Nearly a dozen inmates escape jail, including murder suspect, sparking massive search
An urgent manhunt was underway Friday after nearly a dozen inmates escaped from a New Orleans jail between Thursday night and Friday morning as authorities said they’re investigating if the escape was an inside job.
Officials shared a photo of the hole used by the 10 inmates to escape, which appeared to have been hidden behind a toilet. Chief of Corrections Jeworski “Jay” Mallett said during a news conference that there were “several security breaches.”
He added toiletries in a handicap cell were used to remove some of the bolts and toilets.
“We know that this could not be removed from the inside, so we are investigating that to see exactly who entered these areas, what kind of work was done, if there was work being done, and if this is an inside job,” Mallett said.
AG CONCLUDES CHARGES IN GANG-RELATED NEVADA PRISON BRAWL THAT LEFT 3 INMATES DEAD
New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said her agency was notified at 10:30 a.m. that 11 inmates had escaped from the sheriff’s jail.
Hours after releasing the names, charges and mugshots of 11 inmates, New Orleans Police Department Sheriff Susan Hutson clarified that only 10 escaped, and that the mislabeled inmate had been moved from a different cell in the facility and their system had not been updated.
Many of the inmates are considered violent offenders, with some facing charges including murder.
“The primary security breach and concern is the facility’s infrastructure,” Mallett said. “We’ve identified that we have a large number of high security individuals in a minimum custody facility. This particular breach of security occurred on the first floor of one of our security pods, where we had slider doors. These doors are able to be manipulated and forced off the track that they’re on, which allows individuals to enter and exit at will.”
The jail is only at 60% staffing, and at the time of the escape, four supervisors and 36 staff were monitoring the 1,400 inmates, authorities said.
“This is an urgent and a serious situation,” Kirkpatrick said. “Please be mindful. We know or have asked for pictures of these escapees from the sheriff’s office. … We do also want to make I appeal to the public that if you see something, and you just think this is not right, don’t hesitate. Call 911.”
The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO) said one of the escaped inmates charged with second-degree murder, Kendell Myles, is back in custody and being re-booked at the facility for a new charge of simple escape.
OPSO deputies found him hiding beneath a car in the Hotel Monteleone parking garage, according to officials.
Myles was then taken back to the jail by Louisiana State Police.
“The remaining individuals are still being actively pursued, and our deputies, in collaboration with local and state law enforcement, are working tirelessly to locate and return them to custody,” according to the sheriff’s office.
ESCAPED NORTH CAROLINA INMATE HAS HISTORY OF TRYING TO FLEE LAW ENFORCEMENT
Anyone found to be aiding an escapee will be charged as an accomplice, according to authorities.
A violent offender warrant squad is actively searching for the escapees along with the FBI and U.S. Marshals.
The escaped inmates include:
- Dkenan Dennis, 24, is charged with two counts of armed robbery with a firearm, illegal carrying of a weapon, illegal possession of stolen things, extortion, theft of a firearm by misappropriation, possession of firearm during a crime of violence, illegal transmission of monetary funds, simple battery, and illegal possession of stolen things.
- Gary C. Price, 21, is charged with seven counts of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree battery, aggravated assault with a firearm, false imprisonment with a weapon, domestic abuse, simple assault, aggravated criminal damage to property, and resisting an officer.
- Robert L. Moody, 21, is charged with aggravated second degree battery, illegal carrying of a weapon, obstruction of justice, two counts of illegal possession of stolen things, and other drug charges.
- Kendell Myles, 20, is charged with intentional concealment of a weapon, possession of contraband in prison, attempted second-degree murder, simple criminal damage to property, discharging a firearm during a violent crime, criminal conspiracy to armed robbery, armed robbery with a firearm, and aggravated flight from an officer with life endangered.
- Corey E. Boyd, 19, is charged with second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery, illegal carrying of weapons involving a crime, and obstruction of justice.
- Lenton J. Vanburen Jr., 26, is charged with illegal carrying of weapons, possession of a firearm or weapon by a felon, obstruction of justice, and introducing contraband in prison.
- Jermaine Donald, 42, is charged with second-degree murder, aggravated battery, possession of a firearm or weapon by a felon, and obstruction of justice.
- Antoine Massey, 32, is charged with domestic abuse involving strangulation, theft of a motor vehicle, and a parole violation.
- Derrick Groves, 27, is charged with three counts of attempted second-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder, and battery of a correctional facility employee.
- Leo O. Tate Sr., 31, is charged with simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling, possession of a firearm or weapon by a felon, illegal carrying of a weapon, motor vehicle theft, and multiple drug charges.
In a statement posted to X, Attorney General Liz Murrill said “someone clearly dropped the ball and there’s no excuse for this.”
“I’m in communication with Troop NOLA and @LAStatePolice Superintendent Colonel Hodges. It’s all hands on deck,” Murrill wrote in the post. “The first priority in any escape must be the immediate capture of the inmates and coordination with state and local law enforcement — but that effort cannot come at the expense of timely notification to the public, which is also critical to keeping communities safe. My office will do whatever it takes to determine how this happened and make sure that it won’t happen again.”
Hutson confirmed she did not notify any agencies other than the US Marshals Task Force about the escape until 10:30 a.m. Friday.
The public was also left uninformed until Friday morning.
LOUISIANA PRISONS ROUTINELY HOLD INMATES PAST THEIR RELEASE DATE, JUSTICE DEPARTMENT ARGUES
She added she is calling for a full investigation.
“This is beyond unacceptable, and once these offenders are back in custody, there must be real accountability,” Murrill wrote.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Trump-appointed judge slaps down Biden-era guidance on sexual orientation
A Trump-appointed federal judge slapped down portions of Biden-era Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidance that claims Title VII protections against sex-based employment discrimination include the concepts of sexual orientation and gender identity.
The ruling, signed by Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk of the U.S. District Court for the Northwestern District of Texas, declares that language in the guidance that defines “sex” in Title VII as encompassing sexual orientation and gender identity is “contrary to law.”
The ruling declares the same regarding “all language defining ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender identity’ as a protected class.”
“Sex-based discrimination under Title VII includes employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity,” part of the EEOC’s Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace reads. “Accordingly, sex-based harassment includes harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity, including how that identity is expressed.”
US JUDGE RULES THAT BIDEN TEAM’S LGBTQ PROPOSAL WRONGLY INTERPRETED OBAMACARE PROVISION
The guidance notes that, “The contents of this document do not have the force and effect of law, are not meant to bind the public in any way, and do not obviate the need for the EEOC and its staff to consider the facts of each case and applicable legal principles when exercising their enforcement discretion.”
The ruling comes in a legal challenge lodged by the Heritage Foundation — a conservative D.C. think tank — and the state of Texas.
“The Biden EEOC tried to compel businesses – and the American people – to deny basic biological truth,” Dr. Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation and Heritage Action for America, said in a statement, noting that “thanks to the great state of Texas and the work of my Heritage colleagues, a federal judge said: not so fast.
READ THE JUDGE’S ORDER – APP USERS, CLICK HERE:
“This ruling is more than a legal victory. It’s a cultural one,” he added. “It says no – you don’t have to surrender common sense at the altar of leftist ideology. You don’t have to pretend men are women. And you don’t have to lie to keep your job. Heritage is doing exactly what the conservative movement needs to do: stop apologizing, start suing, and take back institutions.”
The White House called it a “major win for women and commonsense.”
The judge “confirmed what the Trump Administration consistently maintains: government-imposed DEI policies requiring bathroom, dress, and pronoun accommodations are illegal,” White House spokesman Harrison Fields told Fox News Digital.
On Inauguration Day earlier this year, President Donald Trump issued an executive order declaring it U.S. policy “to recognize two sexes, male and female.”
That order called for rescinding guidance documents, or portions of documents, that clash with the order. The EEOC’s Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace was specifically mentioned in the order.
CLINTON-APPOINTED FEDERAL JUDGE BLOCKS TRUMP ADMIN FROM PULLING FOREIGN SERVICE WORKERS’ BARGAINING RIGHTS
However, after Trump issued the order, EEOC Commissioners Charlotte Burrows, Jocelyn Samuels and Kalpana Kotagal said in a joint statement that “like all workers, LGBTQI+ workers — including transgender workers — are protected by federal law and entitled to the full measure of America’s promise of equal opportunity in the workplace.”
Samuels and Burrows later said in January they had been informed by the White House that Trump was removing them from their roles as EEOC commissioners.
The EEOC notes on its website that it needs a quorum to vote on rescinding guidance documents.
“As of January 28, 2025, the EEOC no longer has a quorum of its bipartisan leadership panel of Commissioners, following the departures of two Commissioners. The Commission panel currently is comprised of Republican Acting Chair Andrea Lucas (designated as Acting Chair by President Trump on January 20, 2025) and Democrat Commissioner Kalpana Kotagal,” the website explains.
NEW HOUSE BILL WOULD MAKE TRUMP BAN ON TRANSGENDER TROOPS PERMANENT
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The Texas attorney general’s office and the EEOC did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital on Friday.
Yankees’ infielder expresses gratitude after ‘sad night’ following gruesome injury
New York Yankees utility man Oswaldo Cabrera suffered a grotesque injury in the team’s 11-5 win over the Seattle Mariners on Monday.
Cabrera, 26, posted a heartfelt message on social media late Thursday night about how thankful he is for the support he has received.
“After such a sad night for me, having so many negative thoughts after twisting my ankle so brutally, in so much pain, I went to try to sleep so I wouldn’t give in to more bad thoughts. When I woke up, one of the first things I did was grab my phone. I didn’t have hundreds, I had THOUSANDS of messages from my family, friends, fans, agents, coaches, teammates,” Cabrera posted to Instagram.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
“I simply had messages from EVERYONE. I dropped the phone on the bed and with a big SMILE on my face, the first thing I could say was ‘God, how blessed I am.’”
In his post, Cabrera said that he had undergone successful surgery on his injured ankle. Cabrera said the outpouring of support that he has received since the injury is something he and his family will never forget.
“My return to the field begins today. Thanks to you, I feel more motivated than ever. So, with the strength I’ve always had and all this beautiful energy that you all give to me, I tell you that I will return, and I will return even stronger to continue giving my best every day. I LOVE U ALL,” Cabrera posted.
In a separate post, Cabrera shouted out some teammates who came and visited him in the hospital overnight.
YANKEES PLACE OSWALDO CABRERA ON INJURED LIST AFTER HE SUSTAINED GRUESOME ANKLE INJURY
“I know all my teammates would have loved to come see me that same night, but access to the hospital was restricted. Also, as soon as the game ended, besides the coaches and trainers (people I love very much, by the way), my captain, Aaron Judge, and another of my favorite people, Anthony Volpe, were there,” Cabrera said in his post.
“They didn’t have to be there, but they still went without even having anything in their stomachs.”
Cabrera has been with the Yankees since his MLB debut in 2022, and is beloved in the clubhouse.
WARNING: GRAPHIC VIDEO
His injury occurred in the top of the ninth inning. The bases were loaded with one out for the Yankees. Cabrera was the runner on third base and Aaron Judge hit a fly ball to right field.
Cabrera tagged up once the ball was caught, and hustled home.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Cabrera tried to avoid Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh’s tag, and as he stopped to try and touch home plate as he slowed down, his ankle buckled beneath him, and he went down in pain.
Cabrera had been getting most of the starts at third base for the Yankees this season. In the past, he’s been used as a utility man who could fill in and play all over the diamond.
In 34 games this season, Cabrera has a .243 batting average with one home run and 11 RBIs. During his four-year career, the 26-year-old has a .234 batting average with 34 home runs.
Influencer shot dead while livestreaming from beauty salon
A Mexican social media influencer was shot dead while livestreaming at a beauty salon in a region renowned for cartel violence, with prosecutors saying she was the victim of a targeted attack by a hitman.
Valeria Márquez, 23, a model and beauty influencer with more than 113,000 followers on TikTok, collapsed on camera after being shot in the head and chest by a masked gunman who fled the scene on a motorbike with an accomplice, prosecutors said.
The brazen murder is being investigated as femicide, a gender-based crime under Mexican law, with Mexican President Claudia extending her condolences to Márquez’s family and saying that Mexico’s security cabinet is working to solve the murder with the prosecutor’s office.
AFTER CARTELS KILLED MY HUSBAND, MY FAMILY WAITED 40 YEARS FOR JUSTICE. THANKS TO TRUMP, IT’S FINALLY HERE
Hours before the grisly killing, Márquez had expressed concern that two men had arrived at the salon in the state of Jalisco near Guadalajara in western Mexico, claiming to have a “very expensive” gift that needed to be delivered to her in person but she wasn’t there at the time, according to a witness.
“Maybe they were going to kill me,” Márquez said in her video minutes before she was killed while livestreaming from the salon. “Were they going to come and take me away, or what? I’m worried.”
When the men returned, they asked if it was Márquez who was now in the salon.
She was heard saying, “They’re coming,” before a voice in the background asked, “Hey, Vale?”
“Yes,” Marquez replied, just before muting the sound on the livestream.
Moments later, she was shot to death. A person appeared to pick up her phone, with their face briefly showing on the livestream before the video ended.
Denis Rodríguez, a spokesperson for the Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office said investigators believe that the men were hired assassins.
WEALTHY SUBURB ROCKED BY SUSPECTED CARTEL MURDER-FOR-HIRE SHOWS DRUG LORDS’ REACH ACROSS US: EXPERT
“The aggressor arrived asking if the victim (Márquez) was there. So it appears he didn’t know her,” Rodríguez said. “With that, you can deduce — without jumping to conclusions — that this was a person who was paid. It was obviously someone who came with a purpose.”
Márquez was handed a stuffed animal and a bag of Starbucks coffee while she was on the livestream before the fatal shots rang out.
The region is firmly controlled by one of the most powerful cartels in Mexico, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, and murders by hired guns on motorcycles, often known as “sicarios,” have become a common occurrence.
Rodríguez said that authorities were also investigating if the death was connected to the murder of a former congressman just hours earlier in the same area of Guadalajara, also carried out by two men on a motorcycle.
The killing has sent shockwaves through a country that faces high levels of violence against women.
Sheinbaum said on Thursday that an investigation is under way to first find those responsible and the motive behind this situation.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“We are working to find those responsible and determine the motive behind this situation. Obviously, we express our solidarity with the family during this unfortunate situation. Our solidarity goes out to her family,” she said.
Friends and relatives held a funeral for the slain influencer on Thursday.
Jalisco is ranked sixth out of Mexico’s 32 states, including Mexico City, for homicides, with 909 recorded there since the beginning of Sheinbaum’s term in October 2024, according to data consultancy TResearch.
104-year-old veteran who invited Trump to birthday party gets big surprise
President Donald Trump helped a World War II veteran make his birthday wish come true on Thursday.
Ohio resident Denver Moore, who just turned 104, is a longtime supporter of the president. He went viral in March after inviting Trump to his upcoming birthday party in a TikTok video that has since amassed over 890,000 views.
“President Trump… I’m gonna be 104 in May, and I’m inviting you to my birthday party in Canal Fulton,” he said in the video. “I got to vote for you again, and I hope I can vote for you some more.”
On Thursday, Moore found out he had received a video message from the president delivered by his congressman, Rep. Michael Rulli, R-Ohio.
WWII VET TURNING 104 INVITES ‘FAVORITE PRESIDENT’ TRUMP TO CELEBRATION, AND DISCUSSES HIS SECRET FOR LONG LIFE
“Hi, Denver!” Trump says in the video message.
“I want to wish you a very happy 104th birthday from your all-time favorite president. That’s me, Donald Trump,” he continues. “And I’m sorry we weren’t able to get to your party. I would love to get to your party, but I’m working on Russia, Ukraine, China, and all sorts of other places, and I know you want us to do well.”
“But I want just to thank you for your incredible service to our nation and for your support for making America great again. A very, very special man you are, and happy birthday,” he continued.
Trump is currently wrapping up a whirlwind historic tour to the Middle East. On Thursday he arrived in the United Arab Emirates, the first U.S. president to travel to the nation in nearly 20 years.
Moore, who lives at Danbury Senior Living facility in Massillon, a town just south of Cleveland, reacted to the message in a report by WEWS News 5 Cleveland reporter Rob Powers.
After watching the video, Moore joked about Trump fulfilling his birthday wish, “Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.”
WWII VETERAN TURNS 100, REVEALS THE SECRETS OF A LONG HEALTHY LIFE
Moore spoke to Fox News Digital in April about his birthday request to his “favorite president” going viral.
After the video was posted in March, people from all over the country – and even as far away as Africa – reached out to him to cheer him on, sending messages and birthday cards to the veteran.
“It’s been quite a ride,” Moore said.
Congressman Rulli told Fox News Digital that when he saw the viral video of Moore, he was “struck not only by the incredible milestone of his life but also by his deep sense of patriotism and service.”
“I was even more surprised to learn that this remarkable WWII veteran was a resident at a facility right in my district,” he said.
The congressman said he reached out to the White House to see if President Trump could honor Moore’s “heartfelt request.”
“President Trump and his team went above and beyond, recording a special video message just for him. I am incredibly grateful to the compassionate team at Danbury Senior Living, who worked hand in hand with my office to ensure Mr. Moore’s birthday was truly unforgettable,” Rulli said.
“His life and service are a testament to the spirit of our nation, and I’m proud we could celebrate him in such a meaningful way,” he added.
Moore has been a longtime supporter of Trump and says he agrees with most of the actions he’s taken.
“He may make a mistake or two, but he’s doing most everything right,” he previously told Fox News Digital.
Moore served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII before working for the U.S. Postal Service. He raised three children with his late wife Thelma Lee, to whom he was married for 75 years before she died in 2022 at age 95.
Moore’s family and friends say he is still mentally sharp and stays physically active, despite his advanced age.
That could be his secret to living a long healthy life.
“I was always active, doing something. I carried mail for 20 years, walking, and that was good. I grew up on a farm. We did everything. And if we didn’t have anything to do, we created something. So it’s just this: stay active,” he said about his advice for living a long life.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
He added, “Marry the right woman and live with her all of her life.”
Lauren Sanchez hosts star-studded Paris bachelorette party ahead of Bezos wedding
Before Lauren Sanchez meets her fiancé, Jeff Bezos, at the wedding altar, she held a star-studded bachelorette party in Paris.
Dinner was hosted on Thursday, May 15, at the chic restaurant Lafayette’s, as the intimate gathering of 13 women featured Hollywood A-listers, including Kim Kardashian, mom Kris Jenner, Katy Perry and Eva Longoria.
“The atmosphere was very relaxed and very Parisian,” a source shared with People. “It was a pre-wedding all-girl party for 13.”
MYSTERY COUPLE MISTAKEN FOR JEFF BEZOS AND LAUREN SÁNCHEZ AT CANNES
Sanchez, 55, took to Instagram to post the dinner menu for her special soirée, which included fried chicken, Caesar salad and Norwegian smoked salmon for starters.
For the main course, roasted chicken and rigatoni were listed on the menu, which was decorated with red lipstick marks.
Celebrity guests sipped on espresso martinis, danced to Earth, Wind & Fire and indulged in a surprise vanilla meringue cake, according to People.
LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Sanchez donned a white double-breasted coat with gold buttons, with a black-and-white satin off-the-shoulder cocktail dress underneath. She wore white heels and diamond earrings and held a matching purse that appeared to be in the shape of a diamond ring. Her hair was styled half up and half down with loose curls.
Kardashian stepped out in a brown tube top, showcasing her toned midriff, and high-waisted dark gray leggings with a gold chained belt. She had a large fur stole draped over her shoulders and wore a gold necklace to match her belt.
KATY PERRY, LAUREN SANCHEZ SHOW OFF BLUE ORIGIN FLIGHT SUITS THAT BRING ‘SPICE TO SPACE’
Perry wore a strapless pink satin corset dress with white strappy heels.
Sanchez shared moments from the celebration on Instagram, as she expressed gratitude to the women who came to celebrate her before she tied the knot with the Amazon founder.
“Forever starts with friendship, surrounded by the woman who’ve lifted me up, illuminated my path in dark times, and shaped my heart along the way,” her caption read.
Bezos proposed to Sanchez with a 30-carat diamond in 2023.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER
W Magazine reported that Sanchez’s 30-carat engagement ring is estimated to be worth anywhere between $3 million and $5 million. The outlet reported that Sanchez had two engagement parties – one in Beverly Hills and another in Positano, Italy.
Multiple reports claim that the Amazon billionaire and his fiancée of two years will be tying the knot this summer in Venice, with several outlets sharing that wedding invitations were sent to guests months ago.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Man who rushed onto stage and stabbed author Salman Rushdie learns fate
A man convicted of stabbing award-winning British author Salman Rushdie in 2022 was sentenced on Friday to 25 years in prison, the maximum possible term.
Hadi Matar, 27, was found guilty in February of attempted murder and assault in connection to the knife attack that left Rushdie blind in one eye.
Rusdie, 77, was stabbed on stage at the Chautauqua Institution before a lecture and airlifted to a hospital in northwestern Pennsylvania — where he remained for nearly three weeks.
The author, whose 1988 novel “The Satanic Verses” evoked worldwide protests and Iran’s Ayatollah Ruhollah Khamenei to call for his death, suffered wounds to his liver, arm and eye.
Matar was also sentenced to seven years, to be served concurrently, for the stabbing of another man who was on stage with Rushdie, according to The Associated Press.
SALMAN RUSHDIE IN 1ST INTERVIEW ABOUT NEARLY-FATAL KNIFE ATTACK: ‘I FEEL MORE THE PRESENCE OF DEATH’
Before sentencing, Matar told the court Rushdie “wants to disrespect other people,” according to the AP.
“He wants to be a bully, he wants to bully other people,” Matar said. “I don’t agree with that.”
The New Jersey native is still facing federal terrorism charges, to which he pleaded not guilty.
IRANIAN-AMERICAN JOURNALIST TESTIFIES AGAINST MEN ACCUSED OF MURDER-FOR-HIRE PLOT
Though the Iranian state committed to not encouraging anyone to take Rushdie’s life, there was a $4 million bounty on his head, Reuters reported.
Rushdie described the 27-second attack as something that dragged him back in time.
“I saw the man in black running towards me, down the right-hand side of the seating area: Black clothes, black face mask – he was coming in hard and low, a squat missile,” Rushdie told “60 Minutes” host Anderson Cooper in April 2024. “I confess, I had sometimes imagined my assassin rising up in some public forum or other and coming for me in this way.”
IRAN OFFICIAL EXPOSES TEHRAN’S GLOBAL ASSASSINATION PROGRAM AS US TRIAL OF ALLEGED REGIME HITMEN CONTINUES
“My first thought when I saw this murderous shape rushing towards me was: So, it’s you. Here you are,” Rushdie said. “It felt like something coming out of the distant past and trying to drag me back in time … back into that distant past in order to kill me.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
HSI agents allegedly discovered ‘freak off’ supplies on night Diddy was arrested
Sean “Diddy” Combs was arrested on Sept. 16 at the Park Hyatt hotel in New York.
HSI special agent Yasin Binda testified in court Friday that detectives allegedly discovered a number of supplies frequently used in “freak off” sessions.
Binda told Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson that one Ziploc bag with Johnson’s baby oil and another bag with AstroGlide was recovered from Diddy’s hotel room.
A lighting device used for “potentially mood lighting” was also discovered.
Binda claimed that agents found “several bottles of baby oil in the bathroom,” and another “five bottles” were found in the bathtub.
Two bottles of lubricant were discovered in a drawer of a nightstand, Binda said. She claimed “this was not all the baby oil and lubricant found in the hotel room.”
On March 25, 2025, Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami were raided in connection to a federal human trafficking investigation, officials confirmed to Fox News Digital at the time.
During the search, authorities allegedly seized various “freak off” supplies, including narcotics and more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard testified to allegedly witnessing Sean “Diddy” Combs assaulting Cassie Ventura in 2009.
Richard told the court Friday that one day after an alleged altercation where she “observed Cassie being attacked,” the “Last Night” rapper told her it was par for the course in a normal relationship.
Diddy and Richard were in the recording studio when he allegedly said that what was witnessed the day before was “passion” and what people in relationships do. He claimed that Cassie was OK and it was best if they didn’t say anything.
The Bad Boy Records founder allegedly said that where he’s from, people go missing.
She heard his words to mean that people end up dead.
The day before, she claimed that Diddy began to “kick and punch” Cassie in her body and head, and then proceeded to put his arm around her and drag her upstairs.
Richard said she heard yelling. “I was scared for her,” she testified. Richard also claimed she was afraid for herself and didn’t know how to intervene or call for law enforcement help.
Cassie wrapped testimony Friday after four days on the witness stand as “Victim 1” for the government.
Cassie spent the majority of Friday on the stand being cross-examined by Diddy’s defense lawyer, Anna Estevao. Earlier in the day, prosecutors expressed concern over the length of the defense’s cross-examination of Cassie.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office then called HSI special agent Yasin Binda to the witness stand. She testified that detectives allegedly discovered “freak off” supplies in Diddy’s hotel room when he was arrested in New York on federal charges last year.
Binda claimed that agents found “several bottles of baby oil in the bathroom,” and another “five bottles” were found in the bathtub.
Two bottles of lubricant were discovered in a drawer of a nightstand, Binda said. She claimed “this was not all the baby oil and lubricant found in the hotel room.”
The jury was dismissed before 5 p.m. and returns Monday, May 19.
Fox News Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Dawn Richard, a former member of Diddy’s girl group, Danity Kane, took the stand Friday in the rapper’s federal trial for sex crimes.
Richard, 41, testified to witnessing Diddy hit his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura during an alleged altercation in 2009.
The singer said she “observed Cassie being attacked.”
She said that Diddy came down stairs screaming, hit her in the head and beat her around.
Richard claimed Diddy “came downstairs angry saying where the f— is his eggs.” She then alleged Diddy grabbed a skillet of eggs and attempted to hit Cassie in the head.
Cassie allegedly fell to the ground anticipating the hit, but it didn’t hit her. “She went into a fetal position … literally trying to hide her face,” Richard said.
She claimed that Diddy began to “kick and punch” Cassie in her body and head, and then proceeded to put his arm around her and drag her upstairs. Richard said she heard yelling.
“I was scared for her,” she testified. Richard also claimed she was afraid for herself and didn’t know how to intervene or call for law enforcement help.
“I was scared what that might mean for myself,” Richard said on the stand.
Richard, who was signed with Bad Boy records from 2004-11, claimed she often saw Diddy being abusive with Cassie.
Fox News Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Cassie Ventura’s lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, praised the pregnant singer after her testimony wrapped Friday in the Sean “Diddy” Combs federal trial.
“It has been an incredible honor to represent Cassie Ventura,” Wigdor said outside the courthouse.
“Her bravery and courage will always be remembered. I am hopeful that the filing of her civil lawsuit and her testimony this week in the criminal case will help her in recovering from the years of abuse that she was forced to endure.”
While on the stand, Ventura testified to allegedly being raped by Diddy following their breakup.
She also claimed to enter rehab and pursue trauma therapy in the beginning of 2023 after having “horrible flashbacks” while on the set of a music video.
Cassie’s lawyer also read a statement on behalf of the singer after the conclusion of her testimony Friday.
“This week has been extremely challenging, but also remarkably empowering and healing for me,” Cassie’s statement read. “I hope that my testimony has given strength and a voice to other survivors, and can help others who have suffered to speak up and also heal from abuse and fear. For me, the more I heal, the more I can remember, and the more I can remember, the more I will never forget.”
“I want to thank my family and my advocates for their unwavering support, and am grateful for all the kindness and encouragement I have received,” her statement continued. “I am glad to put this chapter of my life to rest. As I turn to focus on the conclusion of my pregnancy, I ask for privacy for me and my growing family.”
Read more about Cassie’s testimony in the Diddy federal trial.
Cassie Ventura’s husband championed the singer in a statement shared after she finished her four-day testimony in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex-trafficking trial.
“Over the past five days, the world has gotten to witness the strength and bravery of my wife freeing herself of her past,” Fine wrote in a statement read by Cassie’s lawyer outside the courthouse. “There has been speculation online surrounding how it must feel for me to sit there and listen to my wife’s testimony. I have felt so many things sitting there. I have felt tremendous pride and overwhelming love for Cass. I have also felt profound anger that she has been subjected to sitting in front of a person who tried to break her. So, to him and all of those who helped him along the way, please know this…you didn’t.”
“You did not break her spirit nor her smile that lights up every room,” he added. “You did not break the souls of a mother who gives the best hugs and plays the silliest games with our little girls. You did not break the woman who has made me a better man. I did not ‘save Cassie’ as some have said. To say that is an insult to the years of painful work my wife has done to save herself. Cassie saved Cassie. She alone broke free from the abuse, coercion, violence, and threats. She did the work of fighting the demons that only a demon himself could have done to her. All I have done is lover her as she has loved me.”
Fine continued, “Her life is now surrounded by love, laughter, and our family. This horrific chapter is forever put behind us and we will not be making additional statement. We appreciate all of the love and support we have received and we ask that you respect our privacy as we welcome our son into a world that is now safer because of his mom.”
Fine, whom Cassie married in 2019, has attended court every day this week in support of the singer.
Cassie is currently expecting the couple’s third child together.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office called special agent Yasin Binda to the stand in the Sean “Diddy” Combs federal trial for sex crimes.
Binda testified that she works for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) as a special agent working in the human trafficking group.
Diddy’s ex, Cassie Ventura, testified as “Victim 1” for the government over the course of four days.
While the U.S. Attorney’s Office is relying on her testimony as “Victim 1,” legal experts told Fox News Digital that her presence as a pregnant woman may impact the jury when deciding Diddy’s fate.
“Cassie being pregnant may make her an even more sympathetic figure on the stand,” criminal defense lawyer Dan Rubin exclusively told Fox News Digital.
While on the stand, Ventura testified to allegedly being raped by Diddy following their breakup.
She also claimed to enter rehab and pursue trauma therapy in the beginning of 2023 after having “horrible flashbacks” while on the set of a music video.
Read more about Cassie’s testimony in the Diddy federal trial.
Dawn Richard, a former member of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ girl group, arrived at the Manhattan Federal Court Friday.
Richard, 41, wore a plaid blazer and carried an umbrella while walking into the courthouse.
The singer is expected to testify against Diddy in his federal trial for sex crimes.
Richard was part of the Diddy-produced girl group, which included Aubrey O’Day, Shannon Bex, Aundrea Fimbres and D. Woods.
Woods spoke out against Diddy for the first time in an Investigation Discovery’s docuseries, “The Fall of Diddy.”
The singer watched a clip from “Making the Band” in which she interacted with the rapper.
“I see myself standing in these dark, scary, predatory spaces, and hearing somebody say some of the most degrading things to me,” she told ABC.
“Somebody constantly treating you like a piece of meat, only seeing, only valuing you for your sex appeal,” Woods explained when asked how the behavior was “predatory.” “In some of the environments, it was even scary to be by yourself.”
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Cassie Ventura’s testimony concluded Friday after a quick re-direct and re-cross from the prosecution and the defense.
Cassie spent the majority of Friday on the stand being
cross-examined by Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense lawyer, Anna Estevao. Earlier in the day, prosecutors expressed concern over the length of the defense’s cross-examination of Cassie.
“Cross-examination that lasts multiple hours longer than direct examination is more than enough to vindicate the defendant’s confrontation rights and satisfy any relevant defense strategy,” a letter filed Friday morning and obtained by Fox News Digital read.
The prosecution claimed Diddy’s defense spent Thursday’s cross-examination asking questions that appeared to be solely related to the numerous civil lawsuits against the defendant but not related to allegations in this case, bringing up numerous topics multiple times as well as having Cassie read lengthy text exchanges between herself and Diddy and barely asking any questions about the messages.
Cassie testified about Diddy’s alleged physical abuse and her experience with “freak offs” during direct examination on May 13 and May 14.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Cassie Ventura revealed she expects to get a $10 million settlement from the Intercontinental Hotel, the location of the 2016 assault on the singer by Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Diddy’s defense lawyer asked Cassie if she received a settlement from the hotel during re-cross on Friday. Cassie said no, but admitted she made a demand and expects to receive around $10 million.
Diddy and Cassie allegedly had a “freak off” at the Intercontinental Hotel
on March 5, 2016 that turned violent. Cassie previously testified that she was attempting to leave the “freak off” after Diddy gave her a black eye.
After making it to the elevator lobby, the singer-songwriter testified that Diddy assaulted her. The rapper could be seen dragging Cassie back down the hotel hallway in surveillance footage that was shown to the jury and was previously released to the public in 2024.
Former hotel security guard Israel Florez, who responded after the violent attack, testified Monday that he tried to call police, but Cassie told him not to.
Cassie Ventura attempted to break free from Diddy’s contacts in the music industry following the end of their decade-long relationship.
Cassie, 38, confirmed under oath Friday that she was given contacts in the industry, in addition to studio time while she was with Diddy. She said she recorded a song with Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne.
Once her relationship with the “All About the Benjamins” rapper ended, she eventually broke ties with Bad Boy Records.
Cassie recorded hundreds of songs during their relationship, but only some of the music was released. She said when she wasn’t working on music, she was “recovering” from the “freak offs.”
“The ‘freak offs’ became a job. There was no space for anything else but to recover,” she said on the stand earlier this week during Diddy’s federal sex crimes trial.
The freak-offs would last between 24-72 hours. She recalled the longest freak-off was four days. When she wasn’t participating, she was recovering from “the drugs, dehydration, staying awake.”
“Freak offs” were “elaborate produced sex performances that Combs arranged, directed, masturbated during, and often electronically recorded,” according to the indictment.
Cassie Ventura got emotional during the government’s redirect Friday in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ongoing sex-trafficking trial.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson asked Cassie if she would give her $20 million settlement back if it meant she didn’t have to do the “freak offs.”
Cassie replied, “I wouldn’t have had to work so hard to get it back…” The now 38-year-old singer began to cry. Cassie clarified she meant to get back agency and autonomy.
Johnson asked how the alleged beatings Diddy gave her made her feel. Through tears, Cassie said, “Worthless, just like dirt…I was nothing, absolutely nothing.”
Cassie told the prosecutor she was open to trying the “freak offs”
in the beginning. She said she tried to tell Diddy more than once she didn’t want to do the sexual sessions any longer. Cassie explained she worried for her safety and career, but was in love with him. At the time, she was concerned he didn’t want to be with her.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean “Diddy” Combs allegedly threatened Cassie Ventura on a flight home from Cannes.
Cassie testified Friday that while mid-flight, Diddy pulled up a video on his laptop of the 38-year-old singer having sex with an escort. She said he played the tape the “whole flight home.”
She claimed the “Victory” singer “threatened to release” the footage. After the plane landed, Diddy allegedly requested a “freak off” with Cassie.
On the stand, Cassie said she was afraid he would not only release the tape, but also could get violent if she refused his request.
Cassie previously testified to using drugs, including ketamine and cocaine, as a way to disassociate during the “freak offs.”
“For me, it was dissociative … I couldn’t imagine doing that without some sort of buffer,” she told Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson. “I needed to remain high to stay present with the experience.”
Ventura admitted that ecstasy made her feel euphoric and aroused, while ketamine would make her dissociative. Cocaine made her heart race, and mushrooms made her see things. GHB, also known as the date-rape drug, made her feel drunk.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
After testifying during the re-direct that Sean “Diddy” Combs’ moods would affect Cassie’s career, she claimed the rapper also directly controlled her business moves.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson introduced communications between Cassie and Martin, someone who was trying to help manage her career at the time. Martin wrote, “Is Puff okay with you doing a common video?” referring to Common the rapper.
Cassie replied that she would check, but thought he would likely be against it. Eventually, Cassie wrote back, “Puff said no to vid.”
During Cassie’s initial testimony, she also claimed Diddy kept her from releasing music at times.
Despite signing a 10-album deal with Diddy’s record label, Bad Boy, Cassie only ever released her debut album. “Cassie” was released in 2006.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Cassie Ventura told jurors in the Sean “Diddy” Combs federal trial that she relied on her husband’s income toward the end of 2023.
Cassie married Alex Fine in August 2019, and is currently pregnant with their third child.
She testified Friday that she was preparing for a tour in October 2023 that was scheduled to begin at the start of the year.
Cassie, 38, filed a civil suit
against the “Last Night” rapper in November 2023, and alleged she endured “over a decade” of Diddy’s “violent behavior and disturbed demands,” in a suit obtained by Fox News Digital. She and then settled the suit one day later.
She testified earlier this week that she received a $20 million settlement from Diddy.
Following the settlement, Cassie canceled her tour. She told Diddy’s defense lawyer, Anna Estevao, that the settlement was not why she canceled the tour.
She told Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson during the re-direct that she canceled the tour because she was overwhelmed.
“Addressing the past the way that I chose to was quite overwhelming and I didn’t want to be away from my kids at that time,” Cassie testified.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Cassie Ventura testified Friday that Sean “Diddy” Combs’ mood dictated her career.
Cassie told Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson that her work would take a backseat if Diddy was in the mood for a “freak off.”
“Freak offs” would require a lot of prep work, and Cassie claimed she would have to get herself ready, the room, and entertainment (escort).
Cassie claimed she hung on Diddy’s words and trusted his style, “so when he would put me down, make me feel less than, I was extra hard on myself … there was a lot of good, but negative, too.”
Fox News Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Cassie testified that Sean “Diddy” Combs congratulated her on her pregnancy in 2019.
During cross-examination, Diddy’s defense lawyer introduced messages showing the rapper checking in on Cassie in 2019. A few months later, Combs congratulated Cassie, saying she was going to be a great mother. Cassie confirmed she was pregnant at the time.
On March 7, 2020 Combs texted, “miss my best friend…Frankie is so beautiful…” Frankie is Cassie’s first daughter. Cassie responded, “miss you too…” He replied, “thank you so much for responding…I’m always here if you need me…” Cassie sent her love to Combs’ family as well. The rapper responded, saying, “S— has definitely been rough without your friendship…”
Diddy’s lawyer, Anna Estevao, asked Cassie if she considered herself friends with Diddy during their relationship. The singer said yes.
Estevao showed more messages where Cassie wrote, “…I definitely don’t hate you…I wouldn’t have been at this beautiful point in my life without you…we need closure and understanding.” Diddy replied, “you were always my ride or die…my heart is filled with you to know you don’t hate me…”
Cassie told the court when you reflect on things, you get a clearer picture. She said she believes the message from Diddy was heartfelt. However, Cassie claimed they never sat down for closure.
In another message Diddy wrote, “I’ll always love you…pray for the day to sit down…happy you found someone…”
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Cassie Ventura’s cross-examination finished before 2 p.m. Friday in the Sean “Diddy” Combs federal trial for sex crimes.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson began the re-direct.
Earlier in the day, prosecutors expressed concern over the length of the defense’s cross-examination of Cassie.
The Assistant U.S. Attorneys working on Diddy’s case requested the judge limit the cross-examination of Cassie to end by 4:30pm ET on Friday.
“The defendant should not now be afforded the opportunity to hold Ms. Ventura on cross-examination over the weekend, offering him an additional two days to review transcripts of the witness’s testimony to prepare additional cross-examination inquiry, or risk a mistrial if the witness goes into labor,” the prosecutors wrote in a letter filed Friday morning to Judge Arun Subramanian.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Cassie Ventura testified about her relationship with Sean “Diddy” Combs through text messages reviewed while she was on the stand.
Diddy’s defense lawyer, Anna Estevao, asked Cassie to read through messages she allegedly sent the Bad Boy Records founder.
The 38-year-old singer allegedly told Diddy she was “at the edge of tears” in an emotional text exchange about his private, family life.
“As much as you think you’re Bruce Willis, you aren’t. He’s married and before he was married,” Cassie read to the jury. “The family as a whole went on trips together, or just with him and his woman. Eddie Murphy and Paige took his kids away on their own.
“He didn’t go with his ex because that’s not who he’s in love with. I’ve been at the edge of tears this whole week. I don’t think that you sympathize with my feelings.
“I understand you feeling like you need to protect your children, but after a while, for what? It’s like for what? They’ve never known you and Kim to be together, unless there’s something that I just don’t know about. They were babies when we started dating.”
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense was back in court Friday to continue Cassie Ventura’s cross-examination.
Diddy hugged his defense lawyer, who led the questioning Friday, after entering the courtroom earlier this morning. A gray-haired Diddy could be seen wearing a light-colored sweater in the court sketch.
On Friday, the defense focused on explosive audio of Cassie threatening to “kill” someone over a recorded video of the singer. Estevao also questioned the singer-songwriter about her time in a trauma rehab facility. Cassie testified that she has been drug-free since 2022 and entered the facility sometime in 2023.
Cassie and the defense lawyer later went back-and-forth about the date Diddy allegedly raped her and spoke about her now-husband’s reaction to the alleged sexual assault.
Cassie’s cross-examination is expected to end Friday, according to Diddy’s defense team.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ mother, Janice Combs, was absent from the courtroom Friday during Cassie’s continued cross-examination.
However, some of Diddy’s children were in attendance, including King Combs, Justin Combs and Quincy Brown. The trio left for lunch together during the break in Diddy’s sex-trafficking trial.
Diddy’s daughters, D’Lila and Jessie, attended court Monday for opening statements. The 18-year-old twins excused themselves from court multiple times that day, during testimony from a male escort.
The rapper’s children have been supportive of Diddy since his arrest in September 2024.
“The past month has devastated our family,” they wrote in a joint post in October. “Many have judged both him and us based on accusations, conspiracy theories, and false narratives that have spiraled into absurdity on social media.”
Fox News’ Kirill Clark contributed to this report.
Cassie Ventura’s life has changed quite a bit since her relationship with Sean “Diddy” Combs came to an end years ago.
She married her current husband, personal trainer Alex Fine, in 2019, after going public with their relationship in 2018 when she was pregnant with their first child, Frankie, 5.
Cassie and Fine also share their daughter Sunny, 4. The singer-songwriter is currently pregnant with their third child.
After surveillance video of Diddy beating Cassie at a hotel in 2016 surfaced, Fine supported his wife, writing in part on Instagram, “Men who hit women aren’t men. Men who enable it and protect those people aren’t men … To all the survivors, your stories are real, and people believe you.”
Cassie regularly shares photos and videos of her wholesome life with Fine and their daughters, including photos at the playground, toy stores, ice skating, going to the beach and doing puzzles together.
Fine has been present in the courtroom supporting his wife, as she shares her experiences in her testimony against Diddy during his sex-trafficking trial.
Fox News Digital’s Brie Stimson contributed to this report.
The prosecutors in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex-trafficking trial expressed concern over the length of the defense’s cross-examination of Cassie Ventura.
The Assistant U.S. Attorneys working on Diddy’s case requested the judge limit the cross-examination of Cassie to end by 4:30pm ET on Friday.
“The defendant should not now be afforded the opportunity to hold Ms. Ventura on cross-examination over the weekend, offering him an additional two days to review transcripts of the witness’s testimony to prepare additional cross-examination inquiry, or risk a mistrial if the witness goes into labor,” the prosecutors wrote in a letter filed Friday morning to Judge Arun Subramanian.
“The inefficiency of cross-examination yesterday raises the inference that the defendant hopes to accomplish precisely that outcome,” the letter, obtained by Fox News Digital, continued. “During the first day of cross-examination, which lasted the entire trial day, defense counsel cross-examined Ms. Ventura in a highly inefficient manner…”
The prosecution claimed Diddy’s defense spent Thursday’s cross-examination asking questions that appeared to be solely related to the numerous civil lawsuits against the defendant but not related to allegations in this case, bringing up numerous topics multiple times as well as having Cassie read lengthy text exchanges between herself and Diddy and barely asking any questions about the messages.
“Cross-examination that lasts multiple hours longer than direct examination is more than enough to vindicate the defendant’s confrontation rights and satisfy any relevant defense strategy,” the letter concluded.
Cassie Ventura claimed the last time she saw Sean “Diddy” Combs was at Kim Porter’s memorial in 2018.
After Porter died unexpectedly on Nov. 5, 2018, Cassie attended the memorial.
Diddy’s defense showed the jury a text Cassie wrote to Combs afterwards.
On Nov. 19, 2018, Cassie wrote, “I didn’t just leave you…said good bye. I wanted to be there for you…I need to be real with you…you compared me to Gina the other day…you posted that Kim was your soulmate…what was the 11 years all about?…I know you’re going through a lot right now, but that really hurt me…”
Cassie testified that she was hurt after Porter’s memorial.
After the memorial, Cassie said she did not see Diddy again. She claimed Combs did try to get in touch with her through other people.
Cassie moved on, marrying Alex Fine in 2019. However, she claimed during cross-examination that Diddy has reached out over the years.
Cassie claimed her now-husband Alex Fine punched a wall when he learned about Diddy’s alleged rape of the singer.
The rapper’s defense attorney asked Cassie if she saw Combs on Sept 27, 2018 during Friday’s cross-examination. Cassie was not sure and needed a document to refresh her memory.
Cassie testified that she had sex with Combs on the night of Sept. 27, 2018. She said she received a FaceTime call that night from Fine, but chose not to answer. Diddy allegedly noticed the call.
Diddy’s defense lawyer, Anna Estevao asked if Cassie told Combs she had a great night with him. Cassie confirmed she did. She claimed she does not know what her now-husband knew at that time, but at a certain point, Fine did learn about the evening with Diddy.
Diddy’s defense lawyer then asked if Fine knew about the alleged rape.
Cassie told Estevao she believed her now-husband punched a wall when he learned the rapper allegedly raped her.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Cassie Ventura asked Sean “Diddy” Combs if it was “safe to date” again following their split in 2018.
During Cassie’s cross-examination Friday, the defense showed messages of the singer reaching out to Combs on Sept. 12, 2019. In a text, Cassie wrote, “how is yoga treating you? assuming it’s safe to date?” Diddy replied, “safe to date…what are you talking about?” The rapper added, “What does yoga have to do with me?”
Cassie responded, “Nothing. I hear you’re dating.” Combs later said, “I’m not dating…” Cassie then said, “Maybe you’ve been dating all along?” Diddy claimed he was not dating and hadn’t been on any dates.
The conversation continued with Cassie telling Diddy, “I actually need to stop caring.” Cassie admitted on the stand she still cared in September 2018.
Diddy asked if Cassie wanted to start dating and for them to talk about it. Cassie told the rapper she was trying to take care of herself.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense questioned Cassie Ventura about the date she alleges the rapper raped her.
Cassie previously testified the two had dinner together in August 2018 then went back to Cassie’s home where she alleges Combs raped her.
Diddy’s defense lawyer, Anna Estevao, claimed Cassie wrote in her 2023 lawsuit that Diddy raped her in September of 2018 after dinner at an Italian restaurant. The lawsuit said Diddy allegedly forced himself into Cassie’s apartment, Estevao claimed in court.
The defense lawyer asked about Cassie’s meeting with federal prosecutors on Nov. 30, 2023. Cassie does not remember exactly when the meeting was but confirmed she told the government the incident happened after Diddy returned from Burning Man in September of 2018. Cassie said she does not remember saying Combs was acting strangely at dinner.
When questioned about her April 2025 meeting with the government, Cassie confirmed she then told them the alleged rape had occurred in August 2018.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Cassie Ventura did not cut off contact with Sean “Diddy” Combs despite ending their relationship in 2018.
The now 38-year-old musician explained she called things off with Diddy after she found out that he was still seeing a woman named Gina. Combs and Gina allegedly began an on-and-off again romance in April 2014.
Diddy’s defense lawyer brought up Diddy still seeing Gina in 2018. Cassie had also moved on in 2018 and had begun seeing her now-husband, Alex Fine. However, she testified that contact between her and Diddy did not end after the break up.
Cassie said, “There was no ceasing of all contact, but the relationship was over.” She confirmed she did continue to communicate with Diddy after telling him the relationship was over.
Another message was shown where Cassie wrote, “That last shot was the nail in the coffin…she never went away…” Cassie said she believes she was referencing Gina. “I promised myself I wouldn’t be with you anymore if you did that again,” a message from Cassie to Combs read.
Cassie confirmed she was referencing Diddy allegedly cheating on her.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
After bringing the jury back inside the courtroom following a quick break, cross-examination resumed with more messages between Sean “Diddy” Combs and Cassie.
The messages showed Diddy thought his ex-girlfriend was insecure.
In one message, Cassie told the rapper she wanted to discuss something. Diddy asked if the topic would stress him out. Cassie replied, “Freak off. Can wait…”
The defense showed another set of messages. Combs wrote he and Cassie needed to find a way to get back on point. Cassie replied “definitely.”
Cassie also wrote, “…I believe our love has no bounds…” Diddy replied that Cassie was insecure and did not know what it meant to take care of him. Cassie wrote, “Just know that I love you…”
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Cassie Ventura was spotted before court Friday as she prepared to finish up cross-examination in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex-trafficking trial.
When she took the stand this week, Cassie was noticeably pregnant with her third child with her husband, Alex Fine.
“Cassie being pregnant may make her an even more sympathetic figure on the stand,” criminal defense lawyer Dan Rubin exclusively told Fox News Digital.
“It certainly invokes the maternal side of the singer, and that could really impact the way some members of the jury view her. They may find it interesting that – even if it’s not said out loud – Cassie is looking at the dark events of what happened through the new lens of motherhood.”
Fox News Digital’s Tracy Wright contributed to this report.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense and the prosecution were reprimanded by Judge Arun Subramanian
over issues with evidence during Friday’s cross-examination of Cassie Ventura.
After the prosecution objected to a text message being shown to the jury, the judge dismissed the jury and Cassie. He told the parties that the court would not proceed in this fashion and emphasized there needed to be a reason for an objection.
Subramanian asked the defense and prosecution why there is confusion over admitted exhibits.
The federal judge told the parties he needs a government witness list and anticipated order of witnesses by Sunday at 5pm. Subramanian also said he wants the defense to provide the government anticipated evidence by 7pm the day before or 5pm on Sundays. He explained if there is no proper disclosure, the evidence will be excluded.
The judge requested a binder be used for long messages if the parties intend to have the witness read out loud to the court.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Cassie Ventura claimed she has been drug-free since 2022.
Diddy’s defense brought up the treatment facility Cassie went to in early 2023 during cross-examination. Cassie explained it was 45 days inpatient and there was to be no contact.
The 38-year-old singer said has been clean since 2022 and has been taking a drug to treat opiate addiction since then.
Diddy’s lawyer, Anna Estevao asked Cassie if the treatment facility she attended treated patients for sex addiction. The “Me & U” singer
said yes, but clarified she did not receive treatment for sex addiction.
Cassie previously testified during direct examination that she entered rehab and pursued trauma therapy toward the beginning of 2023 after she experienced suicidal thoughts.
While shooting a music video with another artist, Cassie claimed to suffer “horrible flashbacks” and went home to her husband, Alex Fine. Cassie is currently pregnant with their third child.
She told her husband, “You can do this without me. You don’t need me anymore.”
Cassie broke down in tears while admitting on the stand that she couldn’t take the pain anymore, some of which included her own personal shame.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich and Fox News Digital’s Tracy Wright contributed to this report.
Cassie Ventura returned to the stand Friday for cross-examination in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex-trafficking trial.
The jury was shown messages between Diddy and Cassie where the rapper warned her not to threaten him because he has too many iPads.
Cassie previously testified during direct examination that Diddy would have her bring an iPad as part of the supplies for the “freak offs,” where he would allegedly force the singer to have sex with male escorts while he watched.
Cassie confirmed the text exchange shown in court occurred after she and Diddy broke up.
The two ended things in 2018 after 10 years of off-and-on dating.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Explosive audio of Cassie Ventura threatening someone was played in the courtroom during her cross-examination.
Diddy’s defense lawyer played the recording while Cassie was on the stand. The recording of the conversation was very muffled and it was difficult to make out what the singer and another man on the audio recording were saying.
At one point, Cassie can be heard telling a man, “We’re gonna figure this out…” Then, “You have it in your phone? Why wouldn’t you show me?”
Cassie and the man appeared to be arguing about something.
Cassie said, “You got that s—? Pull that s— up…everybody can go and we’re staying here…I’m going to kill you…I’m going to kill you because you are f—— with my life…I’m going to f— you up. I don’t think you understand…tell me what the f— you are talking about…” Cassie confirmed it was her on the audio recording.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani broke down the defense’s tactics after Sean “Diddy” Combs’ lawyer spent Thursday cross-examining Cassie Ventura.
“The defense used the messages to show Ventura’s planning of and willingness to participate in the freak offs,” the West Coast Trial Lawyers founder told Fox News Digital. “Ventura used words like love, wish, want, and excited, and describe the freak offs. That’s very different than her testimony [Wednesday]. Ventura also watched Combs have sex with other women, which supports the defense’s argument about a swingers lifestyle. Combs’ attorneys also scored some points when Ventura admitted to trying many drugs outside of the freak offs, including at Burning Man.”
“As expected, the defense lasered in on Ventura’s jealously. She admitted to being ‘insanely jealous’ during her direct, so we knew this was coming. The prosecution may have elicited this testimony to take the sting out of cross. In addition to rapper Kid Cudi, Ventura said she dated actor Michael B. Jordan. That’s the second celebrity named in the case.”
“Combs overdosed on opioids at the Playboy Mansion and had to be hospitalized,” he added. “The defense seems to be blaming the 2016 hotel attack on Combs withdrawing from opioids. Overall, it was a much more mellow day than I thought it would be. I expected the defense to use a young female attorney to go after Ventura aggressively. You can’t do that with an old man, especially with a very pregnant witness. Maybe they’re saving the aggressive cross-examination for [Friday], or the defense thinks the emails and text messages are enough to discredit Ventura. We’ll see.”
Cassie Ventura testified that Sean “Diddy” Combs often took her phone away when he was angry.
Diddy’s defense lawyer questioned Cassie about a time Diddy found out she had danced with musician Chris Brown.
Cassie claimed, “I absolutely don’t remember what happened on that occasion.”
Defense lawyer Anna Estevao showed Cassie messages to help refresh her recollection. Cassie explained the message said that Diddy took her phone after the moment with Brown, but she doesn’t really remember it.
Cassie testified that the “Last Night” singer
would take her phone, watch and other things when he was angry.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense lawyer questioned Cassie Ventura about the rapper’s suspicions she was cheating on him in August 2016.
During her cross-examination, she explained she was not sure how the rapper received the information. Cassie admitted, “We were not in a great place…” At the time, she was dating someone else, and is not sure how he found out.
She recalled a confrontation she had with Diddy in a car. They were driving to a doctor’s appointment and Diddy told her to text her mom that she was okay. Cassie claimed when she unlocked the phone, he took it and left. Cassie agreed it was not a physical altercation.
A couple hours later, Cassie’s mother called the police because the musician returned home without a phone.
“I believe he looked through my phone and I believe he also spoke to someone,” she said on the stand. The person was an NFL player.
Estevao asked if Combs was upset with her when she cheated. Cassie replied, “When you’re not with someone, it’s not cheating…we weren’t married.”
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Cassie Ventura agreed Sean “Diddy” Combs was “blackout” during the 2016 physical altercation at the Intercontinental Hotel.
Diddy’s lawyer, Anna Estevao asked Cassie if Diddy was intoxicated during the “freak off” that preceded the assault in the elevator lobby. Estevao pressed Cassie and the singer-songwriter agreed that Diddy was “blackout.”
In a text sent by Cassie to Combs after the hotel assault she wrote, “When you get f—– up the wrong way, you always want to show me you have the power and you knock me around. I’m not a rag doll. I’m someone’s child.” By “f—– up” Cassie said she was referring to drugs and alcohol.
They also looked at another message from March 9, 2016. In the text Combs wrote, “I’m so horny for you.” Cassie replied “You are?” She testified that it was strange because of the events that happened at the Intercontinental Hotel.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Cassie Ventura took the stand in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex-trafficking trial again Friday for her continued cross-examination.
Cassie wore a dark pinstriped suit and white blouse for her fourth day of testimony.
The prosecution finished the direct examination of Cassie on May 14. Cassie told the jury Wednesday that she chose to testify against Diddy because she could no longer carry the guilt. “I can’t carry this anymore,” she told the court. “I can’t carry the shame, the guilt … what’s right is right. What’s wrong is wrong …”
Throughout the day, jurors heard Cassie describe allegedly being raped by Diddy after their breakup. She claimed to enter rehab and pursued trauma therapy toward the beginning of 2023 after suffering “horrible flashbacks” on set of a music video.
The jurors also saw screenshots from Diddy’s alleged “freak offs,” where Cassie claimed she was forced to have sex with male escorts while the rapper watched. She testified that Diddy was often violent towards her during these sex sessions.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich and Fox News Digital’s Tracy Wright contributed to this report.
Sean “Diddy” Combs returned to court Friday for his ongoing sex-trafficking trial.
He entered the courtroom while Judge Arun Subramanian took the bench. Diddy wore a light-colored sweater and turned towards the gallery for a brief moment while his lawyers were discussing pending issues with the prosecution and the judge.
The disgraced music mogul has calmly listened to ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura’s testimony for the past three days.
Diddy’s defense lawyer Anna Estevao began Cassie’s cross-examination Thursday, where she focused on emails between Combs and the singer-songwriter. During her cross-examination, Cassie also claimed that Diddy sent a number of loving messages during their relationship.
“They were uplifting text messages,” Cassie told the court . She added that Diddy sent texts with affirmation, and said, “words were helpful … he’s got that energy, inspiring energy.”
Cassie’s cross-examination is expected to end Friday.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich and Fox News Digital’s Tracy Wright contributed to this report.
Justin Bieber was not a victim of Sean “Diddy” Combs, despite some online speculation.
“Although Justin is not among Sean Combs’ victims, there are individuals who were genuinely harmed by him. Shifting focus away from this reality detracts from the justice these victims rightfully deserve,” a representative for Bieber told TMZ.
A video showing 48 hours with Combs
and a teenage Bieber resurfaced in March 2024 after the rapper’s homes were raided in connection to a federal human trafficking investigation.
“I have been given custody of [Justin],” Diddy said in the video from 2009.
“You know, he’s signed to Usher and I had legal guardianship of Usher when he did his first album. I did Usher’s first album. I don’t have legal guardianship of him,” he explained, referring to Bieber, “but for the next 48 hours he’s with me, and we’re gonna go full crazy.”
“Let’s go get some girls,” Bieber told Diddy when asked what he wanted to do.
Now, multiple sources told TMZ that nothing untoward ever happened to Bieber.
Fox News Digital reached out to Bieber for additional comment.
The federal criminal trial against Sean “Diddy” Combs for sex crimes has taken Hollywood by storm, with many big actors and musicians being brought up in court.
It started during jury selection when prospective jurors were given a list of celebrity names during the voir dire process and asked if they recognized any of them.
The celebrity names on the list included Mike Myers, Diddy’s children – Justin and Christian Combs, Aubrey O’Day, actress Lauren London, actor Michael B. Jordan, musician Kid Cudi, Kanye West, singer Michelle Williams, Dawn Richards and Diddy’s ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura.
While it’s unclear why some of the celebrities made this list, USA Today reported there is a scene in Myers’ “Austin Powers” that jokes about the disgraced rapper.
Cassie was called as the third witness for the prosecution, beginning her testimony on Tuesday. During her testimony, she brought up her brief relationship with rapper Kid Cudi, whom she dated while she and Diddy were on a break.
She claimed Diddy threatened her and Kid Cudi, allegedly telling her he was going to “hurt both of us,” and later telling her he was going to blow up Cudi’s car.
She testified on Thursday that Diddy once suspected she was in a relationship with actor Michael B. Jordan.
The defense also mentioned that he brought Britney Spears to her 21st birthday party.
Fox News Digital’s Lauryn Overhultz and Tracy Wright contributed to this report.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense team
in his federal trial for sex crimes is made up of eight lawyers, including Marc Agnifilo, Teny Giragos, Brian Steel, Alexandra Shapiro, Xavier R. Donaldson, Jason Driscoll and Mark Geragos.
Among them is also Anna Estevao, who has a background in defending individuals and organizations facing high-profile white-collar charges.
Having graduated from New York University School of Law
in 2015, Estevao gathered work experience for a few years before spending seven years as counsel at Sher Tremonte LLP, according to her LinkedIn. Five months after getting promoted to partner in January 2025, she transitioned to Harris Trzaskoma LLP, where she has been since May.
Estevao has been the one to cross-examine Diddy’s ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. During the cross-examination, Estevao read through messages exchanged between Cassie and Diddy, in which he allegedly attempted to schedule “freak offs.”
The trial, which began on Monday, is expected to last eight weeks. Combs however, has been in jail since his arrest in September 2024, after his Los Angeles and Miami homes were raided by law enforcement.
As Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense gets a chance to cross-examine Cassie Ventura, the goal would be to “gently raise doubts,” according to criminal defense attorney Duncan Levin.
Diddy’s lawyer, Anna Estevao, spent Thursday cross-examining Cassie. The former girlfriend of Diddy testified May 13 and 14 about the alleged abuse she experienced at the hands of the rapper. Cassie claimed she was physically abused and forced into participating in “freak offs,” where Diddy would coerce her into having sex with a male escort while he watched.
“
Her testimony is detailed, emotionally charged, and delivered in a way that builds a narrative of long-term control, trauma, and manipulation,” Levin explained to Fox News Digital. “But it also raises questions that his defense team will seize on. Her testimony spans years and includes deeply personal claims — but jurors will be instructed to separate emotion from evidence. The defense will likely focus on where that evidence is thin: Are there contemporaneous witnesses? Documentation? Has she ever contradicted any of this in past public statements or legal filings? And critically, what financial or legal incentives might she have?”
“For the defense, the goal will be to gently raise doubts — without appearing to attack a sympathetic witness—and reframe her story as selective memory shaped by hindsight, counsel, or both.”
Cassie’s first day of cross-examination, which focused on emails and text messages between Sean “Diddy” Combs and the singer, was “more boring” than expected, according to one legal expert.
“Because of the court’s privacy screens, only the jurors could see the evidence,” former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani explained to Fox News Digital. “I thought we would see intense drama on the witness stand, but between the messages and defense attorney Anna Estevao, people were falling asleep in the courtroom. The only real drama was Judge Subramanian insisting that Ventura’s cross finish [Friday] because of her pregnancy.”
Diddy’s lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, was reprimanded by Judge Arun Subramanian over the length of Cassie’s cross-examination. The defense lawyer claimed it’s not uncommon for cross-examination to take much longer than the direct examination.
The judge then asked Agnifilo, “In what universe did you not understand this was important?” He said it’s in numerous filings that this witness needed to be done this week. Subramanian continued it was not mentioned before today that Cassie would go into next week.