Diddy Trial: Cassie's Mom Testifies

On Tuesday, the seventh day of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial in New York City marked another significant session in the high-profile case at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan U.S. Courthouse in Manhattan. 

The day featured testimony from multiple witnesses, including Regina Ventura, the mother of Combs’ former girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, a male exotic dancer named Sharay Hayes, and a Homeland Security Investigations agent, alongside ongoing legal debates about the admissibility of evidence. Below is a detailed account of the key moments from Day 7, based on available reports and posts on X.

Regina Ventura’s Testimony:

Witness Background: Regina Ventura, the mother of Cassie Ventura, took the stand to testify about her daughter’s relationship with Combs. Cassie, a key witness in the prosecution’s case, had previously testified over several days about alleged abuse and coercion by Combs, including during drug-fueled sexual performances known as “Freak Offs.”

Key Statements: Regina Ventura testified about a disturbing 2011 email from her daughter, which left her “physically sick,” according to courtroom reports. The email’s specific contents were not detailed in available sources, but it likely related to Cassie’s experiences with Combs, given the context of her testimony about abuse. Regina’s testimony aimed to corroborate Cassie’s account of a controlling and abusive relationship, highlighting the emotional toll on her daughter.\

Sharay Hayes’ Testimony:

Witness Background: Sharay Hayes, a male exotic dancer, testified about his involvement in sexual encounters with Cassie Ventura, allegedly orchestrated by Combs. Hayes had previously worked as a performer, and his testimony focused on events that the prosecution claims were part of Combs’ “Freak Offs.”

Key Statements: Hayes described being selected by Ventura for sexual encounters, during which Combs was present. He testified that these encounters were “very sexually natured” and distinct from his typical exotic dancing performances, which he described as “more fun” and less personal. Hayes emphasized that he “felt special” being chosen, suggesting Ventura’s active role in the encounters. During cross-examination, defense attorney Xavier Donaldson pressed Hayes on the nature of his work, asking, “When you’re dry-humping all these ladies it’s a job, it’s not personal, right?” Hayes countered that the encounters with Ventura were different due to their sexual nature.

Defense Strategy: The defense used Hayes’ testimony to argue that Ventura was a willing participant, attempting to undermine the prosecution’s claims of coercion. Donaldson’s questions also referenced Hayes’ book, In Search of Freezer Meat, about erectile dysfunction, which prompted laughter in the courtroom but aimed to question Hayes’ credibility or focus.

Homeland Security Agent’s Testimony:

Special Agent Gerard Gannon of Homeland Security Investigations testified about a March 2024 search of Combs’ Miami home, part of the federal investigation leading to his September 2024 arrest.

Key Evidence: Gannon presented physical evidence, including upper receivers of AR-15 rifles with defaced serial numbers, recovered during the search. These components, which include the barrel and sights, were shown to the jury in evidence bags. The prosecution likely introduced this evidence to support the racketeering charge, suggesting Combs’ involvement in a broader criminal enterprise. Gannon also described the scale of the search, noting that 80 to 90 agents were required due to the size and security of Combs’ 20,000-square-foot Star Island property. A photo of a mangled front gate, broken by a special vehicle, was shown to illustrate the operation’s intensity.