The federal case against disgraced music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs took a dramatic turn on Tuesday as Regina Ventura, mother of singer Cassie Ventura, testified in court about the alleged abuse, threats, and blackmail her daughter endured at the hands of the Bad Boy Records founder. Regina took the stand at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan U.S. Courthouse in Manhattan, offering emotional testimony that legal experts say could be a crucial element in the prosecution’s case.
Regina Ventura’s allegations against Diddy
Regina Ventura told the court that Diddy attempted to blackmail their family with explicit sex tapes involving her daughter. She said that in December 2011, she received a disturbing email from Cassie detailing threats from Diddy. According to the email, the rapper had warned he would release two sex tapes of Cassie and have her and rapper Kid Cudi harmed. “The threats that have been made towards me by Sean ‘Puffy’ Combs are that he is going to release 2 explicit sex tapes of me,” Cassie allegedly wrote in the December 23, 2011 email, which was presented in court. “He has also said that he will be having someone hurt me and Scott Mescudi physically.”
Regina testified that the content of the email made her “physically sick” and that she feared for her daughter’s life. She also alleged that Diddy demanded $20,000 from the family, purportedly to recover the money he had spent on Cassie. She and her husband reportedly took a home equity loan to pay the amount. However, the money was returned several days later. Regina said she never spoke directly with Diddy and does not have a copy of the wiring instructions.
Legal experts weigh in on testimony impact
Los Angeles-based litigator John J. Perlstein told Fox News Digital that while family members can be seen as biased, their credibility is often judged based on demeanor. He emphasized the importance of Regina’s testimony in corroborating her daughter’s claims. “What will be relevant is her testimony regarding the $20,000 payment in exchange for keeping sex tapes from being released,” Perlstein said. “It can be very damaging to the defendant as it shows what little value a man of great means placed upon this poor woman.” In a surprising legal move, Diddy’s attorney Marc Agnifilo chose not to cross-examine Regina Ventura. Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani noted that this could be a strategic choice to avoid alienating the jury by appearing aggressive toward a victim’s mother.
Cassie’s explosive allegations of abuse
Cassie, who is now pregnant with her third child with husband Alex Fine, also testified in court. She described being raped by Diddy after their breakup and said she entered rehab in early 2023 due to recurring flashbacks of abuse. She detailed what she referred to as “freak offs”—elaborate sex performances orchestrated by Diddy. These alleged sessions reportedly lasted up to four days and involved drugs, dehydration, and constant surveillance. Cassie said when she wasn’t participating, she was recovering. In November 2023, she received a $20 million settlement just 24 hours after filing a lawsuit against the music executive. Diddy was charged in a sweeping federal indictment unsealed on September 17, 2024, with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transporting individuals for prostitution. If convicted, the 54-year-old faces a minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life behind bars. He has denied all allegations and maintains his innocence. The trial continues this week, with further testimony expected to shed light on the extent of Diddy’s alleged criminal conduct.