Cassie Ventura, ex-girlfriend of Sean "Diddy" Combs, took the stand as the prosecution's star witness against the rap mogul.
Heavily pregnant, Ventura testified that her relationship with Combs ranged from good times to arguments and physical abuse. Before testimony began, the defense requested that she be seated before the jury entered, citing her condition. The judge denied the request, ruling there would be no special treatment.
Ventura described how Combs' control over her increased during their relationship and detailed instances of physical abuse.
In court, Combs appeared and acted like a different man. With no cameras allowed, reporters outside described his appearance—gray hair, pullover sweaters, and reading glasses. Whether it was a sign of stress or a legal strategy remains unclear. Combs was reportedly reading the Bible before testimony began, while his family prayed on the courthouse steps before Ventura took the stand.