The second week of Sean Diddy Combs’ federal trial started with Dawn Richard back on the witness stand, facing tough questions and serious pushback.
During Monday’s cross-examination, Richard admitted that despite witnessing Combs’ violent behavior, drug use and making death threats, she still tried to work with him years later.
Defense attorney Nicole Westmoreland laid out a detailed timeline of performances studio sessions travel and music talks that Richard continued with Diddy long after the alleged incidents. When asked directly if she still wanted to collaborate with Diddy after he allegedly said she “could go missing,” Richard responded, “Yes.”
She also confirmed that in 2011 she asked Combs to sign her as a solo artist after their work together in Danity Kane and Diddy Dirty Money. She tried again around 2020 or 2021. When asked if she believed Combs ruined her career twice Richard responded Yes.
Westmoreland also pressed Richard on changing details in her testimony. She told the court that she originally didn’t mention seeing weapons in her eight earlier meetings with prosecutors because “it wasn’t asked.” She also confirmed she initially denied seeing cocaine, but has since changed her statement. “As time progresses, I get better at knowing what went on,” she told the court.
As the defense pointed out alleged inconsistencies in her story, Richard remained firm on some points. She testified with “no doubt” that she saw Combs drag singer Cassie Ventura by her hair, strike her with a skillet, and threaten both of them during a violent altercation.
Westmoreland also challenged Richard’s claims about a violent 2009 incident involving Cassie Ventura and a skillet. Richard told jurors last week that she saw Combs hit Cassie with a pan but the defense pointed to earlier statements where Richard only said she heard a pan hit the wall. Richard insisted she was telling the truth to the best of her memory and added that she remembers everything I am telling you now.
When federal prosecutors resumed questioning, they gave Richard space to explain her evolving memories. She said the environment at the time was so traumatic she blocked much of it out. The more she speaks with investigators, the more details come back.
Richard also stood firm that she saw Combs assault Cassie, drag her by her hair, and threaten them both into silence. She said she has no doubt about what she saw and no doubt that Combs tried to scare her into staying quiet.
When asked what she wants out of her lawsuit against Combs, Richard made her goal clear. She said she wants justice and to be made whole.
