As Sean “Diddy” Combs faces federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges, a long list of A-listers has surfaced in witness testimony. So far, the courtroom drama has mentioned Usher, Barack Obama, Kid Cudi, Jennifer Lopez, and even late rapper Biggie Smalls, among others. While none of the celebrities named are accused of wrongdoing, their unexpected presence in the testimony adds major intrigue to a trial already packed with disturbing allegations.
Among the most shocking claims? Diddy’s former assistant testified that the rap mogul took ecstasy shaped like former President Obama’s face—raising eyebrows even though Obama is not implicated in any criminal activity.
Meanwhile, Dawn Richard, a former Danity Kane singer, told jurors she witnessed Diddy punch then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in the stomach—allegedly during a dinner attended by celebrities like Usher, Jimmy Iovine, and Ne-Yo. Richard said the moment was witnessed by others, but until now, it hadn’t been publicly discussed.
Cassie herself, a central figure in the trial, testified about abuse, surveillance, and intimidation, painting a disturbing picture of her long relationship with the Bad Boy mogul. Her testimony also brought Kid Cudi into the mix. She said Diddy flipped out after finding emails between her and Cudi. The rapper later testified that after his car mysteriously caught fire, he reached out to Diddy to talk—because he believed the music mogul was involved. That claim was stricken from the record, but the impression lingered.
Even beloved celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna were briefly pulled into the courtroom narrative. Cassie’s former makeup artist said she worked with both stars after leaving Diddy’s employment, an aside that reinforced the witness’s credentials but also pulled more star power into an already sensational trial.
Other names included Michael B. Jordan, who Cassie reportedly dated after breaking up with Diddy; Prince, who hosted a party Cassie attended when she allegedly suffered visible injuries; and even Bruce Willis, who was mentioned in a text exchange between Cassie and Diddy discussing family dynamics.
The most jaw-dropping moment may have come when testimony revealed Diddy booked hotel rooms under the alias “Frank Black”—a likely tribute to his slain friend Biggie Smalls, whose own nickname was “Frank White.” One witness testified that Diddy declared Biggie’s birthday a paid holiday at Combs Enterprises.
The sheer number of celebrities being named—not for wrongdoing, but as context to a deeply disturbing account—has turned Diddy’s trial into a surreal courtroom spectacle. Prosecutors have also presented video evidence, testimony from Homeland Security agents, and statements from former employees. The defense has pushed back, questioning timelines and motivations, but the witnesses so far have been damning.
In a case that could redefine how Hollywood handles abuse allegations within elite circles, the list of boldface names will likely grow longer. Whether the jury believes the full extent of the claims remains to be seen—but in the court of public opinion, the damage to Diddy’s legacy may already be irreversible.