As the federal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs moves into its seventh day, proceedings are expected to continue with testimony from David James, Combs’ former personal assistant, following a partial appearance on Day 6.
What to expect from Day 7 of the Diddy trial
James is being presented by the prosecution as a key figure to help explain the inner workings of Combs’ business and personal environment, which they argue constituted a criminal enterprise.
James, who worked for Combs from 2007 to 2009, described being responsible for everything from scheduling meetings to accompanying the music mogul during late-night studio sessions and travel.
He detailed conversations he overheard involving Combs and his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, including one in which Combs reportedly described her as “young and moldable” and claimed to have her under control.
The prosecution is using his statements to build their case around alleged manipulation and abuse.
The court is also expected to address whether previous witness Cassie Ventura may be recalled, depending on the admissibility of new evidence.
What the court has heard thus far
Testimony on Day 6 included detailed and graphic accounts from two women with close personal and professional ties to Combs and Ventura.
Dawn Richard, a singer and former member of the group Danity Kane, testified about multiple instances where she saw Combs physically assault Ventura.
Richard described Combs dragging, hitting, and slapping Ventura during arguments and group travel.
She also claimed to have seen him with handguns and witnessed him using several types of drugs. When asked why she stayed silent for years, Richard said she feared for her safety and had been instructed not to speak out.
On cross-examination, the defence questioned the consistency of Richard’s claims, pointing out discrepancies between her testimony and previous interviews, including her failure to initially report specific alleged threats and incidents.
Kerry Morgan, identified as Ventura’s longtime best friend, provided additional testimony. She described several alleged assaults, including an incident in Jamaica where Combs reportedly dragged Ventura by her hair through a hallway, and another where he allegedly attempted to break into an apartment with a hammer.
Morgan also claimed that Combs physically assaulted her, hitting her with a wooden hanger and choking her.
Like Richard, Morgan’s motives and consistency were challenged by the defence, particularly around her settlement with Combs and her continued communications with him.
Both witnesses spoke about a controlling and abusive environment that extended to Combs’ employees and associates.
We did a full breakdown of the first week of the Diddy trial. Watch it below:
Diddy Trial: Live stream and updates
There is no live stream of the trial due to federal court rules. The case is being held in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, where cameras and live broadcasts are not permitted.
However, detailed daily updates are available through outlets covering the proceedings, including Inner City Press, whose trial notes have been essential for public reporting on the case.