On Thursday, rapper Kid Cudi delivered explosive testimony in the ongoing sex trafficking trial of hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Speaking under oath, Cudi accused Combs of breaking into his home and setting his Porsche on fire. The alleged motive? Cudi’s brief relationship with Combs’ ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura.
Now in its second week, the trial has featured testimony from 16 witnesses, including Cassie herself. Each day has brought new details of the disturbing allegations surrounding Combs. But Cudi’s account of intimidation and violence shocked even seasoned observers.
A relationship turns dangerous
Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, told the court that he dated Cassie briefly in 2011. At the time, he believed she had broken off her relationship with Combs.
Soon after, Cassie confided in Cudi, telling him that Combs had physically assaulted her. The situation escalated in December 2011 when Cassie called Cudi in a panic around 6 a.m. She claimed Combs had attacked her with a wine bottle opener after discovering her relationship with Cudi. She managed to escape and phoned him for help.
Fearing for their safety, the two fled to a nearby hotel. “She was terrified,” Cudi recalled. “We didn’t know what he might do next.”
Home break-in and firebombed porsche
When Cudi returned home later, he noticed clear signs of a break-in. His security cameras had been tampered with. Gifts in the house were ripped open. Even his dog had been locked in the bathroom.
Cudi immediately called the police to report the incident. However, despite the clear evidence of trespassing, no arrests were made.
The situation escalated again just a few weeks later. In January 2012, Cudi received a call: his Porsche had been set on fire outside his home. Investigators found the roof had been cut open and suspected a Molotov cocktail was used to start the blaze. Jurors were shown shocking photos of the damage.
Face-to-face with Diddy
Cudi described a tense meeting with Combs that followed. The two met at the Soho House in Los Angeles. Cudi said Combs stood by the window, hands clasped behind his back, silent and intense. “He looked like a Marvel supervillain,” Cudi told the court.
When Cudi asked him about the arson, Combs denied everything. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he reportedly said.
They crossed paths again in 2015, again at Soho House. This time, Combs apologised. According to Cudi, he said: “Man, I just want to apologise for everything and all that bullsh*t.” Though shaken, Cudi said he accepted the apology and “found peace” with the situation.
Questions from the defence
During cross-examination, Combs’ defence attorney, Brian Steel, pressed Cudi on key details. He confirmed that DNA was collected from the burnt Porsche, but authorities never shared the results. No one was arrested.
Steel also suggested that Cassie may have manipulated Cudi into thinking Combs was more dangerous than he was. Cudi admitted that it was a possibility.
Still, he stood firm. “Our relationship ended because it wasn’t safe. I knew Sean Combs was violent.”
Trial continues
The trial has already painted a troubling picture of Combs’ alleged behaviour, but Kid Cudi’s testimony could be among the most damaging. As witnesses continue to take the stand, all eyes remain on the courtroom.
Combs has denied all allegations and has not been charged with arson. His legal team insists that the claims are exaggerated or fabricated.
Still, with each day of testimony, the pressure mounts.
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