Kid Cudi’s torched Porsche seen in explosive new pics after Diddy ‘hurt his DOG & bombed car’ in jealous fit over Cassie
RAPPER Kid Cudi testified that Sean "Diddy" Combs allegedly broke into his home and hurt his dog in a jealous rage over his relationship with Cassandra "Cassie" Ventura.
The musician, born Scott Mescudi, also testified how weeks after learned about his relationship with , his Porsche was set ablaze in the driveway of his home in Los Angeles in January 2012.
The courtroom was shown evidence photos of the damage to Mescudi's Porsche after the sportscar's convertible roof was cut open before a Molotov cocktail was thrown in it.
Photos showed the driver seats leather red interior heavily charred from the flames.
The interior driver seat door was suffered burned damage.
Ventura previously testified during week one of the trial how Combs became irate when he learned about her relationship with Mescudi.
A visibly pregnant Ventura told the courtroom that Combs made a series of threats against her and Mescudi.
During Mescudi's testimony, prosecutors asked him about a break-in at his Los Angeles home that occurred in December 2011.
The break-in occurred as Mescudi went to met Ventura at a hotel after she told him that Combs found out about their relationship.
Mescudi said he called Combs, who said, "What's up," to which he responded, "Motherf**ker are you in my house?"
Combs allegedly told him, "I am here waiting for you," the rapper testified.
When Mescudi arrived at his house, he recalled the exterior as appearing normal, but once he got inside he realized his security cameras had been moved.
Mescudi said some gifts he had bought for his family were opened, and his dog was locked in a bathroom.
When prosecutor Emily Johnson asked Mescudi about his car, the rapper said his dog sitter called him one morning in January 2012 and told him his Porsche was on fire.
Mescudi, who was at an ex-girlfriend's sister's house 45 minutes away, said his Porsche had been bombed by a Molotov cocktail.
When prosecutors asked about a photo of the car they showed him, Mescudi told them it was "the hole they cut in the roof of my car to put in the Molotov cocktail."
Mescudi's car bombing was mentioned in Ventura's lawsuit against Combs, which she filed in 2023.
Combs and his defense team have denied being involved in the alleged arson.
It comes as…
- Kid Cudi testified for hours about how Combs allegedly broke into his home, hurt his dog, and had his Porsche blown up
- Combs' ex-personal assistant David James described Combs' drug-filled "med bag" with Obama-shaped ecstasy pills and sperm boosters
- Cassie's mom Regina said Combs demanded she pay him $20,000 in exchange for a sex tape of her daughter
- Cassie spent four days on the stand detailing how she was allegedly forced to take part in drug-fueled sex marathons Combs called "freak-offs"
- Cassie sobbed as she described how Combs beat her and forced male escorts to urinate on her in the sick sessions
- Her husband, Alex Fine, broke his silence with an emotional statement after Cassie's testimony wrapped
- Dawn Richard testified Combs threatened her life to keep her quiet after she saw him beat Cassie in 2009
During her four-day testimony, Ventura said Combs and Mescudi eventually met to discuss the relationship and detailed their conversation for the court.
At one point, Mescudi asked Combs, "What about my car?" And Combs replied coldly, "What car," Ventura testified.
COMBS' FORMER ASSISTANT TESTIFIES
Mescudi, 41, is among six witnesses prosecutors will call forward on Thursday.
The day's proceedings began with George Kaplan, Combs' former assistant, back on the stand.
Kaplan testified on Wednesday about his time working at Combs Enterprises between 2013 and 2015.
The former assistant said he would routinely book hotel rooms for Combs under the name Frank Black, which he said was a reference to the late Bad Boy Records rapper Biggie Smalls, whose nickname was "Frank White."
Kaplan described working punishing "80 to 100-hour" work weeks, which would involve ensuring Combs' breakfast was cooked and his bathroom was stocked with all his essentials.
The assistant told jurors his job would also involve prepping hotel rooms for Combs' alleged freak-offs.
He recalled stocking the rooms with candles, Astroglide lubricant, baby oil and clothing.
Kaplan said he would often clean up after the alleged sex marathons in order to protect Combs' public image.
"It was implied, protect his public image. I was keen on doing that," Kaplan testified.
"I found hotels would sell photos to newspapers to shame guests."
Combs' attorneys have insisted that while Combs might be guilty of domestic violence against Cassie, he's not guilty of any of the charges against him, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
The music executive has pleaded not guilty to all charges as prosecutors continue to paint him as the ringleader of a criminal enterprise.
He has denied all allegations against him and insists he's only engaged in consensual sex.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network) at 800-656-HOPE (4673).
Read our Diddy trial live blog for the latest updates...
Sean Combs' sons attend Day 8 of trial
Combs two sons, Christian and Justin Combs, were in the gallery for Day 8 of their father's federal sex trafficking trial.
Photos showed Christian and Justin at the Lower Manhattan courthouse on Wednesday.
Christian Combs exits the federal courthouse in Lower ManhattanCredit: Reuters Justin Combs arrives for his fatherâs sex trafficking trial on WednesdayCredit: Getty Assistant picked up drugs for Combs
George Kaplan, Combs' former assistant, recalled two occasions where he picked up drugs for the music mogul, once in Miami and another in Los Angeles.
In Miami, Kaplan said Combs gave him cash and a number to call.
Kaplan then arranged to pick up the drugs, which he would then deliver to Combs, he testified.
One time he recalled picking up MDMA.
George Kaplan arrives at the Lower Manhattan federal courthouse on WednesdayCredit: Reuters Motivational messages
Photo evidence from the raid of Sean Combs' mansion on Star Island in Miami showed motivational messages written on a bathroom mirror.
Some of the messages read, “You a legend,” “You’re an icon Puff Daddy,” and “Upward Motion.”
It's unknown if Combs himself wrote the messages.
Handwritten motivational messages were found written on a bathroom mirror at Combs' home on Star Island in MiamiCredit: US Department of Justice
Kid Cudi expected to testify tomorrow
George Kaplan will return to the stand at 9 am on Thursday.
Rapper Kid Cudi, who was in a brief relationship with Cassandra "Cassie" Ventura, is expected to be called as a witness by prosecutors tomorrow.
Court breaks for the day
The jury has been let out for the day.
George Kaplan will continue his testimony at 9 am tomorrow.
Public image protection
When asked by prosecutors who would clean up the hotel rooms, Kaplan said he would.
He said he would dispose of "bottles of baby oil, Gatorade," and one time, "brown crystallized powder on the counter of the bathroom sink."
When asked why he would clean up the rooms and not hotel staff, Kaplan said, "It was implied, protect his public image. I was keen on doing that."
He continued, "I found hotels would sell photos to newspapers to shame guests."
Diddy's threats
George Kaplan told prosecutors Combs would threaten his employment at the company "monthly."
"He'd say he was only to be surrounded by the best people," the former assistant said.
Kaplan went into detail about how he would set up hotel rooms for Combs, which was stocked with bags filled with "clothes, candles, Astroglide, and baby oil."
The former assistant said he would often pay for the items.
Combs' alias, Frank Black, was again mentioned in court.
Kaplan said he would book hotels under the name "Frank Black. Based on Biggie's Frank White."
Sketch images from inside the courtroom
New courtroom sketch images from today's proceedings have just been made available.
Sean Combs shown in a courtroom sketch on WednesdayCredit: Reuters Assistant US Attorney Mitzi Steiner questions Dr. Dawn Hughes, a psychologistCredit: Reuters Day 12 of Combs' federal trial began with testimony from special agent Gerard Gannon, who is seen holding up bullets in an evidence bag during direct examinationCredit: Reuters Grueling hours
Between September 2014 and September 2015, Kaplan said he was promoted to executive assistant to the chairman, Sean Combs.
When asked by prosecutors who he reported to, Kaplan said, Kristina "KK" Khorram.
"She essentially ran Mr. Combs' life," he added.
Kaplan said his job included "carrying his bags, set up hotel rooms" and made sure things were in place when he wanted them.
He said he worked between "80 to 100 hours" a week, and was paid $125,000 a year, to start.
George Kaplan was the 12th government witness to be called to the standCredit: Alamy
Kaplan recalls his job responsibilities while at Combs Enterprises
George Kaplan told the courtroom he worked for Combs Enterprises from 2013 to 2015.
The company handled clothing, liquor, entertainment, Kaplan said.
He disclosed that he was the executive assistant to the chief operating officer.
Kaplan is the 12th witness for the government.
George Kaplan called to the stand
Prosecutors have called their next witness George Kaplan, Sean Combs' former assistant, to the stand.
During recross-examination of Dr. Dawn Hughes, defense attorney Jonathan Bach confirmed that the psychologist previously worked with one of Combs' attorneys, Brian Steel, in the past.
However, details about what case she worked with Steel on were not disclosed.
Cross-examination of Dr. Hughes ends
Following another sidebar, defense attorney Bach ended cross-examination of Dr. Dawn Hughes.
Prosecutor Mitzi Steiner is back up for re-direct examination of the psychologist.
Steiner confirmed with Dr. Hughes that all the documents she reviewed in the case were related to the subject of her testimony.
Dr. Hughes also confirmed that some of the information in the documents were redacted.
Defense calls for sidebar
Defense attorney Jonathan Bach called for a sidebar after asking Dr. Hughes whether or not she met with prosecutors "six times to prepare" for her testimony.
Dr. Hughes acknowledged the question is correct.
Jury returns to the courtroom
The jury has returned to the courtroom after a brief debate about whether the defense could ask Dr. Hughes about a webinar she gave in 2015.
Defense attorney Bach said the presentation was training for battered woman advocates.
However, prosecutors said they do not believe the webinar does not indicate potential bias from Dr. Hughes.
Jurors sent back to the jury room
During cross-examination of Dr. Hughes. Judge Subramanian called a sidebar with prosecutors and the defense.
Moments later, the judge asked the jurors to go back to the jury room for a few minutes.
'Blind expert'
Dr. Hughes once again clarified that she is testifying as a "blind expert" and her sole role is to provide jurors with information about domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, and traumatic stress.
"You have not gathered information about this case, right?" defense attorney Jonathan Bach asked Dr. Hughes.
"I am not rendering an opinion on any individual," the expert replied, to which Bach asked, "There someone named Cassie, but you don't know what she said, right?"
"I don't," Dr. Hughes responded.
Court resumes
The jury has returned to the courtroom and today's proceeding has resumed with Dr. Dawn Hughes back on the stand for cross-examination.
Sean Combs' former assistant expected to testify next
George Kaplan, a former assistant of Combs, is expected to take the stand following Dr. Hughes.
Cassandra "Cassie" Ventura said during her testimony that Kaplan quit working for Combs after witnessing physical abuse.
Sean Combs' former employee George Kaplan pictured arriving at federal court on WednesdayCredit: Getty Court has recessed for lunch
Judge Arun Subramanian has recessed the courtroom for a 30-minute lunch break.
Cross-examination of Dr. Hughes will continue after the break.
Defense begins cross-examination of Dr. Hughes
Prosecutors have finished their questioning of Dr. Dawn Hughes.
Jonathan Bach, who only recently joined Sean Combs' defense team, will cross-examine Dr. Hughes.
Bach is married to Alexandra Shapiro, who is also on Combs' defense counsel.
Dr. Dawn Hughes is still on the stand
Dr. Hughes told jurors that it is not uncommon for victims in abusive relationship to not speak out right way.
"Many victims will wait months, even years, before telling about what happened to them," she testified.
"They don't want to label themselves... a victim. They don't want to label their abuser as absuer.
"It's too painful to admit that fact that, 'Somebody who loved me did this to me.'
"They're still in self-blame," Dr. Hughes continued.
Dr. Hughes said it is also common for victims in abusive relationships to use drugs and alcohol to "numb" themselves.
Sean Combs pictured in court on Wednesday in a sketch imageCredit: Reuters
Meek Mill responds to Rodney 'Lil Rod' Jones' lawsuit
In a series of X posts, the Dreams & Nightmares rapper, 38, also responded to music producer Rodney "Lil Rod" Jones' since-dismissed lawsuit from 2024.
In his suit, Jones claimed that Sean Combs engaged in sexual relations with a "Philadelphia rapper who dated Nicki Minaj."
The rapper's name in the lawsuit was redacted.
Meek Mill, who was born in Philadelphia, previously dated fellow rap star Nicki Minaj from 2015 to 2017.
"In the midst of Diddy on 'FEDERAL' trial I wanna bring back up 'lil rod' and his lawsuit that was dropped?" Meek Mill wrote.
"He never said my name but these blogs amplified that whole agenda against me.
"My culture don't believe it but it's an attack on my brand... I wanna get to the bottom of it!"
Rapper Meek Mill (L) and Sean Combs pictured together in April 2014 in West Hollywood, CaliforniaCredit: Getty Rapper Meek Mill speaks out on Sean Combs' federal trial
Philadelphia-born rapper Meek Mill, who has collaborated with Combs on several songs, spoke out on the music executive's federal sex trafficking trial on Wednesday.
Mill, born Robert Rihmeek Williams, said the "craziest thing" he ever saw at a Combs party was "coke vibes."
"The craziest thing I seen at a puff party is 'coke vibes' & that's going on at all these parties," the rapper said on an X post.
"I'm from Norf Philly I had millions since I was 23! I don't even wanna be addicted to weed! Not judging but I see it different!."
Victims often stay in abusive relationships, expert testifies
Dr. Dawn Hughes began her testimony by explaining the many factors why victims stay in abusive relationships.
"It's about the power and control that the abuser has over the victim," the expert testified.
Dr. Hughes identified psychological bonds, psychological consequences of the abuse, and physical violence as some factors that make the victim feel trapped.
When asked by Prosecutor Mitzi Steiner about what can be the role of sexual abuse, Dr. Hughes said, "It puts the victim in significant psychological fear."
No stranger to big trials
Dr. Hughes told the courtroom that she has testified 60 or 65 times in Manhattan and Brooklyn Federal Court as well as the Northern District.
The expert said she has also taken the stand for prosecutors in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Virginia.
Forensic psychologist Dawn Hughes arrives Day 8 of Sean Combs' federal trialCredit: Getty