Rapper Kid Cudi takes witness stand at Combs sex trafficking trial
Rapper Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, appeared as a witness at the New York sex trafficking trial of Sean (Diddy) Combs. He was expected to testify about his past relationship with Combs’s ex-girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, dating back 14 years.
Cudi, a Grammy award-winning artist known for his alternative hip-hop style, arrived at the courthouse in a black SUV and was escorted inside by security. Prosecutor Emily Johnson wasted no time in questioning Cudi, showing him a photo of Cassie and asking if he knew her. Cudi confirmed that they were friends and had a brief romantic involvement in 2008 and 2011 after recording music together.
When asked about Cassie’s involvement with other individuals during their relationship, Cudi mentioned Sean Combs. Cassie had previously testified that Combs threatened Cudi after discovering their relationship, leading to a tumultuous situation.
Combs, who is 55 years old, has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. The allegations against him include using his power and influence in the hip-hop industry to exploit women and force Cassie to participate in drug-fueled sexual performances known as “freak-offs.” These incidents allegedly took a toll on Cassie, hindering her music career.
The federal investigation into Combs began in 2023, following a lawsuit filed by Cassie accusing him of years of abuse. The lawsuit was settled for $20 million US the next day. Cassie testified that she endured abuse for nearly 11 years while in a relationship with Combs, and that their relationship became increasingly toxic over time.
During the trial, George Kaplan, Combs’s former personal assistant, provided damning testimony about witnessing Combs’s violent behavior towards Cassie. Kaplan recalled an incident on a private jet in 2015 where he saw Combs holding a whiskey glass during a scuffle with Cassie. Despite her calls for help, no one intervened, and Kaplan eventually decided to quit his job after witnessing Combs’s abusive behavior.
Kaplan also mentioned another instance where Combs threw apples at a different girlfriend, referred to as Gina, at his Florida home. Despite these troubling incidents, Kaplan expressed mixed feelings about his time working with Combs, acknowledging the complexities of their relationship.
In conclusion, the trial involving Sean Combs continues to unravel shocking revelations about his alleged abusive behavior towards women. As the testimonies from witnesses like Kid Cudi and George Kaplan shed light on the dark realities of the hip-hop industry, the outcome of the trial remains uncertain.
