Pop star Usher and former President Barack Obama were named in testimony during Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ongoing sex trafficking and extortion trial, now in its third week. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.
Testimony has come from his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, her mother, former assistants, and artists like Kid Cudi and Dawn Richards. Combs’ former assistant, David James, testified that the rapper often carried dozens of pill bottles—some containing ecstasy pills shaped like Obama’s face. Singer Dawn Richards described a 2010 dinner where Combs allegedly punched Cassie in the stomach in front of Usher and other celebrities.
She later confirmed that Jimmy Iovine and Ne-Yo were also present.
Kid Cudi testified that after Diddy discovered his communication with Cassie, Cudi’s home was broken into and his car was set on fire. He claimed Diddy was involved, though the judge instructed the jury to disregard that statement.
Central to the trial are allegations that Combs held “freak off” parties, where attendees were pressured into sex acts and drug use.
Opening statements began May 12 after jury selection on March 5. The trial continues in Manhattan federal court.