Top takeaways from ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura's testimony at Diddy trial

Sean "Diddy" Combs' ex-girlfriend, Casandra Ventura, testified on Tuesday. She is the star witness in his sex trafficking trial. Ms. Ventura accused Mr. Combs of controlling her life and coercing her into humiliating sex acts.

Mr. Combs has pleaded not guilty to several charges. These include racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution.

Many family members and friends attended the trial to support Mr. Combs. His legal team has not yet questioned Ms. Ventura.

Ms. Ventura is pregnant and shared details about alleged abuse during their relationship. She described "freak-offs," which were sexual encounters with male escorts.

Prosecutors began by asking about her 11-year relationship with Mr. Combs. Now 38 years old, she met him when she was 19 and he was 37. He signed her as an artist shortly after they started dating.

Initially, she felt they were in a monogamous relationship but later learned otherwise. She said she "fell in love" with him but soon noticed his controlling behavior.

Ms. Ventura claimed Mr. Combs wanted to control every aspect of her life. He paid for her home, cars, and phone but would take them away as punishment.

She stated that control extended to her appearance and work choices. Eventually, this control became violent; he would hit and kick her frequently.

She testified that she suffered physical injuries like swollen lips and black eyes.

Prosecutors asked Ms. Ventura about the "freak-offs." She explained how Mr. Combs introduced these events early in their relationship.

They would hire male escorts or strippers while he watched them have sex together. Initially, she participated to make him happy but felt humiliated afterward.

"I felt pretty horrible about myself," she said through tears, adding it made her feel worthless.

Ms. Ventura claimed she only wanted to have sex with Mr. Combs himself. To cope during these encounters, she used drugs like marijuana and ecstasy to perform better.

The drugs helped her disassociate from what was happening during those moments, she explained.

As prosecutors pressed further about the "freak-offs," Ms. Ventura detailed how Mr. Combs directed everything about them.

He chose the male escorts and even dictated what outfits she wore during these encounters.

"If Sean wanted something to happen, that was what was going to happen," she stated firmly.

Sometimes Ms.Ventura selected escorts because Mr.Combs was busy but only at his direction.

She noted that each encounter followed a specific pattern of sexual acts controlled by him.

"He was directing it all," she alleged while trying to express feeling horrible about it.

When he dismissed her concerns, Ms.Ventura relented out of fear he might get angry or question their relationship.

Her testimony will continue on Wednesday when cross-examination may occur.