Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense team is pushing to have Kid Cudi’s testimony about the 2012 destruction of the rapper’s Porsche thrown out of the ongoing sex trafficking trial.
The focus keyphrase here is “Sean Diddy Combs’s defense asks to strike Kid Cudi’s testimony,” and that’s exactly what’s happening as the legal battle heats up.
Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, testified on May 22, 2025, the ninth day of Combs’ trial, that his Porsche was destroyed by a Molotov cocktail. Police reports obtained by Rolling Stone describe the car being set ablaze by an “incendiary device,” and Cudi confirmed the incident to The New York Times last year. According to his testimony, the day the explosion happened, he received a call from his dog-sitter saying his car was on fire. While heading home, a friend sent him a picture showing the wrecked vehicle. By the time he arrived, his Porsche was beyond repair, with the top cut open to allow the Molotov cocktail to be thrown inside.
This event took place amid complicated relationships involving Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, who dated both Combs and Kid Cudi around 2011. Ventura previously testified that Combs grew jealous when he found out about her on-again, off-again relationship with Cudi and allegedly threatened to have Cudi’s car blown up.
During his testimony, Cudi recalled confronting Combs at the Soho House in Los Angeles about the car fire. When he asked, “What are we going to do about my car?” Combs reportedly responded, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Later, the two allegedly crossed paths again at the same location years later, where Combs supposedly apologized for everything. Cudi said that moment helped him find peace with the whole situation.
Despite these details, Combs’ legal team argues that Cudi’s testimony should be struck from the record. They claim a witness cannot testify that another person was lying, which is essentially what Cudi did when he said he believed Combs was not truthful about the incident. The defense labels Cudi’s testimony as “mere speculation” and warns it risks unfairly prejudicing the jury against Combs.
The defense pointed out that Cudi’s opinions hold little probative value while posing a significant risk of prejudice since Combs is accused of arson as part of the racketeering charges linked to his sex trafficking case. Combs has denied all allegations against him, including those related to arson.
Attempts to confirm the car fire through official records hit a dead end. This latest legal move is part of a complex and highly publicized trial where Diddy faces charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. The defense’s effort to remove Kid Cudi’s testimony reflects their broader strategy to challenge evidence that could hurt their client.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, help is available. Contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit rainn.org.
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
