During a recent court session in Manhattan, singer Usher and a music executive were present when Sean “Diddy” Combs allegedly punched Cathy Ventura in the stomach, according to dramatic testimony.
Dawn Richard, a former member of “Danity Kane,” faced questioning about an incident in 2010 where Combs’ attorney, Nicole Westmoreland, challenged her claims that he had attacked his then-girlfriend at a restaurant in West Hollywood, California.
Westmoreland pressed Richard regarding why high-profile figures like Jimmy Iovine didn’t mention their presence during the alleged incident involving Ventura.
“When the government asked you questions, is there any reason you ruled out those individuals?” asked Westmoreland. Richard responded, “She just asked me who was there.”
“Why didn’t you say their names?” the attorney continued.
Richard seemed uncertain, replying, “I don’t really know,” leaving it unclear whether the celebrities actually witnessed the alleged assault.
This testimony marks the second week of Combs’ federal sex trafficking and assault trial, which has featured various well-known personalities since Ventura testified over several days.
Richard, who competed in Combs’ “Making the Band” on MTV in 2004, later accused him of sexual abuse and claimed she saw him attacking Ventura.
Her statement has been added to a growing list of celebrity testimonies at this controversial trial.
Usher recalled living at Combs’ New York mansion as a young star, mentioning his experiences in what he dubbed a “puffy flavor camp.”
In a 2016 interview with Howard Stern, Usher mentioned he had seen “something” unusual during that time, describing the experience as wild and strange.
The conversation turned to whether Usher would send his own child to a similar camp, to which he emphatically responded, “Hell no!”
Recently, Ne-Yo faced backlash for his connection with Combs after the latter’s ex-girlfriend labeled him “Diddy Jr.” in a resurfaced video. Although the comment was retracted later, it sparked further controversy.
Combs, now 55, has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and faces the possibility of severe penalties if convicted.
