BBC News, reporting from court in New York City
Jane Rosenberg /Reuters
An exotic dancer known as The Punisher uncovered his client’s identity after turning on a hotel TV, which displayed, “Welcome Sean Combs”.
Sharay Hayes shared in court that he was contracted to perform “sexy, erotic scenes” with Combs’ then-girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, while a naked man observed.
Initially, he was unaware that the man was Mr. Combs. His realization came when he spotted Combs’ name on the hotel TV welcome screen while waiting for his clients.
Mr. Combs, now 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution purposes.
Warning: Readers may find some details distressing
Mr. Hayes recounted his initial encounter with the couple in a New York courtroom. He was instructed to “not acknowledge” the man present and noted that Combs had a veil covering his face.
Upon arriving at a hotel room in Trump Tower on Central Park West, Ms. Ventura greeted him in a bathrobe, according to Mr. Hayes.
Inside, the furniture was draped in sheets, and there were small bowls with baby oil scattered on the floor.
He described 8 to 12 encounters with Ms. Ventura while Combs supervised, directing adjustments like candle placements and instructing sexual activities.
Mr. Hayes mentioned that Ms. Ventura occasionally seemed to react negatively to Combs’ suggestions, sometimes looking for his approval for certain actions.
His testimony follows earlier claims from Daniel Phillip, who also asserted he was compensated to engage sexually with Ms. Ventura while Mr. Combs observed.
Cassie’s mother took photographs of daughter’s injuries
On the same day, the court heard from Regina Ventura, mother of R&B singer Cassie.
An email dated December 23, 2011, from Ms. Ventura to her mother was presented as evidence, stating that Mr. Combs had threatened her, including claims that he would “release two explicit sex tapes” of her.
The email also detailed that Mr. Combs allegedly threatened he would “have someone hurt me” while specifying he wouldn’t be in the country at the time.
Subsequent to the email’s presentation, Ms. Ventura’s mother identified several photographs of her daughter taken at their home in Connecticut around that period.
These images displayed bruises on Ms. Ventura’s back and leg, which her mother contended were a result of abuse from Sean Combs.
US Federal Court
She also claimed that Mr. Combs demanded $20,000 out of anger regarding money spent on Ms. Ventura.
Ms. Ventura’s mother testified that she obtained a loan with her husband to send the money into an account specified by Mr. Combs’ “bookkeeper”.
“I was fearful for my daughter’s safety,” noted Ms. Ventura, stating she felt obligated to comply with his demands.
The funds reportedly reappeared in their account about four days later without any communication regarding the return.
Earlier in the day, the defense rigorously cross-examined a former assistant of Mr. Combs, highlighting several inconsistencies in his prior testimonies.
The trial is slated to last several weeks, and Mr. Combs could face a life sentence if found guilty.
Automatic rifles with enhancements seized from Miami mansion
The final witness on the day was Homeland Security special agent Gerard Gannon, who led the raid on Mr. Combs’ Miami mansion in March 2024.
He presented evidence to the jury concerning items discovered on the 20,000-square-foot property, including semiautomatic AR-15 rifles, loaded magazines, lingerie, baby oil, and platform high heels.
The rifles, modified for rapid fire, were enhanced with features like “red dot optics” for precision shooting—an uncommon addition.
Serial numbers, used to trace firearms from manufacturers to owners, were allegedly removed from two of the weapons. Additionally, Mr. Gannon noted that one of Mr. Combs’ 30-round magazines contained only 19 bullets at the time it was seized.
Testimony will resume on Wednesday with Gannon.
The court is anticipated to hear from Scott Mescudi, known as Kid Cudi, on Wednesday or Thursday. He previously dated Cassie in 2011 and has been frequently referenced during the trial, particularly regarding accusations that Mr. Combs allegedly sabotaged his car out of jealousy.