Cassie reads out ‘freak-off’ texts during cross-examination in Combs sex trafficking trial

R&B singer Cassie faced intense cross-examination on Thursday in the Sean (Diddy) Combs sex trafficking trial, where she was compelled to read aloud explicit messages with her former boyfriend that seemed to show her expressing enthusiasm for encounters with other men that she had previously testified disgusted her.

It was the third day that Cassie, whose legal name is Casandra Ventura, took the stand in a New York courtroom after two days of questioning by prosecutors. The federal prosecutors have accused Combs of using his power as a music executive to coerce Cassie and other women into participating in drug-fuelled sex parties that he organized and referred to as “freak-offs.” Combs is facing charges such as racketeering and sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. Despite these allegations, Combs maintains his innocence and has pleaded not guilty, with his defense team arguing that Cassie willingly participated in his lifestyle.

During the cross-examination, defense attorney Anna Estevao had Cassie read through email and text exchanges between her and Combs, where they discussed engaging in sexual activities. In one exchange, Combs asked Cassie when she wanted to “freak off,” to which she replied that she was always ready. The messages continued with explicit content, causing Cassie to request a short break from the proceedings.

This line of questioning followed a day where Cassie was shown still images from videos of sexual encounters during the prosecution’s questioning. Prior to the trial, Combs’s lawyers indicated that they would characterize much of the sexual behavior as part of a swingers lifestyle.

Estevao asked Cassie if she believed the “freak-offs” were related to the swingers lifestyle, to which Cassie responded affirmatively but noted that they were different. The defense sought to highlight the loving messages exchanged between Cassie and Combs early in their relationship, emphasizing the 11-year love affair between the two.

However, Cassie’s testimony detailed the violence and shame she experienced during her relationship with Combs, where she was coerced into participating in encounters with male sex workers that he controlled and watched. These encounters, which sometimes lasted for hours or days, led to Cassie developing an opioid addiction to numb the emotional pain.

Throughout her testimony, Cassie maintained her composure despite recounting incidents of rape, blackmail, and physical abuse allegedly perpetrated by Combs. She shared that she feared for her career and family if Combs were to release degrading sexual videos of her, which ultimately led her to continue participating in the “freak-offs.”

The trial has garnered significant attention, with supporters of both Cassie and Combs present in the courtroom. Combs, who has been incarcerated since September, could face at least 15 years in prison if convicted. The trial is expected to last for approximately two months, with the defense aiming to conclude the cross-examination by the end of Friday’s session.

For those who have experienced sexual assault, support services are available through crisis lines and local organizations. Immediate assistance can be obtained by calling 911 in cases of emergency.