Cassie Ventura has claimed she was raped by Diddy at the end of her relationship with him.

The singer also told a New York court that she endured abuse at the hands of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs during the ‘freak-off’ sessions, and that videos of the episodes were later used as blackmail. Jurors in the case have watched videos of the sexual encounters with male escorts, which Cassie says Diddy demanded, paid for and recorded.

Cassie spoke about her relationship with musician Kid Cudi, saying that Diddy became violent when he found out about it.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs faces charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has denied all charges. If found guilty, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.

The trial continues on Thursday, where Cassie will be cross-examined by the defence.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to the BBC’s New York correspondent Nada Tawfik about the day in court.

A warning that this episode contains mention of suicide, descriptions of violence, drug use, sexual violence, including rape and graphic descriptions of sex.

The Diddy on Trial podcast is here to investigate the rumours, confront the theories, and give you the answers that you need. We also want YOU to be part of the conversation. Have you any burning questions about the case? Heard a theory that doesn’t sit right with you? Get in touch now via WhatsApp: 0330 123 555 1.

Presenter: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Laura Jones Sound Design: Mark Burrows Senior Digital Producer: Matthew Pintus Video Producer: Daniel Raza Production Coordinator: Hattie Valentine Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Commissioning Assistant Producer: Rechmial Miller

AskHistorians Podcast 091 – Virtual Rome Project