Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking trial has brought many witnesses to the forefront, and one of the male escorts who testified is continuing to speak his truth. Sharay “The Punisher” Hayes shared his thoughts on his encounters with the Bad Boy founder and Cassie Ventura, offering an apology to her after realizing the context of their interactions.
When asked during his sit-down with CNN what he would say to the “Me & U” singer now if he had the chance, he replied, “I would apologize because I had no idea what she was going through. Obviously my involvement fevered her suffering. Me knowing that as a man and being raised by a single mom and a grandma, the thought of partaking in a scenario where a woman is being abused is tough to hear… [I’m] remorseful and regret contributing to a bad experience for her.”
Hayes said the experience testifying on May 20, 2025, was “terrifying” as the courtroom environment gave him anxiety upon entering. He disclosed he never spoke directly to Combs and didn’t even make eye contact with him during their encounters. He was instructed by Cassie to not acknowledge Diddy, was paid $2,000 for his services, and said he didn’t suspect she was uncomfortable at all with the arrangements at the time.
During his testimony, Hayes testified about sex rituals involving baby oil and cash, and disclosed he was hired to “create a sexy scene” with Cassie while Diddy watched. He claimed the “All About The Benjamins” artist entered the hotel room nude while wearing a face-covering veil.
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Witnesses who have taken the stand so far include Cassie and her mother, former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard, hotel security guard Israel Florez, multiple sex workers who worked for Diddy, special agent Gerard Gannon, clinical psychologist Dawn Hughes, former assistant Capricorn Clark, and others. The most recent high-profile witness to speak at the trial was Kid Cudi, who testified about his experience dating Cassie in 2011, his car being set on fire during that time, and the aftermath.
Diddy is currently facing one count of racketeering conspiracy; two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. He was arrested in NYC on Sept. 16, 2024, and was held at MDC Brooklyn without bail. His trial is expected to last all of June and into July.
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