Editor's note: This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. Casandra Ventura Fine, who first took the stand May 13, will testify again today about the alleged sexual, physical and psychological abuse she endured at the hands of former partnerSean "Diddy" Combs. In November 2023, Ventura Fine − better known as Cassie, the hitmaker behind the song "Me & U" − alleged in a bombshelllawsuitthat Combs had trafficked, sexually assaulted and physically abused her during their decadelong relationship. The two "amicably"settled the lawsuita day after Ventura Fine's filing, and Combs' team alluded to a "substantial eight-figure settlement" in court documents for his criminal case. Last May,a 2016 hotel surveillance videoexclusively shared by CNN showed Combs kicking, hitting and dragging Ventura Fine – actions that were first described in her legal complaint. Diddy on trial newsletter:Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes and trafficking charges. Now, as Combs, 55, faces charges ofsex trafficking,racketeeringand transportation to engage in prostitution, Ventura Fine, 38, is confronting him in court as the prosecution's star witness in the case. Combs has pleaded not guilty. During her May 13 testimony, which she recounted while very muchpregnant with her third child, Ventura Fine spoke slowly and softly, lifting a tissue to her eyes and often touching her abdomen. Sean 'Diddy' Combscould lose his freedom – and his vast empire of mansions, art and cars Ventura Fine took the stand and told the court about the beginnings of her relationship with Combs. She said they first kissed in a bathroom on her 21st birthday, and their physical relationship progressed from there. She said Combs "basically taught me" how to have oral sex, and being with him felt like her "first adult relationship." Ventura Fine also painted a picture of Combs when things between the two turned violent. Answering questions from prosecutors, Ventura Fine told the jury thatCombs would often beat her, leaving her with black eyes and bruises all over her body. She was positioned with federal prosecutor Emily Johnson looking straight ahead at her, with her body occasionally facing the jury. "He would bash my head, knock me over, drag me, kick me, stomp me in the head if I was down," Ventura Fine, her voice breaking slightly, alleged on the stand. 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 istypically aimed at targeting 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. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Diddy live updates: Cassie Ventura testimony in trial continues
