Discover the 10 key witnesses in the Diddy trial that made the case high-profile

The trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs became a major national event. Over seven weeks, prosecutors called 34 witnesses, many of whom shared emotional and disturbing stories as the defense chose not to call any witnesses, leaving the spotlight entirely on the prosecution’s side.

Here are 10 key witnesses who played a major role in making this trial widely followed:

1. Cassie Ventura

Cassie, Diddy's former girlfriend, described years of abuse and being forced into disturbing sexual events called “freak-offs.” Her personal and emotional testimony shocked many.

2. “Jane”

Another former partner of Diddy said she was pressured to take part in sexual acts because the rapper threatened to stop paying her rent.

She explained, “I felt this was something I had to do in return.”

3. Israel Florez

A hotel security guard from 2016, he testified that he saw Cassie bruised and scared. 

He said that Diddy tried to pay him to stay quiet. “He was pretty much holding like a stack of money,” he recalled.

4. Daniel Phillip

A male escort who said he was hired to participate in sexual encounters with Diddy and Cassie as he described seeing Diddy drag Cassie by her hair.

He said, “I can’t carry this anymore … what’s right is right and what’s wrong is wrong.”

5. Dawn Richard

A former singer who claimed she saw Diddy hit Cassie, even with a skillet. Dawn also said she was threatened if she ever spoke out.

The 42-year-old added, “I saw him punch her, choke her, drag her and kick her.”

6. Deonte Nash

Diddy’s stylist testified about bruised he noticed on Cassie and said she admitted not always giving consent.

7. George Kaplan

A personal assistant who said he saw Cassie bruised and crying. He shared that he felt guilty for not stepping in to help.

8. Brendan Paul

He admitted that he helped arrange “freak-off” parties and provided drugs like cocaine and ketamine for those events.

9. Capricorn Clark

A longtime employee, she described how Diddy used threats and control, and how she witnessed abusive behavior toward Cassie.

10. Agents & experts

Federal agents presented data from phones and laptops. Psychologists explained how fear and manipulation often keep abuse victims from leaving.

Why these witnesses mattered

Together, these witnesses revealed a pattern of power, fear and abuse. Their stories helped uncover the truth behind Diddy's world as the trial ended with the 55-year-old rapper being convicted of two counts related to trafficking though he was cleared of more serious charges.

But most will remember the voices that made it impossible to look away.