In a significant development in the federal sex-trafficking and racketeering trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, Regina Ventura, mother of singer Cassie Ventura, testified that she and her husband paid Combs $20,000 in 2011 after he allegedly threatened to release explicit videos of their daughter and harm her and her then-partner, rapper Kid Cudi.
Regina Ventura recounted receiving a distressing email from Cassie in December 2011, detailing Combs’ threats to release two explicit sex tapes and to have someone physically harm her and Kid Cudi. Fearing for their daughter’s safety, the Venturas took out a home equity loan to pay the demanded amount, which was later returned without explanation.
During her brief testimony, Regina also presented photographs of bruises on Cassie’s body, which she stated were taken during a visit home in December 2011. She testified that Cassie attributed the injuries to being beaten by Combs.
The defense did not cross-examine Regina Ventura, and the judge allowed her testimony, citing the relevance of the alleged threats and potential extortion.
This testimony adds to a series of allegations against Combs, including previous accounts from Cassie and other witnesses describing a pattern of abuse and coercion. Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges and faces a potential life sentence if convicted.
