[A man testifying in a courtroom. Photo created by ChatGPT]

In explosive testimony at Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ongoing federal sex trafficking trial, rapper Kid Cudi testified that Combs broke into his Los Angeles home in 2011, and then, weeks later, his Porsche was mysteriously set on fire.

The charges are now central to the government’s case, which has been filled with allegations of violence, intimidation, and coercive control by the music mogul.

On the witness stand, Kid Cudi, whose legal name is Scott Mescudi, recounted a series of disturbing incidents that followed his brief romantic relationship with R&B singer Cassie Ventura, Combs’ former longtime partner.

According to Cudi, he took Cassie to a hotel to get her away from a seething Combs.

While there, Cudi said he received a call from Combs’ assistant, Capricorn Clark, telling him that Combs and an affiliate had entered his home and that she had been forced to go with them.

By the time Cudi got back, Combs was no longer there.

But he found his Christmas presents unwrapped and his dog locked in a bathroom.

He called the police.

A few weeks later, Cudi’s black Porsche 911 convertible was destroyed by fire in his driveway.

Jurors were shown photos of a hole cut in the car’s fabric roof and a Molotov cocktail found on the passenger seat.

Cassie had testified the previous week that Combs threatened to blow up Cudi’s car after learning about the relationship.

The day after the fire, the two met at the Soho House in Los Angeles, where Combs stood “like a Marvel supervillain.”

“What are we going to do about my car?” Cudi asked.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Combs replied.

Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking and racketeering charges.

He denies using threats or his music industry clout to abuse women and forcing anyone to participate in drug-fueled sexual performances known as “freak offs.”

Cassie has described repeated physical, sexual, and psychological abuse during these sessions with escorts.

When asked by prosecutor Emily Johnson, “How did you feel during the freak offs when Sean beat you?”

Cassie responded, “Worthless, like dirt. Like I didn’t matter to him. Like I was nothing, absolutely nothing.”

Other witnesses included Sharay Hayes, a male escort known as “The Punisher,” testified about taking part in a dozen freak offs with Combs and Cassie between 2012 and 2015, receiving up to $2,000 per session. 

Federal agent Gerard Gannon testified about the March 2024 raid of Combs’ Miami mansion, where investigators recovered AR-15 components with defaced serial numbers, sex toys, baby oil, and drugs including ketamine and MDMA.

During cross-examination, Combs’ attorney Brian Steel painted Cassie as manipulative, suggesting she was living a “double life.”

Cudi confirmed that Cassie led him to believe she had broken up with Combs but later returned to him.

Forensic psychologist Dr. Dawn Hughes testified about why abuse victims stay in such relationships, explaining they “experience a tremendous amount of shame, humiliation, degradation.”

Despite multiple witnesses, some legal analysts say the sex trafficking charges could be difficult to prove beyond a reasonable doubt.

Text messages presented in court suggested Cassie’s participation may have appeared consensual at the time.

Testimony continues Tuesday, with Capricorn Clark, Los Angeles police, and fire officials expected to appear next. 

Judge Arun Subramanian hopes the trial will conclude before the July Fourth weekend.

If convicted, Combs faces up to life in prison.