Day six of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ explosive federal trial unfolded like a courtroom thriller—packed with disturbing accusations, shifting testimonies, and new revelations involving some of the biggest names in music. While the Bad Boy mogul appeared composed, even hugging his legal team—Alexander Shapiro and Mark Agnifilo—the courtroom atmosphere quickly turned charged as former collaborators and close witnesses painted a haunting portrait of alleged abuse, manipulation, and fear.
“If You Tell, People Go Missing”
Singer-songwriter Dawn Richard, a former member of Danity Kane and Dirty Money, took the stand to recount a chilling threat she claims came directly from Diddy:
“If you tell, people go missing.”
Richard testified that she witnessed disturbing behavior during her years working under Combs, including an infamous incident where he allegedly assaulted singer Cassie.
However, the defense challenged the consistency of Richard’s claims. Diddy’s attorney, Nicole Westmoreland, pressed her on why the death threat was omitted from at least seven prior interviews with federal investigators. Richard admitted her memory had changed over time, attributing it to years of trauma suppression—an explanation the prosecution underscored in redirect.
The Cassie Incident—and Usher’s Name Gets Dropped
Perhaps the most jarring moment of the day came when Richard mentioned that Usher was present during an alleged incident where Diddy punched Cassie in the stomach at a dinner in Los Angeles. While it remains unclear whether Usher witnessed the blow firsthand, his mere presence added shock value and prompted speculation over potential corroboration.
Another name mentioned in passing was Jimmy Iovine, with Richard indicating that powerful industry figures were often in close proximity to Combs’ behavior—raising uncomfortable questions about who knew what, and when.
“Guttural and Terrifying” Screams: Cassie’s Friend Testifies
Closing out the day was Kerry Morgan, a model and Cassie’s former best friend, whose testimony added a devastating emotional weight to the proceedings. Describing a 2016 incident in Jamaica, Morgan recalled Cassie letting out “guttural and terrifying” screams after a confrontation with Diddy. The two women allegedly hid behind a tractor in a ditch for what “felt like hours.”
Morgan also alleged that Diddy once struck her in the head with a wooden hammer, further solidifying the prosecution’s claim that a pattern of coercion and violence surrounded Combs’ inner circle.
Forced Labor, Guns, and the “One Stop” Drug Dealer
Prosecutors continue to build a case based not only on physical violence, but also racketeering and forced labor. One chef, allegedly assaulted, is expected to testify as a victim of forced labor—a claim the defense dismissed as irrelevant “gossip.” Additionally, testimony revealed the presence of a drug dealer known as “One Stop,” who allegedly supplied Plan B and birth control directly to Combs’ studio.
Richard also described a Louis Vuitton bag Combs allegedly used to store drugs, and recounted multiple times she saw him carry a gun in his back pocket—though she admitted under cross-examination that she never saw him brandish or threaten anyone with it.
Behind the Fame: Justice, Trauma, and Celebrity Power
Throughout her testimony, Richard maintained that despite the glitz and success of being part of Diddy’s empire, she lived in fear and emotional manipulation. While the defense emphasized moments when she reached out to Combs post-Dirty Money era, Richard claimed this was done under pressure from a colleague, not out of personal desire.
As the court recessed for the day, one thing was clear: the trial is no longer just a question of criminal liability—it’s become a referendum on power, silence, and celebrity complicity in an industry long rumored to protect its own.
With more high-profile witnesses expected and mounting public attention, the courtroom showdown surrounding Diddy is only getting more intense.
Courtesy:
Lauren Conlin- Podcaster, Reporter & Host: Pop Culture & True Crime
Matthew Russell Lee for/as Inner City Press covers SDNY, UN Gate, banks & IMF
