A former associate of music mogul Sean Combs has provided detailed testimony in federal court, alleging she repeatedly witnessed acts of physical abuse against singer Cassie Ventura during their long-term relationship.
The witness, singer Dawn Richard, took the stand for a second time this week. Under questioning from federal prosecutors, Richard stated she observed Combs assault Ventura on multiple occasions over several years. Her descriptions included claims of punching, choking, dragging, and slapping.
Richard offered specific accounts, alleging one incident occurred at a Central Park concert where Combs is said to have struck Ventura in the face. She described another alleged event at a West Hollywood restaurant in 2010, where Combs reportedly punched Ventura in the stomach in the presence of other industry figures.
In her testimony, Richard also recounted a domestic episode where Combs, allegedly angry over a meal, attempted to strike Ventura with a hot skillet, causing her to fall. Under cross-examination by the defense, Richard maintained the consistency of her account regarding this allegation.
The defense moved to strike portions of this testimony from the record, arguing it was not directly relevant to the specific charge at hand and noting Ventura herself had not referenced the skillet incident. The judge has not yet ruled on that motion.
Richard further testified that several other individuals associated with Combs’s business and security team were present during some of these alleged acts. She is among multiple witnesses who have come forward with allegations against Combs, whom she is also separately suing for alleged misconduct.
The trial continues as the prosecution builds its case.
