Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura is due to take the witness stand in Manhattan federal court on Tuesday — the star witness in the embattled hip-hop mogul’s shocking sex-trafficking trial.
Ventura, who is eight-months pregnant, is expected to testify about how the rapper allegedly forced her into drug-fueled, days-long sexual “freak-offs” with male escorts.
The 38-year-old “Me & U” artist dated Combs for about a decade.
Here is what else there is to know about the singer.
What to know about Cassie Ventura’s upbringing
Born Cassandra Elizabeth Ventura in New London, Connecticut, in August 1986, Ventura began her career as a model but soon evolved into a promising music career that saw the release of her debut album in 2006, according to CNN.
The album was part of her collaboration with producer and songwriter Ryan Leslie.
How did Cassie Ventura and Diddy meet?
Following her debut release, Ventura’s talent and beauty drew Combs’ attention, and he went on to sign her to his Bad Boy Entertainment label.
In 2007, she became the face of Combs’ “Sean John” fashion line and also delved into acting with a role in the dance film “Step Up 2: The Streets,” CNN said.
In 2012, the couple went public with their romantic relationship, with the pair frequently seen together at Hollywood parties, fashion shows and other celebrity events.
What allegedly happened between Cassie Ventura and Diddy?
Ventura, identified as “Victim-1” in the federal case against Combs, alleged that the relationship became increasingly abusive in their relationship.
In a civil lawsuit she filed in 2023, she claimed she was subjected to physical abuse and degrading sexual encounters with male escorts — while her wealthy boyfriend watched or filmed them.
She claimed that the escorts were paid thousands of dollars for the forced trysts.
What to know about Cassie Ventura’s lawsuit against Diddy
The lawsuit, filed November 2023 in Manhattan federal court, claimed Combs trafficked, raped and viciously beat Ventura starting in 2005 and until 2018, alleging he was capable of “uncontrollable rage.”
She claimed that the mogul routinely plied her with drugs and alcohol before the sick sexual encounters, but remained insanely jealous — allegedly blowing up rapper Kid Cudi’s car when he expressed interest in her.
Combs settled the lawsuit quickly, with the amount of the payoff not revealed.
Follow the latest on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal sex-trafficking trial:
What to know about the video of Diddy allegedly assaulting Cassie Ventura
One of the most disturbing revelations as the claims against Combs began to surface was a video dated March 5, 2016, which allegedly shows the rapper and producer chasing Ventura through the hallway of the InterContinental Hotel in Century City in Los Angeles.
The video shows Combs briefly dragging Ventura on the carpet and repeatedly kicking her.
Combs is then seen sitting in a chair, grabbing an object and throwing it at Ventura.
Prosecutors on Monday said the “Mo Money Mo Problems” rapper paid a $100,000 bribe to a hotel security guard in hopes of keeping the sickening tape quiet. It was ultimately obtained by CNN and made public last year.
What is Cassie Ventura’s life like now?
Ventura’s life has taken a turn since her tumultuous relationship with Combs ended in 2018.
She is now married to Alex Fine, a 32-year-old bull-riding celebrity fitness trainer and model who was spotted at the Manhattan federal courthouse this week to show support for his wife.
Fine’s clients have included high-profile names like Odell Beckham Jr. and Jennifer Aniston.
Cassie collaborated with Kim Kardashian’s undergarment line Skims in 2022, telling Page Six at the time: “I’ve also come to a place of loving my body for all that it’s done for me and my family and embracing it for what it is. I think that this campaign celebrates that.”
She and Fine wed in 2019 and have two daughters. Ventura is pregnant with their third.
“[Alex and I] also make sure to carve out time with each other,” she told Page Six. “It’s difficult with two toddlers, but we make it work. It’s just sexy no matter what when we get that time, because we have to work for it!”
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