During a dramatic day in the federal sex-trafficking and racketeering trial of Sean “P. Diddy” Combs in Manhattan, ex–Danity Kane singer Dawn Richard delivered explosive testimony implicating high-profile figures—including Usher, Ne‑Yo, and music-executive Jimmy Iovine—in a violent incident involving Combs and his ex-partner Cassie Ventura.

🍽️ The Alleged 2010 Restaurant Incident

On May 19, 2025, Richard took the stand and recounted a disturbing scene at a West Hollywood restaurant in 2010. She testified that, amid a private argument, Combs “punched [Ventura] in the stomach” while seated among a group that included Usher, Ne‑Yo, Iovine, and various Bad Boy artists. According to Richard, after the blow, Ventura “immediately bent over” and was directed to leave by Combs, while none of the prominent observers intervened

Defense counsel Nicole Westmoreland challenged Richard on her prior omission of the celebrities’ presence from earlier statements, suggesting prejudicial disclosure  Under cross-examination, Richard confirmed their attendance but couldn’t specify if any witnessed the actual strike

🚗 Alleged Follow-Up Assault

Richard further claimed that, after leaving the restaurant, Combs continued the assault by “grabbing [Ventura] by the neck” and slapping her in the car. She also mentioned a prior violent incident in 2009 in Combs’ home, where he allegedly struck Ventura with a skillet and issued veiled death threats to Richard for witnessing it

⭐ Celebrity Connections

Usher: Richard testified he was among those present; Usher, who previously lived in Combs’ mansion as a teenager during his early career, has spoken publicly about witnessing “pretty wild” behavior and has clearly distanced his own children from Combs’ “Puffy Flavor Camp”

Ne‑Yo: Named alongside Usher and Iovine, his presence reinvigorates scrutiny, especially after a resurfaced video involving his ex disparaging him as “Diddy Jr.”

Jimmy Iovine: The legendary music executive was also mentioned as being present at the dinner.

Importantly, none of these celebrities were accused of wrongdoing; their involvement was limited to being present during the alleged assault

 Legal & Public Context

Combs, 55, is facing federal charges centered on sex trafficking and racketeering. He has pleaded not guilty. Dawn Richard, now a plaintiff in a separate civil suit against him, is the fourth key witness to testify—following Cassie Ventura, Kerry Morgan, and Kid Cudi . Prosecutors argue the restaurant beating illustrates a pattern of violence and control over women; the defense counters with claims of inconsistent statements and motivations tied to Richard’s civil litigation

Broader Trial Coverage

The current trial, launched May 5, 2025, is expected to last eight weeks. Observers say this phase—where trusted associates of Combs recount firsthand experiences—could be pivotal in shaping the jury’s perception of his character and alleged behaviors

 Analysis: Why This Matters

Celebrity Spotlight: The naming of Usher and Ne‑Yo garners heightened attention, though neither is accused of any misconduct—only identified as present during a disputed assault.

Credibility Under Scrutiny: The defense’s emphasis on Richard’s earlier statements aims to undermine her reliability.

Pattern of Abuse: This testimony supplements Cassie Ventura’s four-day account, reinforcing prosecutors’ narrative of a consistent pattern of abusive and coercive behavior.

As trial proceedings continue, all eyes are on whether more witnesses will corroborate Richard’s narrative, and whether those named will be called to testify under oath themselves. The outcomes could significantly influence public and judicial perspectives on Combs’ alleged criminal enterprise.