Kid Cudi Reflects on Encounter with Diddy After His Porsche Was Targeted by a Molotov Cocktail

Rapper and producer Kid Cudi took the stand during Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking trial this week, describing the music mogul as a “Marvel supervillain” at one point.

The trial, expected to last around eight weeks, follows federal charges against Combs in New York, which include racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking through force, fraud, or coercion. Prosecutors allege that Combs operated a criminal enterprise using his wealth and influence. Combs, however, denies the allegations, with his legal team claiming they’re an attempt to dethrone a successful Black man.

Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, briefly dated R&B singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura in 2011, who was a long-term partner of Combs and a vital witness in the trial. While testifying on Thursday, Mescudi recounted instances where he claimed Combs retaliated against him following the revelation of his relationship with Ventura, detailing a home break-in and an arson incident. The firebombing—where a Molotov cocktail was thrown into Mescudi’s car—was first disclosed publicly in a monumental lawsuit filed by Ventura against Combs in November 2023.

During his testimony, Mescudi indicated that he learned of Combs’ abusive behavior towards Ventura during their short-lived relationship.

CNN reported that Mescudi recounted a December 2011 incident where he received a call from a “scared” Ventura, who feared for Mescudi’s safety after Combs discovered their relationship.

Combs learned about Ventura’s new relationship during a confrontation and allegedly attempted to attack her with a wine opener, as previously reported by HuffPost. Ventura escaped, and Mescudi came to pick her up. When they arrived at a hotel, they learned that Combs was at Mescudi’s house, leading him to confront Combs.

“I said, ‘Motherfucker, you in my house?’” Mescudi testified on Thursday, according to CNN.

“I just want to talk to you,” Combs reportedly replied. “I’m over here waiting for you.”

Upon arriving home, Mescudi stated he found his dog locked in the bathroom, appearing “jittery” and “on edge,” his security cameras were repositioned, and some of his Christmas gifts had been unwrapped, according to the Washington Post. By that time, Combs had already departed the scene, prompting Mescudi to alert the police, the outlet reported.

Though Ventura and Mescudi had spent Christmas together, they ended their relationship before New Year’s Eve, as per CNN.

Still, in January 2012, Mescudi’s luxury Porsche 911 was set ablaze in his driveway, according to various reports. Mescudi recalled receiving a call from his dog sitter informing him of the fire. He then traveled 45 minutes to return home to his burning vehicle.

“It looks like the top of my Porsche was cut open, and that’s where the Molotov cocktail was placed in,” Mescudi described, according to CNN.

Mescudi went on to detail a subsequent meeting with Combs after the incident, as he “knew [Combs] had something to do with it.”

No evidence was found connecting Combs to the property on the day Mescudi’s car was damaged, with no fingerprints or DNA linking Combs to the scene, Reuters reported.

The two men met the day after the Porsche was burned at Soho House in Los Angeles, Mescudi said.

Upon his arrival, “Sean Combs was standing there, staring out the window with his hands behind his back, like a Marvel supervillain,” Mescudi recounted, which elicited laughter from those in the courtroom, as per CNN.

Mescudi stated that Combs denied involvement in the arson, yet Mescudi felt he was lying.

Mescudi testified on Thursday that Combs expressed regret to him in 2015 when they crossed paths at the Soho House, according to CNN.

“Man, I just want to apologize for everything and all that bullshit,” Mescudi claimed Combs told him.

“That was the last thing I was expecting to get from him,” Mescudi added.

According to The Associated Press, Mescudi claimed during cross-examination that Ventura led a “double life,” effectively deceiving him. As Ventura previously testified, she was still seeing Combs while dating Mescudi.

Following his court appearance, Mescudi thanked his supporters in a video posted on his Instagram story.

“It really means a lot to me, man. You guys are the best. I love y’all,” he expressed. “This is a stressful situation, I’m glad it’s behind me.”

Mescudi was among 16 witnesses called by prosecutors over the past two weeks. On Thursday, additional testimonies were provided by George Kaplan, a former Combs employee; Mylah Morales, a celebrity makeup artist; and Frederic Zemmour, the general manager of the L’Ermitage Hotel.

Following the Memorial Day weekend, the trial is set to continue on Tuesday. If found guilty, Combs could face life imprisonment.