Diddy On Trial

Welcome back to the unfolding saga of United States v. Combs. Here is your day-by-day summary of court proceedings for the second week of the trial (May 19–May 22, 2025).Recaps of individual days of the trial can be found in the Rumble Playlist, weekly recaps are here on Substack. Massive thanks and credit to Inner City Press for covering the trial live from the courtroom. His threads are the next best thing to having the actual transcript in hand.For anyone not interested in this trial, no worries; I have a new episode of the Just Human podcast here and more on the way. Reminder of the Charges and Allegations:* Combs faces five counts: racketeering conspiracy (life max), two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion (life max, 15-year min each), and two counts of transportation for prostitution (10-year max each).* The prosecution alleges Combs ran a criminal enterprise, orchestrating “freak offs” (coerced sexual performances), abusing women (e.g., Ventura), and using blackmail, drugs, and violence. Evidence includes the 2016 Ventura assault video and 1,000+ bottles of baby oil seized in 2024 raids.* The defense argues all acts were consensual, framing the case as domestic disputes within a “swinger” lifestyle, not trafficking.Breakdowns and timestamps for each day:Monday 00:00-44:20The week started with Judge Arun Subramanian, Judge Sub as I call him, issuing this order which reins in the 4am exhibit dumps, last-minute challenges, and other behaviors that delay court proceedings as well as inconvenience everyone involved. Judge Sub warned both parties that:“Failure to adhere to these procedures, absent a showing of good cause, will lead to the preclusion of untimely disclosed witnesses and evidence, or the waiver of untimely raised objections.” The judge also made a ruling on the scope of testimony from Dawn Richard, a former Bad Boy artist. Prosecutors wanted her to corroborate Casandra “Cassie” Ventura’s allegations of abuse, but the defense pushed back, arguing her statements veered into hearsay. Subramanian allowed limited testimony, aiming to keep things focused on what witnesses saw, not gossip.* Witness Testimony:* R&B Singer Dawn Richard (Concluded)* Notable Moments:* She described some of the same instances of abuse that Cassie had previously testified to, such as the 2009 incident with the skillet. * “He would punch her, choke her, drag her, and slap her in the mouth."* Testified that she witnessed drug transactions from One Stop* She also said Combs told her and another woman that they “could go missing” if they didn’t stay quiet about what they witnessed.* Kerry Morgan, a long time friend of Cassie’s (17yrs)* Notable Moments:* Witnessed abuse of Cassie by Combs. * In 2018, Combs attacked Morgan, hitting and choking her. * Morgan confronted Cassie about the incident and wanted her to leave Combs, but Cassie minimized. Instead, Cassie had her sign a nondisclosure agreement in return for $30,000. Their friendship ended there.* David James, a personal assistant to Combs 2007-2009* Notable Moments:* Described booking hotels for Combs under aliases such as “Frank Black”* Described obtaining drugs and items used in “freak-offs”* Recalled the 2008 incident with Suge Knight. This was important because it corroborated Cassie’s telling of that night. * “I was really shook up by it,” James testified. “This was the first time being Mr. Combs’ assistant that I realized my life was in danger.”Tuesday 44:20-1:20:50* Witness Testimony:* David James (continued)* Notable Moments:* Described various errands he would run for Combs and the demanding environment* Recalled intrusions by Combs into his things, such as a time he went through his browser history * Testified that he DID NOT personally witness violence by Combs against Cassie.* However, he did describe an odd incident* He is certainly the most entertaining witness of the trial so far, drawing laughter with several of his responses. * Regina Ventura, mother of Cassie Ventura* Short but moving testimony from this mom. * Defense did not cross her. * Sharay Hayes, male exotic dancer* Described participating in “freak offs” “8 or 12 times”* His detailed testimony backed up Cassie’s* Agent Gannon of HSI, Human Trafficking Unit* Described the law enforcement raid on Combs 2 Star Island property* Testified to finding items such as drugs, guns, ammo, sex paraphernalia, etc.Wednesday 1:20:50-2:52:15* Witness Testimony:* Agent Gannon (continued)* His testimony was used to bring in exhibits showing items seized in the raid* Dr Hughes, Clinical and forensic psychologist specializing in trauma* Defense had fought hard to prevent her testifying* She testified as an expert on trauma, explaining coping mechanisms, trauma bonds, and why abuse victims make the choices that they do, or don’t make them, while under the influence/power of their abuser.* George Kaplan, executive/personal assistant to Combs 2013-2015* A subpoenaed witness. Only agreed to testify after being given an immunity agreement* Basically the same job as David JamesThursday 2:52:15-End* Witness Testimony:* George Kaplan (continued)* Witnessed violence against Cassie and Gina* Scott Mescudi aka Kid Cudi* His testimony fully corroborated Cassie’s telling of the 2011 events* Described his home being broken into, his dog being traumatized, his Porsche being vandalized and lit on fire* Said that Cassie told him that Combs abused her* Described Combs as “like a Marvel supervillain."That’s it for this recap, which was very difficult to construct with the X outages over the past 48 or so hrs. Sorry I did not have it out to you guys on Friday.There’s no court on Monday due to the holiday. Just Human is a reader-supported publication. 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