Cassie’s cross-examination in Diddy’s federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial began Thursday. As previously reported, Complex was in the courtroom for Cassie’s two days of testimony, which saw the 38-year-old, who’s currently pregnant, detailing multiple instances of alleged abuse and the ramifications of what she described as blackmail threats. Diddy has denied the allegations against him.
As expected, cross-examination began with discussions of text and e-mail communications between Cassie and Diddy, with the defense asking about the nature of the earlier days of the two’s relationship. According to Cassie, who was asked to read aloud and clarify specifics in court on Thursday, she believed that she and Diddy genuinely loved each other. From the nature of what was read in court, this seemed especially true toward the beginning of their relationship, which is said to have spanned 11 years.
Cassie, however, took issue with the assertion that she “kept coming back” to Diddy.
Matthew Russell Lee, better known as Inner City Press, continued to provide live updates on the trial on Thursday. In one communication discussed in court, as confirmed by Cassie, she wrote to Diddy about having a child together. Other communications focused on “freak-offs,” including inquiries about opiates, the use of which Cassie previously testified were part of her alleged recovery process from these types of sexual encounters.
Thursday’s cross-examination also included additional discussions on “freak-offs,” Cassie’s 21st birthday celebration, and more. At one point, Cassie agreed when asked by the defense whether Diddy had taught her how to perform oral sex.
Ahead of Cassie’s cross-examination, both sides of the case had engaged in a back-and-forth on whether she should be allowed to consult with her lawyer during this stage of the legal process. As detailed here, Diddy’s legal team argued that there were certain “risks” related to a witness speaking with counsel while under cross-examination. In this particular case, Diddy’s attorneys further argued, allowing Cassie to do so would be “wholly improper.” Both Cassie’s lawyer and the government disagreed, with the former citing the Crime Victims’ Rights Act as supporting their argument.
At one point during her testimony, per reporting from Complex’s Shawn Setaro, Cassie spoke about the circumstances surrounding the hotel surveillance video from 2016, which showed Diddy assaulting her. According to Cassie, the moments captured on video took place during an alleged “freak-off” session in which she was “hit by Sean,” leaving her with a black eye. At the time, Cassie said, she was days away from a film premiere so she tried to leave the scene.
The federal case sees Diddy charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty. As of this writing, the trial is expected to last two months.
This story is being updated.
