Diddy’s Trial Unfolds: Major Celebrities Named Amid Explosive Testimony

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal trial, which began earlier this week, has already brought a wave of bombshell revelations and high-profile names into the spotlight. The music mogul is facing multiple serious charges—including racketeering and sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion—all of which he denies, having pleaded not guilty.

Following his arrest in September 2024, Combs has remained in custody while awaiting what is expected to be an eight-week trial in Manhattan’s federal court.

Central to the case is testimony from his former longtime partner, singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, who dated Combs on and off for more than a decade until 2018. Ventura has accused him of physical abuse, sexual coercion, and orchestrating so-called “freak offs”—sex acts she alleges she was forced to participate in.

More than 190 celebrities are expected to be referenced throughout the trial, according to Variety. While their exact connection to the case may vary, some major names have already come up in court.

Kid Cudi
Ventura testified that her past relationship with Kid Cudi (real name Scott Mescudi) sparked a violent reaction from Combs in 2011. She claimed Combs discovered the relationship through her emails and became enraged, allegedly lunging at her with a wine opener and threatening to harm Cudi.

In January 2012, Cudi’s Porsche was set on fire using an incendiary device. While Combs was never charged in connection with the incident, Cudi’s representative confirmed to The New York Times that Ventura’s claims were true.

Michael B. Jordan
According to Variety, actor Michael B. Jordan was also romantically linked to Ventura, which may explain his name being brought up. However, he is not expected to testify or be directly involved in the trial.

Kim Porter
Ventura testified that her relationship with Combs began while he was still involved with Kim Porter, the mother of three of his children. She claimed that their relationship remained secret for years because Combs “didn’t want it to look bad,” particularly due to his family commitments. Porter passed away in 2018 from pneumonia. Her children, including twin daughters, have reportedly been attending the trial.

Kanye West (Ye)
While Ye’s connection to the case is unclear, his name was mentioned in court. In March, he released a song with Combs featuring his daughter North West. He later shared a recorded phone conversation where Combs warned him to “be careful” of people trying to “end” him.

Suge Knight
Ventura recalled Combs’ long-standing rivalry with Death Row Records founder Suge Knight. She testified that Combs once dressed in black and armed himself before heading to confront Knight at a diner, based on a tip. “I was screaming and crying: ‘Please don’t do anything stupid,’” Ventura told the court. Combs returned 30 minutes later, she said, without disclosing what happened.

Drake & French Montana
Ventura described an alleged assault in 2013, the night before she was set to attend Toronto’s OVO Festival, hosted by Drake. She said Combs broke into her apartment and attacked her while she was asleep.

“I cut my eyebrow on the corner of the bed. Sean threw me onto the bed frame. I had a significant gash,” she testified. Instead of going to the ER, security took her to a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon. She styled her hair to cover the injury and attended the festival, where she was seen with French Montana. Neither rapper has been accused of wrongdoing.

Dawn Richard
Singer Dawn Richard, a former Danity Kane member, also filed a sexual assault lawsuit against Combs in September 2024, shortly before his arrest. She alleged verbal abuse and claimed she witnessed him assaulting Ventura. Combs has denied her accusations, which are currently the subject of an ongoing case.

Ike & Tina Turner
Text messages presented in court included a 2017 message from Ventura to Combs, referencing the abusive relationship between Ike and Tina Turner. She wrote: “You treat me like Ike Turner.” The comparison drew attention to alleged patterns of abuse in their relationship.

Prince
Ventura also recounted an alleged violent encounter tied to a visit to a private concert at Prince’s home. Not planning to inform Combs, she said she spotted him unexpectedly and ran, fearing his reaction. Later, in her hotel room, Combs allegedly assaulted her. “He threw luggage at me, calling me all kinds of names,” she testified.

As the trial continues, more names and allegations are expected to emerge. The proceedings are drawing intense media attention and could have far-reaching implications for both Combs and those connected to his circle.

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