In a New York courtroom, a male exotic dancer known as “The Punisher” described the moment he realized his mysterious client was music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs—when a hotel television greeted him with the name “Welcome Sean Combs.”
Sharay Hayes, the dancer, was testifying in Combs’ ongoing federal sex trafficking trial.
Hayes shared that he had been hired to perform erotic scenes with singer Cassie Ventura while an unidentified man watched silently from the shadows. The man, he later realized, was Diddy himself. Hayes said he had been instructed not to acknowledge the man, who wore a veil over his face during their meetings.
The encounters reportedly took place in luxury hotels including Trump Tower in Manhattan. Hayes said Cassie greeted him in a bathrobe and led him into rooms where furniture was covered in sheets, and baby oil was placed in small bowls on the floor. He described eight to twelve sessions in which Combs directed their actions, including lighting changes and sexual acts.
Hayes also recalled that Cassie occasionally reacted with discomfort to Combs’ instructions, sometimes sighing or glancing at him for approval. His testimony supports earlier claims from another man who said he was also paid to have sex with Ventura while Combs watched.
The court also heard from Cassie’s mother, Regina Ventura, who identified photographs showing bruises on her daughter’s back and leg. She said the injuries were caused by Combs. An email Cassie sent to her mother in 2011 was presented in court, in which she accused Combs of threatening to release explicit tapes and hire someone to hurt her.
Regina Ventura also testified about being pressured into paying Combs $20,000. She and her husband took out a loan to send the money to an account provided by Combs’ bookkeeper. She said she felt terrified for her daughter’s safety. Days later, the money reappeared in their account without explanation.
In the final hours of the session, Homeland Security special agent Gerard Gannon detailed what authorities discovered during a March 2024 raid on Combs’ Miami mansion. The search turned up multiple semi-automatic rifles, many modified with high-precision shooting enhancements. Two weapons had their serial numbers removed, and agents found loaded magazines, lingerie, baby oil, and platform heels.
The trial continues Wednesday with further testimony from Gannon. Combs, who faces serious charges including racketeering and sex trafficking, has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he could face a life sentence.