Judge rushes to finish Cassie Ventura's testimony as prosecutors fear she could give birth during Diddy's trial

The clock is ticking for Sean "Diddy" Combs' legal team as they race against an unexpected deadline – their star witness's due date.

Pregnancy Becomes Central Plot Point in High-Profile Trial

Cassie Ventura, the prosecution's key witness and Combs' former girlfriend, is currently in the final stages of her pregnancy with her third child.

The situation has created an unusual sense of urgency in the federal courtroom, with Judge Arun Subramanian making extraordinary accommodations to ensure her testimony concludes before any potential delivery.

"This witness is very, very pregnant. We are afraid she could have the baby over the weekend," prosecutor Maurene Comey stated Wednesday, according to court transcripts.

The court has shortened lunch breaks from an hour to just 30 minutes and extended daily sessions until 5 p.m., a stark departure from the planned 3 p.m. dismissals in coming weeks.

Defense Challenges Ventura's Allegations Through Text Messages

Thursday marked a significant shift in the trial's dynamic as Combs' defense team began their cross-examination of Ventura.

Defense attorney Anna Estevao methodically presented years of text messages between Ventura and Combs, many containing affectionate and sexually explicit content that appeared to contradict some elements of Ventura's testimony.

"I'm a very lucky woman," read one message from 2008. "I miss you so much I'd fly wherever you needed me whenever. I love you."

Another message from 2009 showed Ventura writing, "I'm always ready to Freak Off lolol," referring to the drug-fueled sexual encounters that have become central to the prosecution's case.

Revelations About Diddy's Personal Struggles

One of Thursday's most surprising revelations came when Ventura testified that Combs had overdosed on painkillers in February 2012.

"From what he told me, he took a very strong opiate that night, but we didn't know what was happening, so we took him to the hospital," she testified.

The defense appeared to use this information to suggest Combs' behavior was influenced by substance abuse issues rather than the intentional pattern of control alleged by prosecutors.

"He was extremely dependent on his opiates, right?" Estevao asked.

"For a time," Ventura responded.

Jealousy and Relationship Dynamics

The defense has consistently maintained that the case revolves around jealousy rather than criminal conduct.

Thursday's questioning explored this theme extensively, with Ventura acknowledging she experienced jealousy regarding Combs' relationships with other women, including the late Kim Porter, mother to three of his children.

Ventura also testified that Combs would become "irate" when suspecting her of romantic involvement with other men, despite his own relationships with multiple women.

"It was a little scary," she said of his jealousy-triggered temper.

The Race Against Time

What makes this trial particularly unusual is the genuine concern that Ventura could go into labor before completing her testimony.

Judge Subramanian has instructed the defense team that they need to finish their cross-examination by Friday afternoon, though he left open the possibility of granting additional time if absolutely necessary.

"The direct took a day and a half so the defense will have a day and a half. So, you have today, you have the morning tomorrow," the judge told the defense team.

In an extraordinary accommodation, the defense even provided Ventura with an iPad during Thursday's lunch break to review exhibits in advance, hoping to accelerate the questioning process.

Combs, who faces charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution, has remained actively engaged throughout the proceedings. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and could face up to life in prison if convicted.

His attorneys have acknowledged that while Combs has been violent with former girlfriends and has what they termed a "different" sex life, these behaviors do not constitute racketeering or sex trafficking.

As Friday's session approaches, all eyes remain on Ventura, whose testimony is crucial to the prosecution's case—and whose impending childbirth has added an unprecedented element of urgency to the high-profile trial.