Sean “Diddy” Combs allegedly attempted to break down the door of his ex-girlfriend Cathy Ventura using a hammer, following a well-publicized incident at a hotel.
During a trial in Manhattan Federal Court concerning accusations of sex trafficking and assault against Combs, Kelly Morgan, Ventura’s former best friend, testified about Combs’ abusive behavior. Morgan described her own experience witnessing the aftermath of an alleged attack from 2016 that left Ventura severely injured.
Morgan recalled arriving home in Los Angeles with visible injuries, specifically black eyes, after that hotel incident in which Combs was recorded assaulting Ventura.
“He was hitting the door with a hammer, trying to get in,” Morgan, now 39, said in court.
She described her fear upon seeing Combs through the peephole of the door.
By contrast, Ventura appeared “paralyzed,” according to Morgan.
“It’s strange… I don’t think [Ventura] realized how serious things were. I thought he might hurt her,” she testified.
This testimony painted a grim picture of the March 5, 2016, attack at the Continental Hotel in Century City, marking a troubling chapter in Ventura’s long-term abusive relationship with Combs.
Testimony revealed that there were further incidents of alleged violence. Morgan, now living in Los Angeles, recounted being attacked by Combs in 2018 while she was at Ventura’s apartment, where he accused her of being unfaithful to him.
“He suffocated me,” Morgan recalled. “He left a mark on my neck.”
She described an incident where he hit her on the head with a wooden coat hanger.
“When I woke up, he had hit me again,” she mentioned, indicating that Combs was looking for answers about Ventura’s fidelity.
Seeking medical attention afterward, Morgan learned she had suffered a concussion from that attack. She also mentioned feeling dizzy and had vomiting episodes following the incident.
The testimony provided insights into the dynamics between Morgan, Ventura, and Combs, revealing a complex web of friendship strained by violence.
Morgan claimed she intended to sue Combs but hadn’t done so because he had previously paid her $30,000.
During a meeting at a pizza restaurant, Ventura accused Morgan of exaggeration about the abuse, leading to a breakdown in their long-standing friendship, which ended after a non-disclosure agreement was signed.
“I drew the line at physical abuse,” Morgan stated, expressing confusion over why Ventura hadn’t reconnected with her since then.
In her testimony, Morgan described witnessing two specific instances of abuse against Ventura. The first occurred when Combs allegedly pushed her during a violent altercation in their Los Angeles home, prompting both women to hide from him for a significant period.
The second reported incident took place in January 2013 when a group, including Combs, Ventura, and Morgan, were traveling together in Jamaica. Morgan recounted Combs’ violent outburst after Ventura took too long in the restroom, recalling a scream followed by the sight of him dragging Ventura across the floor.
“He just lost it,” Morgan recalled, describing Ventura being pushed to the ground and appearing unresponsive afterward.
“I thought she was knocked out,” she added, detailing the state of Ventura who appeared to have been unconscious briefly.
At one point, the two women felt as if they were hiding for hours from Combs during these distressing moments.
Morgan’s statements suggested that Combs exhibited possessive and jealous behavior, particularly regarding Ventura’s interactions with others.
If found guilty of the charges, which include sex trafficking and assault, Combs could face a life sentence. He has pleaded not guilty.
