1. Ventura offered a detailed account of the “Freak-Off” incidents.
Ventura referred to Combs’ notorious “freak-off” as an arrangement that enabled him to “employ escorts and perform for Sean.” She mentioned it was a way to visualize interactions with others and understand their actions. She testified that Combs would oversee these activities, hiring escorts through classified ads on sites like Craigslist and Backpage, eventually using a service called Cowboys 4 Angels. The escorts were reportedly paid between $1,500 and $6,000 in cash. Furthermore, Ventura suggested that Combs not only set up these sexual encounters but also facilitated drug use, including ecstasy, cocaine, marijuana, ketamine, and mushrooms throughout these events.
Her first experience with a “freak-off” was in 2008 at Combs’ place in Los Angeles when she was just 22, and she claimed that these occurrences soon became nearly weekly. The last one occurred around 2017 or 2018. The locations for these events varied, spanning cities like New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Ibiza, and Turks and Caicos. She mentioned that either she or Toni Fletcher, a staff member under Combs, would book hotel rooms for the meetings.
2. The intensity of “Freak-Offs” led to prolonged recovery periods.
According to Ventura, the “freak-offs” were more than just wild events; they were also quite mentally and physically taxing. She described them as experiences that often left her feeling terrified, humiliated, or unworthy. These encounters could extend for 2-4 days without sleep, with drugs being a common element to keep participants awake. While she admitted feeling deep affection for Combs and a desire to make him happy, she also expressed confusion about what changes might occur in their relationship.
She candidly explained how participating in these “freak-offs” became psychologically burdensome. She felt a constant need to “recover,” and the notion of being filmed during these events added to her distress. Describing her feelings during that time, she stated, “I felt disgusting and humiliated,” noting that she had no one to confide in. Ventura asserted that even while menstruating, she was expected to engage in these sessions, and subsequently, encounters would often leave behind stained sheets. “You just don’t have a lot of control in that moment,” she mentioned, reflecting on her sense of humiliation.
3. The violence Combs displayed created ongoing fear in Ventura.
Ventura shed light on Combs’ erratic behavior and the fear it instilled in her throughout their relationship. She described a constant state of uncertainty regarding his moods, emphasizing how one wrong look could provoke a violent reaction. “I never knew if he was going to be happy or angry,” she recounted. She testified that he had physically assaulted her, dragging, kicking, or even stomping on her. Highlighting her fear, she admitted, “I didn’t want him to be upset,” suggesting that his temper made her cautious about her actions.
4. Combs had significant control over Ventura’s career and life.
Ventura claimed that Combs controlled much of her life, including her career direction, living arrangements, and even her interactions with others. She described him as a “polarizer,” asserting that control was central to their relationship. She began to notice his controlling and abusive tendencies, which had a substantial impact on her well-being.
As part of this control, he attempted to influence her appearance and actions, requiring her to adhere to specific standards during “freak-offs.” This included recommendations about her hairstyle, nail color, and even considerations for breast implants. His opinions affected her self-esteem significantly, as she mentioned, “I had to present in certain ways.” Combs would also choreograph the sexual acts, arranging hotel rooms and instructing the use of certain props.
5. Combs possessed firearms and occasionally pressured Ventura to handle them.
Ventura recalled that Combs kept guns secured in multiple locations. She recounted a particular incident where she was forced to carry one while he pursued a rival. “We drove to his house in Los Angeles,” she said, recalling her panic during the situation. “I was crying, pleading for him not to do anything reckless,” expressing her profound unease with his behavior.
