Kid Cudi Testifies Against Sean Combs in Ongoing Trial

NEW YORK (AP) — Rapper and actor Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, testified on Thursday in the federal sex trafficking trial of Sean Combs, also known as Diddy. Cudi spoke about his brief relationship with Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, and incidents of violence he experienced in connection with that relationship.

Cudi told the court that in December 2011, he received a call from a distressed Ventura, who feared that Combs had discovered their relationship. He picked her up and took her to a hotel for safety. However, he later learned that Combs had allegedly broken into his home during that time. Cudi explained that when he returned home, he found his dog locked in a bathroom and holiday gifts opened, suggesting someone had been there.

During his testimony, Cudi recalled that a few weeks later, in January 2012, he received alarming news from his dog sitter that his Porsche was on fire in his driveway. He stated that when he arrived, he discovered a molotov cocktail had been used to destroy the vehicle. Prosecutors presented photographic evidence showing the extensive fire damage incurred.

In court, Cudi expressed his belief that Combs was behind the firebombing, pointing to Combs’ previous threats following the revelation of his romance with Ventura. ‘I knew Sean Combs was violent,’ Cudi stated. Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, has denied involvement in the incident.

During cross-examination, Combs’ defense attorney pointed out that although DNA was collected from the scene of the fire, no charges had been laid against anyone. Despite this, Cudi maintained his suspicions regarding Combs’ involvement.

Cudi also recounted a subsequent meeting with Combs at SoHo House in Los Angeles, where he confronted Combs about the fire. Cudi described Combs’ calm demeanor during their conversation, despite the serious nature of their issues. ‘I said, What are we going to do about my car?’ to which Combs replied, ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about,’ Cudi testified.

Cudi’s connection to this case intensifies as prosecutors aim to establish a pattern of threats and violence attributed to Combs throughout his relationship with Ventura. Ventura had testified earlier, describing a decade-long relationship with serious allegations of abuse, violence, and coercion.

The trial continues as Cudi’s testimony unfolds alongside testimonies from other witnesses about the ongoing allegations against Combs.