan described witnessing Combs assault Cassie on two separate occasions. The first, she said, was at a rented home in the Hollywood Hills. “I saw him push her. I’m pretty sure he hit her,” Morgan testified.

She also recounted a terrifying incident in Jamaica: “I heard her screaming. They were guttural, terrifying screams.” Morgan described feeling helpless in the face of the violence.

Evidence Entered: Injuries, Cash, and Drugs

Adding gravity to the witness testimony was the government’s release of new evidence, including graphic images showing Cassie’s alleged injuries; tens of thousands of dollars in cash discovered in a fanny pack; drugs; and bottles of baby oil—items prosecutors say were commonly used during the now-notorious “freakoff” sex parties. The images offered stark visual confirmation of the stories Cassie and supporting witnesses had described under oath.

Photos from a 2016 incident at the Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles also became pivotal evidence. The crime scene images showed “the set-up for the freakoff,” according to legal analysts: strobe lights, cash, medications which tested positive for ketamine, and baby oil. These details, experts say, corroborate Cassie’s account of how these sessions were orchestrated.

Defense Scrutinizes Witness Credibility

On cross-examination, the defense aggressively questioned both Richard and Morgan, highlighting changes in their stories and implying motives related to money or revenge, such as frustration over the breakup of Diddy’s music groups. Defense attorney Nicole Westmoreland worked to cast doubt on Richard’s reliability, citing her history of changing her account up to four times regarding key incidents.

Nonetheless, legal experts noted that Morgan, who no longer speaks to Cassie, came across as a “credible, neutral” witness, stating she felt “compelled” to testify and was not siding with either party. She also revealed that after she was assaulted herself, Cassie gave her $30,000 to stay quiet—a transaction that marked the end of their friendship.

The Infamous Surveillance Video

Perhaps the most damning non-verbal evidence remains the hotel surveillance video, which appeared to show Combs physically assaulting Cassie—a video now recognized beyond the legal community for its chilling content. Even one of Combs’ closest friends, appearing in court, conceded, “It’s never good for a man to put his hand on a woman.” However, Combs’s friend and inner-circle supporter insisted, “That’s not what he’s charged with. He’s being charged with sex trafficking, racketeering, and prostitution. I want to see the government prove those allegations.”

Friends and Former Friends Take Sides

Outside the courtroom, Diddy’s decades-long friends voiced unwavering support, insisting the allegations do not match the man they know, even as they acknowledged the disturbing realities captured on film. Simultaneously, the internet buzzed with curiosity about other potential witnesses, including Young Miami—a recent romantic partner of Combs and podcast host—as well as former Danity Kane singer Aubrey O’Day, who has publicly criticized Diddy’s past conduct.

What’s Next

As the trial moves into its next phase, the prosecution continues to contend that Cassie Ventura’s compliance in the notorious “freakoff” sex acts was coerced through ongoing violence and psychological control—a narrative now backed by graphic photographs, testimony from former confidantes, and corroborating physical evidence.

Sean “Diddy” Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges and continues to deny any wrongdoing.

The trial resumes Tuesday, with further witness testimony expected to keep courtroom seats—and the nation—riveted.

.
.
.
PLAY VIDEO: