The federal trial of hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs resumed on Monday in Manhattan, featuring powerful and chilling testimony from singer Dawn Richard. She told the jury that she witnessed Combs violently abuse his then-girlfriend, Cassie, and claimed he threatened her life to keep her silent.
Witness Threatened After Seeing Abuse
Richard testified that following one of the attacks, Combs warned both her and another witness that they “could go missing” if they spoke out. When Assistant U.S. Attorney Mitzi Steiner asked what she understood from that warning, Richard replied, “That we could die.”
Years of Abuse: ‘He would punch her, choke her, drag her’
Richard’s testimony added to the growing list of disturbing allegations facing Combs, who stands trial on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. Prosecutors argue that Combs used his power in the entertainment world to control and abuse women through fear, manipulation, and violence.
Richard recalled a specific incident in 2009 at Combs’ home studio where she saw him strike Cassie. “He hit her on the head, beat her on the ground,” she said, adding that Combs even tried to hit Cassie with a skillet before she deflected it.
She described the abuse as “frequent,” saying, “He would punch her, choke her, drag her, slap her in the mouth. I saw him kick her, punch her in the stomach.” Richard also recounted an incident in a restaurant where Combs punched Cassie during a heated argument.
Cassie Hid Injuries With Makeup and Clothing
According to Richard, Cassie would conceal the bruises left by these beatings using makeup, clothing, and sunglasses. The abuse wasn’t always triggered by arguments. Richard testified, “It could be random. We wouldn’t even know where it came from.”
She further testified that Combs’ own staff, including his bodyguards, regularly witnessed the abuse but never stepped in. “They wouldn’t react. They wouldn’t do anything,” she said.
Cassie’s Earlier Testimony Adds to Shocking Allegations
Last week, Cassie spent four days on the stand describing a toxic and violent relationship with Combs that she said involved drug-fueled “freak-offs” with male sex workers. She told the court these experiences emotionally drained her and crushed her aspirations in the music industry.
Combs Denies Charges, Trial Ongoing
Sean “Diddy” Combs has pleaded not guilty. His defense team contends that even if instances of domestic violence occurred, they do not amount to the federal crimes he has been charged with.
As the trial continues, prosecutors are expected to bring more witnesses and evidence to court to support the claims of long-standing abuse and exploitation within Combs’ inner circle.
