Day 11: Judge Denies Mistrial Motion Amid Explosive Testimony in Diddy Trial
By Trinity Barnette
Defense’s Mistrial Motion Denied
The defense team for Sean “Diddy” Combs filed a motion for a mistrial, arguing that the prosecution’s line of questioning regarding destroyed fingerprint evidence related to the 2012 firebombing of Kid Cudi’s car was prejudicial. They contended that this implied Combs’s involvement in evidence tampering. However, Judge Arun Subramanian denied the motion, ruling that the questions were not prejudicial and instructed the jury to disregard them .
Testimony from Stylist Deonte Nash
Deonte Nash, a stylist who worked closely with Cassie Ventura, testified about Combs’s alleged controlling and abusive behavior. Nash recounted instances where Combs would derogatorily refer to Ventura using terms like “b––,” “slut,” and “ho.” He also testified that Combs threatened to withhold Ventura’s music releases and to get her parents fired from their jobs if she didn’t comply with his demands. Nash described an incident where Combs physically grabbed him over Ventura’s hairstyle choice at an event, emphasizing the extent of Combs’s control over her appearance and career .
Additional Details from Nash’s Testimony
Nash also described a specific incident where Combs physically grabbed Ventura by the hair during an argument about her hairstyle, slamming her head against a bed frame. He testified that Combs’ control extended beyond their personal relationship and into her professional life, manipulating her music career and isolating her from those around her. These moments, according to Nash, were not isolated but part of a broader pattern of psychological and physical abuse.
The prosecution is expected to call another alleged victim, referred to by the pseudonym “Mia,” to testify. Mia, a former assistant, is anticipated to provide testimony regarding sexual assault and forced labor allegations against Combs. Her account is expected to further support the prosecution’s claims of a pattern of abuse and coercion by Combs .
Prosecutors Present Evidence in Kid Cudi Arson Case
Later in the day, prosecutors introduced photographic evidence from the 2012 car bombing involving Kid Cudi’s Porsche. An arson investigator from the Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed that the vehicle was destroyed by a Molotov cocktail. While no direct DNA link to Combs was identified—only a partial female DNA profile was recovered—the incident was framed as part of a broader pattern of retaliation and intimidation allegedly orchestrated by Combs. The defense objected, arguing the evidence was speculative and inflammatory. Nonetheless, it was allowed into the record as prosecutors worked to build a case around Combs’ alleged use of fear and violence against individuals connected to Cassie Ventura.
Public Spotlight Remains on Cassie Ventura
Although Ventura concluded her testimony during the previous week, her story continues to loom over the courtroom. As more witnesses come forward, the allegations laid out in her civil suit and reiterated during her testimony remain central to the government’s case. Outside the courtroom, Ventura gave birth to her third child with husband Alex Fine, a personal milestone that stands in stark contrast to the traumatic accounts still surfacing inside the courtroom. Her experience, and the ripple effect it caused, continues to shape the direction of the trial.
Trial Update: Day 11 Concludes
This article has been updated to include new testimony and evidence presented on Day 11 of the trial. With the denial of the defense’s mistrial motion and the powerful statements from both Deonte Nash and the arson investigator, the day ended with heightened tensions and a clear sense of momentum on the prosecution’s side. The court adjourned after a full day of proceedings, officially concluding Day 11. Coverage will continue as the trial resumes for day 12.
