An array of celebrities have been brought into the fray as the trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs continues to unfold in New York.
ICYMI, the disgraced music mogul is currently facing federal court on charges including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
Combs has denied all allegations against him and insisted that all sexual activities were consensual.
The early days of the trial, which is expected to last eight weeks, has seen testimony from Combs’ ex-partner Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, as well as further details surrounding the rapper’s alleged hosting of sex parties known as “freak-offs”.
Also entangled in the trial are multiple celebrities, whose names have been mentioned by both Ventura and the prosecution.
While some names are related to the case, the connection between others and Combs is not yet known.
Drake
During her testimony, Ventura claimed she was assaulted by Combs in 2013, on the night before they were both set to travel from Los Angeles to Canada to attend a music festival hosted by Drake.
According to Variety, Combs was expected to be brought out as a special guest during Drake’s set at OVO Fest, a music event founded by the fellow rapper.
Ventura claimed she went to the festival the day after the alleged assault by Combs. She recalled concealing the alleged injuries she suffered to her eye while attending the event, where she was spotted with French Montana.
Kim Porter
Also during her testimony, Ventura recalled becoming romantically involved with Combs while he was still with his ex-girlfriend, the late actress and model Kim Porter.
Porter and Combs, who had three children together, broke up in 2007, the same year Ventura and Combs’ relationship became public.
But Ventura claimed her relationship with Combs began “many years” before that, adding that Combs didn’t want their romance to “look bad” since he was still with Porter.
Porter died in 2018 after suffering from lobar pneumonia.
Prince
Fellow musician Prince was brought into the fold when Ventura testified that she went to the singer’s private concert in Los Angeles without Combs’ permission.
“He would have definitely not let me go,” Ventura said.
She went on to recall seeing Combs at the private Prince concert, and alleged he assaulted her at her hotel afterwards.
Ike and Tina Turner
In text messages shown during the trial, Ventura compared Combs to Ike Turner, who infamously abused his wife and rock musician, Tina Turner.
According to NBC News, Ventura recited a text message she sent to Combs which read, “you treat me like Ike Turner”.
Kid Cudi
Rapper Kid Cudi appeared on a list of names given to potential jurors ahead of Combs’ trial.
It was part of a selection process in which jurors were asked if they recognised the names of celebrities like Cudi, who was romantically involved with Ventura prior to her relationship with Combs.
Prosecutors also believe Kid Cudi was the victim of a car bombing committed by Combs back in 2011.
Michael B. Jordan
Actor Michael B. Jordan, who dated Ventura during her break from Combs in 2016, also appeared on the list of names provided to jurors, though he wasn’t accused of any wrongdoing.
Michelle Williams
Destiny’s Child alum Michelle Williams was likewise mentioned during jury selection, but her connection to the Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs case isn’t yet known.
Mike Myers
Mike Myers was also among the list of names given to potential jurors last month. The Shrek star isn’t accused of any wrongdoing, and his relationship with Combs is unknown.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ trial will reconvene on Thursday (local time), and we’ll keep you updated if any other celebrity names pop up.
Lead image: Samir Hussein/WireImage and Kevin Winter/Getty Images.
