Cassie’s Possession of ‘Freak-Off’ Tapes Could ‘Undermine Her Credibility’ in Diddy Case, Attorney Says

Agents arrested hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs in September 2024. And he’s now heading to trial in May 2025 on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Before his arrest, his ex-girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, filed a lawsuit alleging physical and sexual abuse. Ventura has involvement in the current case, as she has possession of footage of Combs’ sex parties, known as “freak-offs.” Here’s what an attorney said about how Ventura having the tapes could undermine her credibility.

Attorney David Gelman says Casandra ‘Cassie’ Ventura’s possession of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ ‘freak-off’ tapes could work against her

In January 2025, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense requested that the prosecution turn over nine videos of Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and Combs. The videos show sexual activity between the two parties. According to the defense, the prosecution wants to protect Ventura by not handing over the tapes they possess.

Attorney David Gelman told The Trial of Diddy podcast that he agrees with Combs’ attorneys that the defense should have access to the tapes. “If that is going to be evidence that is used, you have an obligation to turn it over,” he said. Gelman added that the defense saw the tapes before with law enforcement, but that’s not enough. “Diddy needs to have an opportunity to also go over it” to prepare for his trial, Gelman said.

The attorney noted that Ventura having the videos in her possession could greatly assist Combs’ defense. “Diddy doesn’t have these videos — Diddy never had these videos,” he continued. “They are in the possession of Cassie. It does undermine a little bit. It undermines that she is an alleged victim. … If she had the videos herself, and not Diddy, that would definitely bring a red flag to the government, and that would definitely help if I’m Diddy’s attorney.”

“If I’m Diddy’s attornies, I’m jumping up and down to have these videos,” Gelman continued. “I’m sure they’re probably not very flattering and maybe embarrassing.” He also noted that the defense wanting the videos doesn’t necessarily mean they will be produced during the trial.

Finally, Gelman said that the content of the tapes greatly matters. “Let’s just say she’s participating in things and looks like she’s having a really good time — that obviously won’t look good for her and her claims of what Diddy did,” he continued. “It will undermine her credibility.”

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs ‘has not been a model citizen’ in jail, the attorney says

Attorney David Gelman noted that Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense will fight for the tapes. However, Combs hasn’t been a “model citizen” at the Metropolitan Detention Center thus far, which could work against him.

“Diddy, he has not been the model citizen in the jail so far,” Gelman suggested. “There are allegations that he’s contacted witnesses and tampered with witnesses and other individuals who are associated with him as well. Also, in the jail, he’s also been using individual’s social media and phones to contact individuals. So, I don’t know if the judges are going to give it all over immediately, because he could potentially have other individuals look at it.”

“I don’t think the judge is going to point blank give everything to Diddy and his attorneys,” Gelman continued.

The defense attorneys say ‘freak-offs’ happened ‘between fully consenting adults’

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense has spoken out about the nine “freak-off” tapes not currently in their possession.

“Contrary to what the government has led this Court and the public to believe, the so-called ‘Freak Offs’ were private sexual activity between fully consenting adults in a long-term relationship,” defense attorneys Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos said, according to ABC News.

The defense then referenced Casandra “Cassie” Ventura as “Victim-1.”

“These videos unambiguously show that the person alleged in the indictment to be ‘Victim-1’ not only consented but thoroughly enjoyed herself,” the defense added. ” … At bottom, this case is about whether Victim-I was or was not a willing participant in her private sex life with Mr. Combs. The videos confirm that she plainly was.”

How to get help: In the U.S., call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area. 

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