During the third week of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial, prosecutors presented photographs of rapper Kid Cudi’s Porsche, which was destroyed in a 2012 firebombing incident. Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, testified that he believed Combs orchestrated the attack after discovering Cudi’s brief romantic involvement with Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.
Cudi recounted that in December 2011, Ventura warned him that Combs had learned about their relationship. Shortly thereafter, Cudi’s Los Angeles home was broken into, and his Porsche was set ablaze with a Molotov cocktail. Forensic analysis of the incendiary device revealed partial female DNA on the bottle used in the attack.
The defense team for Combs moved to strike Cudi’s testimony, arguing it was speculative and prejudicial. However, the judge denied the motion, allowing the testimony and photographic evidence to remain part of the trial record.
Prosecutors are using these incidents to illustrate a broader pattern of intimidation and control allegedly exerted by Combs over Ventura during their relationship. Combs denies all charges, which include sex trafficking, racketeering, and promoting prostitution.
