This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. Prosecutors inSean "Diddy" Combs'federal sex-crimes trialcontinue to target hisalleged cycle of abuseas more witnesses come forward with shocking claims. Following bombshell testimony fromDanity KanealumDawn RichardandCassie Ventura Fine's former best friend Kerry Morgan, jurors reconvened in Manhattan court on May 20 to hear more accounts from those in Combs' orbit. Richard, a former member of Combs' platinum-selling girl group, told the court on May 19 that she saw Combs beat his ex-girlfriend Ventura Fine in 2009 at his Los Angeles home, grabbing her hair and dragging her up a flight of stairs. Meanwhile, Morgan testified that Combs once attacked her in Cassie's California home, choking Morgan and hitting her in the head with a wooden hanger. Combs' former personal assistant David James also took the stand to reflect on his employment with Combs, including candid conversations with Ventura Fine on her relationship with the Grammy-winning rapper. Combs, 55, wasarrested in September 2024on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Diddy on trial newsletter:Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges To close out the May 19 hearing, James began his testimony on the events he witnessed from 2007 to 2009. James told the court that one comment stood out in his mind when he thought back on the initial job interview process. A female staff member at the time told him, "This is Mr. Combs' kingdom. We're all here to serve it." Morgan testified that herfriendship with Ventura Fineended after Combs assaulted her in April 2018. Cassie's former friend said she was listening to the singer's music in Ventura Fine's Hollywood Hills house before Combs came in and allegedly choked Morgan, adding that Combs was yelling and accusing Ventura Fine of cheating on him. She said the rapper "boomeranged" a wooden hanger at her head, which hit her behind the ear. Combs is facing federal sex-crimes and trafficking charges in a sprawling lawsuit that has eroded his status as a power player and kingmaker in the entertainment industry. He wasarrested in September 2024and has been charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. He haspleaded not guiltyto all five counts. Racketeering is the participation in an illegal scheme under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute, or RICO, as a way for the U.S. government to prosecute organizations that contribute to criminal activity. Using RICO law, which is typically aimed attargeting multi-person criminal organizations,prosecutors allegethat Combs coerced victims, some of whom they say were sex workers, through intimidation and narcotics to participate in "freak offs" — sometimes dayslong sex performances that federal prosecutors claim they have video of. The trial will not be televised, as cameras are typically not allowed in federal criminal trial proceedings. USA TODAY will be reporting live from the courtroom. Contributing: USA TODAY staff If you are a survivor of sexual assault,RAINNoffers support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) andHotline.RAINN.organd en EspañolRAINN.org/es. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Diddy trial updates: Prosecutors target Sean Combs' cycle of abuse
