NEW YORK (AP) — Explosive new testimony in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial has revealed serious allegations from a former top aide, who claims the hip-hop mogul once kidnapped her at gunpoint in a violent attempt to locate and kill rapper Kid Cudi.
Capricorn Clark, a former global brand director at Bad Boy Entertainment, took the stand Tuesday in a Manhattan courtroom. She testified that on her very first day working for Combs, he threatened her life — and years later, forced her into a black Cadillac Escalade during a frenzied mission targeting Kid Cudi. Her testimony marks a pivotal moment in the prosecution’s case, which alleges Combs ran a decades-long criminal enterprise using intimidation, violence, and fear.
Clark tearfully recalled a 2011 incident where Combs, enraged over Cudi’s relationship with his then-girlfriend Cassie (Casandra Ventura), arrived at Clark’s home with a gun and demanded she come with him, allegedly declaring, “We’re going to kill Cudi.”
As Combs and a bodyguard entered Cudi’s Los Angeles home, Clark said she remained in the SUV and urgently called Cassie, warning her of Combs’ violent intent. Moments later, she testified, they chased after Cudi’s car before retreating when they spotted police nearby.
Afterward, Combs reportedly threatened Clark and insisted she convince Cudi it was a misunderstanding: “If you don’t convince him of that, I’ll kill all you [expletive],” she quoted him as saying.
Clark further described a separate disturbing moment where she witnessed Combs assault Cassie with brutal kicks as she lay crying on the ground. Though jurors were instructed to disregard that part of her testimony after defense objections, the emotional weight of the account hung over the courtroom.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including sex trafficking and conspiracy. He faces 15 years to life in prison if convicted. His defense team has challenged Clark’s memory and questioned her decision to continue working for Combs long after the alleged incidents — even attempting to return to his employment as recently as last year.
Clark also testified about being subjected to polygraph tests and threats early in her employment. One intimidation tactic allegedly included being told she’d be “thrown into the East River” if she failed a test regarding missing jewelry.
Kid Cudi, born Scott Mescudi, testified last week that he dated Cassie briefly in late 2011, believing she and Combs had split. He confirmed receiving a phone call from Clark outside his home warning of Combs’ intentions.
As the high-profile trial continues, prosecutors aim to show a pattern of abuse, coercion, and criminal behavior surrounding Combs’ inner circle — with Clark’s testimony offering a chilling window into a world of alleged fear, control, and violence.
