The federal sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs intensified Monday as singer Dawn Richard took the stand, recounting harrowing abuse she claims to have witnessed — but also facing sharp cross-examination that called key aspects of her testimony into question.
Richard, formerly of Danity Kane and Diddy — Dirty Money, offered graphic descriptions of alleged physical abuse committed by Combs against his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, including an incident involving a frying pan and threats of violence. Richard told jurors she saw Combs “punch,” “kick,” and “choke” Ventura and described the mogul threatening her life to ensure her silence: “He said I could disappear.”
Yet it was defense attorney Nicole Westmoreland’s cross-examination that turned the spotlight onto Richard’s credibility. Highlighting discrepancies between Richard’s court testimony and prior statements to federal investigators, Westmoreland questioned how Richard’s story had evolved across eight separate interviews.
One focal point was the frying pan incident: In earlier statements, Richard reportedly said she only heard a noise, not that she saw Combs wield the object. On Monday, however, Richard claimed she witnessed the attempted assault directly — a change she attributed to fading memory and emotional trauma. “At the time, I hadn’t recalled that,” she told the court.
Westmoreland also pressed Richard on:
Her delayed mention of a death threat, not raised until a week before her testimony.
Shifting accounts regarding Combs’ drug use, specifically cocaine.
Her continued contact with Combs after their group disbanded — including initiating discussions about a musical reunion, despite alleging she feared him.
Her ongoing civil lawsuit, which seeks monetary damages for alleged groping and abuse.
“You were so scared of him, right?” Westmoreland asked pointedly. “But you asked to work with him again?”
At one point, Westmoreland insinuated that Richard’s career frustrations may be fueling her accusations. “The songs that you’ve released haven’t reached the same levels as Danity Kane and Diddy — Dirty Money. No offense,” she said.
In redirect, prosecutors attempted to repair Richard’s shaken credibility, noting the events she described occurred over a decade ago, and memory gaps are not unusual. “It’s taken me years to remember all this,” Richard said, reaffirming she had no doubt about what she witnessed.
Prosecutors also emphasized that Richard is not seeking financial compensation from Combs’ criminal trial, only from the separate civil suit she filed in 2024.
Combs, who has denied all allegations against him, faces federal charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, and obstruction of justice. If convicted, he could face life in prison.
The trial continues this week with additional witnesses expected to testify.
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