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Diddy‘s defense team is working overtime to clear his name. In the music mogul’s ongoing trial, male sex worker Daniel Phillip testifies about his experiences with Casandra ‘Cassie’ Ventura. Phillip detailed being hired to have sex with Cassie at the Gramercy Park Hotel in Manhattan. According to him, the rapper was present in the room while the intercourse happened. He recounted witnessing an incident where Diddy allegedly hit Cassie. Phillips recalled that the action led to her “shaking uncontrollably, obviously afraid.” Following this, Phillip and Cassie talked “for a while before we ended up kissing each other.” The rapper’s attorney, Xavier Donaldson, during cross-examination, swung into defensive action.
The attorney attempted to portray the interaction between Phillip and Cassie as consensual. He questioned Phillip about who compensated him, and Phillip confirmed that Cassie paid him. Donaldson also sought to establish that Cassie was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the encounter. Phillip agreed to Donaldson’s claim and asked if it was fair to assume Cassie was aware of her actions. However, Phillip refrained from making such a claim. The indictment against Diddy alleged that he coerced women into engaging with male sex workers. Conversely, PEOPLE confirmed the rapper’s defense team has been actively challenging the claim.
Inside Diddy’s Arrest and Indictment Last Year
In September 2024, Diddy was arrested following an indictment from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He faced serious charges, including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. The rapper denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty. The indictment claimed that he exploited his music empire to entice women with promises of romance. His promises then matured into coercing them into participating in organized sexual activities known as “Freak Off” parties. The parties, which could last for days and were fueled by various controlled substances administered without the victims’ knowledge.
The indictment described Diddy as the leader of a violent operation involving kidnapping, arson, drug offenses, and sexual abuse. These legal troubles came after numerous civil lawsuits, including one from Cassie. Notably, prosecutors referenced a 2016 surveillance footage from a hotel in Los Angeles. The footage purportedly captured Combs assaulting Cassie in the hallway. The singer’s 2023 lawsuit was settled just a day after being filed. However, the move from Diddy’s ex prompted a wave of similar lawsuits from other individuals accusing Diddy of abuse.
Cassie’s Obvious Pregnancy Glow Amid Preparation To Testify at Diddy’s Trial
We reported that Cassie is currently pregnant with her third child with husband Alex Fine. Recently photographed in New York City, she looked radiant as she showcased her growing baby bump. Following her stunning appearance, fans noted her glow during this challenging time, especially linked to Diddy’s legal troubles. This renewed attention followed her announcement of her pregnancy on February 19. The mother-of-two shared a series of black-and-white images featuring her family.
The post also included her two daughters, Frankie and Sunny. Alex made a heart gesture in one intimate photo on Cassie’s baby bump. Her husband’s gesture hinted at the couple potentially expecting a boy with the use of a blue heart emoji. The post received many positive responses, with fans celebrating Cassie’s journey to happiness after Diddy. She was set to testify alongside three other alleged victims. Unlike Cassie, the other witnesses will use pseudonyms to protect their privacy.
Diddy’s case is still ongoing, with no clear end in sight.
