Federal prosecutors in New York have called rapper and actor Kid Cudi to testify this week in the high-profile sex-trafficking and racketeering trial of disgraced music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. Cudi is expected to take the stand on Wednesday or Thursday, following the testimony of George Kaplan, a former employee who allegedly witnessed Combs’ abusive behaviour.
The case took a dramatic turn last week when Combs’ former girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, testified that Combs threatened to blow up Kid Cudi’s car after discovering she was romantically involved with the rapper in 2012. The threat, she said, was made after Combs went through her phone during one of the so-called “freak-off” events he orchestrated at various hotels.
Shortly after Ventura filed her 2023 civil lawsuit, a representative for Kid Cudi confirmed that a car of his had indeed exploded around that time. “This is all true,” the rep told media outlets, though no further details were disclosed. Ventura also testified that Combs threatened to release two sex tapes involving her and allegedly planned to send someone to harm both her and Cudi.
Who is Kid Cudi?
Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi, known professionally as Kid Cudi, is an acclaimed American rapper, singer, producer, and actor whose emotionally raw music has earned him a devoted fan base and critical praise. He gained widespread attention with his 2008 mixtape A Kid Named Cudi, which led to a signing with Kanye West’s GOOD Music label. Known for his introspective lyrics, Cudi has explored themes of depression, alienation, addiction, heartbreak, and spiritual searching. His deeply personal storytelling has made him a significant influence on a generation of artists in both hip hop and alternative music.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Cudi is of Mexican and African-American descent. He briefly studied film at the University of Toledo before dropping out to pursue music full-time. His track “Beautiful Trip” holds the distinction of being the shortest song to ever chart on the Billboard Hot 100—until it was surpassed in 2025 by Jack Black’s “Steve’s Lava Chicken” from A Minecraft Movie. Cudi’s testimony could prove critical in the federal case against Combs, offering further corroboration to Ventura’s allegations as prosecutors continue to build their case.