Who is Cassie Ventura, Diddys ex-girlfriend and star witness in bombshell sex-trafficking case?

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura is due to take the witness stand in Manhattan federal court on Tuesday — the star witness in the embattled hip-hop mogul’s shocking sex-trafficking trial.Ventura, who is eight-months pregnant, is expected to testify about how the rapper allegedly forced her into drug-fueled, days-long sexual “freak-offs” with male escorts.The 38-year-old “Me & U” artist dated Combs for about a decade.Here is what else there is to know about the singer.Born Cassandra Elizabeth Ventura in New London, Connecticut, in August 1986, Ventura began her career as a model but soon evolved into a promising music career that saw the release of her debut album in 2006, according to CNN.The album was part of her collaboration with producer and songwriter Ryan Leslie.Following her debut release, Ventura’s talent and beauty drew Combs’ attention, and he went on to sign her to his Bad Boy Entertainment label.In 2007, she became the face of Combs’ “Sean John” fashion line and also delved into acting with a role in the dance film “Step Up 2: The Streets,” CNN said.In 2012, the couple went public with their romantic relationship, with the pair frequently seen together at Hollywood parties, fashion shows and other celebrity events.Ventura, identified as “Victim-1” in the federal case against Combs, alleged that the relationship became increasingly abusive in their relationship.In a civil lawsuit she filed in 2023, she claimed she was subjected to physical abuse and degrading sexual encounters with male escorts — while her wealthy boyfriend watched or filmed them.She claimed that the escorts were paid thousands of dollars for the forced trysts.The lawsuit, filed November 2023 in Manhattan federal court, claimed Combs trafficked, raped and viciously beat Ventura starting in 2005 and until 2018, alleging he was capable of “uncontrollable rage.”She claimed that the mogul routinely plied her with drugs and alcohol ...