Introduction to the Case
Rapper Kid Cudi testified that Sean "Diddy" Combs broke into his Hollywood Hills home in 2011 after finding out that he had started dating Combs’ ex-girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie. Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, claimed that someone had been causing trouble for weeks after the incident.
The Incident Unfolds
Cudi stated that when he and Cassie briefly dated, he took her to a West Hollywood hotel to get her away from Combs. However, he received a call from Combs’ assistant, Capricorn Clark, informing him that Combs and a partner were in his house and that they had forced their way in. Cudi left the hotel to go home and called Combs on the way, asking him why he was in his house. Combs replied, "I want to talk to you."
The Aftermath
When Cudi arrived home, Combs was not there, but he found that someone had opened Christmas presents he had bought for his family and locked his dog in a bathroom. Cudi was unsure what was going on and called the police. A few weeks later, his Porsche 911 convertible was destroyed by fire while parked in his driveway. Cudi claimed that he was at a friend’s house when his dog sitter called and told him that his car was on fire.
Investigation and Evidence
Jurors were shown photos of a hole cut in the fabric roof of the car and a Molotov cocktail found in the passenger seat. Cassie testified last week that Combs had threatened to burn Cudi’s car after learning that she was with the rapper. Cudi told jurors that Combs denied any involvement in the car fire when they met to try to smooth things over at a hotel in Los Angeles the next day.
Testimony and Reactions
Cudi said he had no conflicts with anyone at the time and that he knew Combs had something to do with the incident. However, the judge instructed the jury to ignore the remark. Cudi also testified that Combs apologized to him "for everything" a few years later when they met again at a hotel. Combs seemed subdued during Cudi’s testimony, and the two did not appear to react to each other.
The Trial
The 55-year-old Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking and blackmail. He denies using threats or his music industry influence to abuse women and others. During Cudi’s cross-examination, Combs’ lawyer, Brian Steel, portrayed Cassie as a villain in her relationships with Combs and Cudi, suggesting that she had played both men and led a "double life."
Cassie’s Testimony
Cassie had previously testified that she was still seeing Combs for "freak-offs" and used a burner phone to contact Cudi and keep their relationship a secret from Combs. Cudi admitted that he was upset when he found out that Cassie had decided to go back to Combs. The defense questioned Cudi about Cassie’s actions, and he agreed that she had lived two different lives.
Conclusion
The federal investigation into Combs began in November 2023, one day after Cassie sued him in federal court in Manhattan, claiming years of sexual and physical abuse. Combs countersued Cassie for $20 million the next day. Cassie testified that Combs had abused her for most of the nearly eleven years they were together, from 2007 to 2018. The trial continues, with more witnesses and evidence being presented.
