In a New York City court, exotic dancer Sharay Hayes testified he recognized Sean Combs as "Diddy" when his name appeared on a hotel television screen, detailing a disturbing encounter connected to sex trafficking allegations against the rapper, alongside testimony from Cassie Ventura's mother regarding threats and abuse.
Exotic Dancer Unveils Diddy's Identity During High-Profile Trial

Exotic Dancer Unveils Diddy's Identity During High-Profile Trial
Male exotic dancer Sharay Hayes recounts a pivotal moment at the sex trafficking trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, revealing how he discovered the hip-hop mogul's identity.
During a court session in New York City, exotic dancer Sharay Hayes, who performed under the name "The Punisher," provided crucial testimony that shed light on the identity of his high-profile client, hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, during a sex trafficking trial. Hayes described an encounter where, while awaiting clients in a luxurious hotel suite, he noticed the screen displayed a personalized greeting: "Welcome Sean Combs."
The court heard details of Hayes' initial meeting with Combs and his then-girlfriend, Casandra "Cassie" Ventura. He noted being instructed not to acknowledge the presence of Combs, who allegedly concealed his face with a veil during their interactions. Hayes recounted a startling scene in Trump Tower, where the suite was prepared for what he was told would be "sexy, erotic scenes," involving Ventura while a naked man—which turned out to be Combs—watched in the corner.
This testimony aligns with recent claims made by another witness, Daniel Phillip, who stated he was paid for sexual encounters with Ventura while Combs observed. The courtroom tension escalated further as Regina Ventura, Cassie's mother, presented evidence of threats made by Combs in 2011. An email from Cassie revealed his intention to expose her with explicit tapes and suggested threats against her safety, which her mother argued came with visible bruises on Cassie’s body.
Additionally, Regina Ventura testified that Combs demanded a $20,000 payment due to anger over his financial investment in Cassie’s endeavors. She shared how she and her husband took out a loan to fulfill this request, underscoring the climate of fear surrounding Combs. The atmosphere of the trial grew charged as defense attorneys cross-examined a former assistant to Combs, prompting discrepancies in testimonies that could influence the jury's perception.
As the trial progresses, the stakes remain high for Combs, who could face a life sentence if found guilty of the serious charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and other crimes. The unfolding drama not only captures the attention of media outlets but also raises broader discussions about accountability within the entertainment industry, especially concerning allegations of abuse and exploitation.