Jurors in the ongoing federal sex-trafficking trial of music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs were shown a series of explicit text messages on Thursday, May 15, exchanged between Combs and singer Cassie Ventura, the prosecution’s key witness.

The messages, dating back to 2009, come from the early stages of the pair’s 11-year, on-and-off relationship. Combs’ legal team presented the texts in an effort to undermine Ventura’s claims of coercion, portraying them instead as examples of mutual enthusiasm and consent for drug-fueled group sex encounters—referred to as “freak offs.”

In one exchange, Ventura texted Combs: “I’m always ready to freak off LOLOL.” Combs responded, “You tell me the day. You choose. Name the day.”
Another message from Combs read, “I can’t wait to watch you,” to which Ventura replied, “Me too. I just want it to be uncontrollable.”

The defense highlighted these interactions to suggest Ventura willingly participated in the sexual encounters. The messages were displayed on large courtroom monitors while Ventura, now eight months pregnant, read them aloud in a restrained tone from the witness stand.

Her husband, Alex Fine, was present in the courtroom gallery, at times looking away from the screen or down at his lap, later shifting his gaze toward Ventura and the projected messages.

During earlier testimony, Ventura acknowledged having told Combs she enjoyed the encounters, but said it was a survival tactic to remain close to him. “I was in love and wanted to make him happy,” she explained. “I hated the freak offs. I felt worthless, disgusting, and humiliated afterward. But I didn’t have the words to explain it at the time.”

The defense also introduced additional texts, including one in which Ventura mentioned going to Duane Reade to buy candles and pack a bag in preparation for one of the planned encounters—furthering their claim of her voluntary involvement.

Still, Ventura insisted that her actions were not freely chosen. She described the relationship as emotionally abusive, saying she felt manipulated and isolated throughout. “I didn’t feel like I had a choice,” she told the court.

Combs’ defense team has indicated it plans to argue that other women involved in similar allegations also participated consensually.

Thursday marked Ventura’s third day on the stand, with cross-examination by defense attorney Anna M. Esteveo expected to conclude on Friday.

Combs is facing a range of charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering, and could face life in prison if convicted.