Danity Kane’s Dawn Richard delivered shocking testimony in Manhattan federal court, claiming that Sean “Diddy” Combs threatened her and ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura with death after a violent incident at his Los Angeles home. Richard’s account, given on Friday, May 16, came during the second week of Combs’ federal trial, where the hip-hop mogul faces multiple charges including racketeering and sex trafficking.
According to Richard, the incident occurred in 2009, when Combs allegedly attacked Ventura with a skillet filled with eggs, struck her in the head, and dragged her by the neck upstairs. The following day, Richard testified, Combs warned them both: “You could go missing, that we could die.” The chilling threat, she told jurors, left her in shock and fear. “I couldn’t believe this would be the beginning of a journey for us with the group Dirty Money,” she added, referencing the music group they formed shortly after.
Richard’s testimony supported disturbing claims made earlier in the trial by Ventura, who spent four days on the stand describing years of alleged abuse, sexual coercion, and control at the hands of Combs. Ventura accused Combs of forcing her into sexual acts with male escorts, recording the encounters without her consent, and using violence to maintain power over her. Her allegations set the tone for a case that federal prosecutors claim is about more than celebrity—it’s about a system of manipulation and abuse.
Combs was arrested in September 2024 and is facing five federal charges: one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and two counts of transportation for the purpose of engaging in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and denies any wrongdoing. If convicted, he could face a life sentence.
Richard’s testimony also aligns with her civil complaint filed in New York federal court on September 10, 2024. In it, she alleged nearly a decade of psychological and physical abuse by Combs during her time working with him. She specifically cited the years filming MTV’s “Making the Band”—a show that launched Danity Kane—as a time when she experienced “aggressive and hostile behavior,” including gender-based verbal abuse and comments about her appearance. The lawsuit claims Combs deprived the group members of basic needs like food and sleep, especially during the third and fourth seasons of the show.
Richard also claimed she witnessed Combs physically assault multiple women—including Ventura—on several occasions. Her testimony marks a critical moment in the trial, not only reinforcing Ventura’s earlier statements but painting a picture of a toxic environment that allegedly spanned nearly two decades. The prosecution has described Combs as the orchestrator of a “criminal enterprise” that exploited women and used power, fame, and fear to maintain control.
While Combs’ defense team continues to maintain his innocence, they face growing challenges as multiple women and former employees come forward. Prosecutors argue that Combs’ pattern of abuse fits within the criteria of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), commonly used in cases involving organized crime. Evidence presented so far includes digital records, text messages, and eyewitness accounts that aim to tie together a narrative of coercion and exploitation.
Throughout the proceedings, Combs has maintained that he is being unfairly targeted because of his fame and success. His attorneys argue that the accusations are either exaggerated or entirely fabricated, motivated by financial settlements or revenge. But as the testimonies stack up, public perception has shifted. Once considered an icon of hip-hop and a successful entrepreneur, Combs’ reputation has taken a dramatic fall from grace.
The consequences of these allegations extend beyond the courtroom. Since his arrest, Combs has stepped down from leadership roles in several of his business ventures. Multiple brands have distanced themselves from his name, and former collaborators have cut ties. His music empire, once seen as a symbol of innovation and hustle, is now under heavy scrutiny.
Meanwhile, the courtroom remains the focal point of the unfolding drama. More witnesses are expected to testify in the coming weeks, including former staff, insiders from Combs’ entertainment companies, and other women who have filed lawsuits against him. The prosecution plans to present additional evidence to further establish the extent of the alleged criminal activities, while the defense is expected to bring in character witnesses and possibly psychological experts.
Despite the celebrity factor, the case has prompted a larger conversation about abuse of power in the entertainment industry. Advocates say this trial, like others before it, may set a precedent for holding powerful figures accountable for alleged misconduct that was once protected by fame, money, and influence.
As for Dawn Richard and Cassie Ventura, their testimonies have placed them at the center of a high-stakes legal and cultural moment. Both women, who rose to fame under Combs’ guidance, now find themselves exposing what they claim is the truth behind the music empire. Their courage in sharing painful details has inspired a wave of support online and reinvigorated conversations around abuse, silence, and accountability.
The federal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs continues in Manhattan, and the coming weeks are expected to bring more revelations, more witnesses, and potentially a defining moment in one of the most high-profile cases in the modern music industry.
