In a bombshell revelation that has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, rapper Kid Cudi has accused Sean “Diddy” Combs of setting fire to his luxury car in a jealous rage over singer Cassie Ventura.
Testifying Thursday in Combs’ ongoing sex trafficking trial, Cudi, real name Scott Mescudi gave an explosive account of fear, retaliation, and a secret romance that allegedly triggered a violent response from one of hip-hop’s most powerful figures.
Cudi stated under oath that he had a brief romantic relationship with Cassie in 2011, believing she was no longer involved with Combs. However, what began as a discreet romance soon spiraled into a harrowing ordeal.
According to Cudi, Cassie confided that Combs had physically assaulted her. In December 2011, around 6 a.m., she called him in a panic,6 saying Combs had discovered their relationship and allegedly attacked her with a wine bottle opener. Fearing for their lives, the pair fled to a nearby hotel.
When Cudi returned home, the signs of intrusion were chilling: his security cameras were tampered with, wrapped gifts had been unwrapped, and his dog was locked in the bathroom. Although he filed a police report, no arrests were made.
The situation turned even more sinister weeks later. In January 2012, Cudi’s Porsche parked outside his home was set ablaze in what appeared to be an arson attack. Photos presented in court showed the roof of the car had been cut open, and a Molotov cocktail was suspected to be the ignition source.
“I knew Sean Combs was violent,” Cudi declared, his voice steady as he described the moment he realized the extent of the threat he faced.
The rapper revealed that he arranged a meeting with Combs at the Soho House in Los Angeles. The encounter was surreal. “He was standing there, staring out the window with his hands behind his back, like a Marvel supervillain,” Cudi recalled.
When confronted about the incident, Combs reportedly played coy, responding, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
A second meeting at the same location in 2015 ended differently. Cudi said Combs offered a vague apology: “Man, I just want to apologise for everything and all that bullsh*t.” Cudi admitted that, at the time, he “found peace” with the situation.
Under cross-examination, Cudi confirmed that DNA samples were collected from the torched vehicle, but no suspects were identified and no arrests were made. Defense attorney Brian Steel insinuated that Cassie may have manipulated Cudi, a possibility the rapper acknowledged, while still standing firm on his belief that Combs was dangerous.
Cudi told the court their relationship eventually ended for safety reasons.
The trial, now in its second week, has included testimony from 16 witnesses, including Cassie herself. The singer has previously accused Combs of years of abuse allegations that appear to be corroborated in chilling detail by Cudi’s own experience.
As the trial continues, the courtroom has become a stage for a complex drama involving fame, power, fear and, allegedly, flames.