In a dramatic turn in the ongoing federal sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, rapper Kid Cudi delivered explosive testimony on Thursday, detailing a chilling series of alleged threats, violence, and property destruction at the hands of the hip-hop mogul.
Testifying under his legal name, Scott Mescudi, the 41-year-old artist recounted events from more than a decade ago that he says left him fearing for his safety—and that of then-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura. The courtroom remained tense as Mescudi described Combs’ alleged retaliatory behavior, including a 2011 break-in at his Los Angeles home and the arson of his Porsche in early 2012.
“I knew Sean Combs was violent,” Mescudi said firmly during his testimony.
Now entering its second week, the trial has already seen testimony from 16 witnesses, including Ventura herself, who has accused Combs of years of abuse and control. Mescudi’s testimony appears to bolster Ventura’s claims, painting a picture of escalating intimidation and aggression.
Mescudi told the court he met Ventura in 2008 and briefly dated her in 2011, under the belief that she and Combs were no longer together. He testified that Ventura confided in him about physical abuse at the hands of Combs.
The situation intensified in December 2011. According to Mescudi, Ventura called him around 6 a.m., panicked and frightened, saying Combs had found out about their relationship. She allegedly told him that Combs had attacked her with a wine bottle opener, prompting the pair to flee to a hotel.
When Mescudi returned to his home later, he discovered his security cameras had been tampered with, his dog locked in the bathroom, and previously unopened gifts rummaged through. He testified that Combs called him that morning and chillingly said, “I just want to talk to you. I’m over here waiting for you.”
Despite filing a police report, Mescudi said no arrests were made at the time.
Weeks after the break-in, Mescudi received a call from his dog sitter in January 2012: his Porsche had been set on fire outside his home. Prosecutors showed jurors photographs of the charred vehicle, revealing a sliced-open roof and what appeared to be remnants of a Molotov cocktail.
Not long after the arson, Mescudi said he agreed to a tense meeting with Combs at the exclusive Soho House in Los Angeles.
“Sean Combs was standing there, staring out the window with his hands behind his back, like a Marvel supervillain,” Mescudi testified, drawing murmurs from the courtroom.
When confronted about the car fire, Combs allegedly responded, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Mescudi said he and Ventura split by New Year’s Eve 2011, citing escalating safety concerns. Their relationship, he suggested, had become too dangerous to continue.
In a surprising twist, Mescudi claimed that Combs approached him three years later in 2015 at another Soho House encounter, offering an apology.
“Man, I just want to apologise for everything and all that bullsh*t,” Combs reportedly told him.
Despite the apology, Mescudi confirmed under cross-examination that no one was ever arrested in connection with the alleged arson. DNA was reportedly collected from the burnt vehicle, but no results were disclosed.
Defense attorney Brian Steel suggested Ventura may have “played” Mescudi—a claim the rapper acknowledged, though he reiterated that his primary concern at the time was safety.
As testimony continues, the trial threatens to upend the legacy of one of music’s most influential figures. Combs, who has denied all allegations, has not taken the stand.
Meanwhile, Mescudi’s riveting account adds new weight to a growing body of accusations against Combs, painting a disturbing portrait of power, control, and violence lurking behind the glitz of celebrity.
The trial resumes next week.
