During the trial of hip-hop icon Sean "Diddy" Combs, exotic dancer Sharay Hayes recounted his unexpected discovery of Combs' identity while preparing for a private encounter. The court heard from both Hayes and Cassie Ventura's mother, who provided distressing evidence regarding threats and abuse.
Exotic Dancer Unveils Diddy’s Identity in High-Profile Trial
Exotic Dancer Unveils Diddy’s Identity in High-Profile Trial
Testimony reveals shocking moments from Sean Combs’ ongoing sex trafficking trial.
An exotic dancer, known as The Punisher, revealed crucial details during Sean "Diddy" Combs' ongoing sex trafficking trial in New York City. Sharay Hayes testified that he learned Combs’ identity when he turned on the television in a hotel suite, which welcomed "Sean Combs" before a scheduled encounter. Hayes was initially oblivious to the man's identity, as Combs, 55, allegedly watched while Hayes performed erotic scenes with Combs' then-girlfriend Casandra "Cassie" Ventura.
In court on Tuesday, Hayes recounted his first meeting with the couple under peculiar circumstances. He was instructed to avoid acknowledging Combs, who concealed his face with a veil. When Hayes arrived at the Trump Tower suite, he found the environment meticulously arranged with sheets draped over furniture and small bowls filled with baby oil scattered on the floor.
The courtroom also heard from Regina Ventura, Cassie's mother, who presented an email from her daughter dated December 23, 2011. In this email, Cassie accused Combs of making threats to release explicit videos of her and claimed that he had threatened to harm her, stating that he would be out of the country when it occurred.
Regina Ventura illustrated her daughter's distress through photographic evidence of bruises taken at their family home, which she alleged were results of physical abuse from Combs. She testified about being pressured to pay Combs $20,000 due to his anger over his expenditures related to Cassie, stating she felt compelled to comply for her daughter's safety.
The defense subsequently cross-examined a former personal assistant to Combs, highlighting discrepancies in previous testimonies. The trial is projected to extend over several weeks, with Combs potentially facing severe sentencing should he be found guilty of the charges he denies, including racketeering and sex trafficking.
