Diddy RICO Trial Explodes: Cassie Cross-Examined, Business Fallout Begins, and Full Charges Revealed

Sean “Diddy” Combs watches as his former girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura is sworn in as a prosecution witness before U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian at Combs’ sex trafficking trial in New York City, May 13, 2025 in this courtroom sketch. Credit:Jane Rosenberg/Reuters

Day 4 of Trial: Cassie Faces Cross-Examination

On May 15, 2025, Cassie Ventura returned to the witness stand for a rigorous cross-examination by Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team in the ongoing RICO and sex trafficking case. After delivering searing testimony on Day 3, Cassie remained composed under questioning, reaffirming her previous claims despite efforts by the defense to paint her as financially motivated and emotionally unstable.

Defense attorney Jose Baez challenged inconsistencies in timelines and highlighted Cassie’s $20 million civil settlement, attempting to discredit her allegations as opportunistic. However, Cassie pushed back, stating, “I didn’t want money—I wanted my voice heard,” a quote now echoed across social media.

Full Scope of the RICO Charges

Diddy is facing sweeping charges under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, alleging that for over two decades, he used his companies—including Bad Boy Entertainment—as a front for a criminal enterprise that engaged in sex trafficking, drug distribution, witness intimidation, and obstruction of justice.

Prosecutors allege that Diddy’s inner circle, dubbed “The Family,” helped coordinate “freak-offs,” sourced victims, and used intimidation tactics to silence potential whistleblowers. The indictment lists more than 15 alleged co-conspirators.

Sean “Diddy” Combs watches as his former girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura reacts during testimony to prosecutor Emily Johnson before U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian at Combs’ sex trafficking trial in New York City, May 13, 2025.
Credit: Jane Rosenberg/Reuters

Cassie’s Testimony: Abuse, Coercion, and Mental Trauma

Cassie detailed years of manipulation, sexual exploitation, and emotional abuse. Her testimony included graphic accounts of “freak-offs” involving male escorts, forced participation, and threats of blackmail. She also described a 2018 incident in which Diddy allegedly raped her following a supposed closure dinner in Malibu.

Cassie broke down during testimony while recounting her suicidal thoughts. “He had full control of me. I didn’t see a way out,” she told the jury.

Jury Shown Graphic Evidence

Jurors were presented with photos of sex workers allegedly involved in Diddy’s criminal enterprise. According to TMZ, prosecutors showed images of Cassie with male escorts and others that supported the claims of organized sexual exploitation.

Impact on Diddy’s Business Empire

The fallout has been swift. Several corporate partners, including Cîroc Vodka and Revolt TV—where Diddy was once a majority stakeholder—have suspended their relationships with the mogul. Sean John, Diddy’s fashion brand, has reportedly halted production on its upcoming line.

Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have demoted his music from curated playlists, and several major labels have begun internal audits of past business dealings with the Bad Boy Records founder.