Federal prosecutors accuse Combs of exploiting his status as a powerful music executive and entrepreneur to violently force Cassie and other women to take part in these encounters with sex workers, which he called “freak-offs.”

Cassie sued Combs in 2023, accusing him of years of physical and sexual abuse. Within hours, the suit was settled for $US20 million ($31.2 million) — a figure Cassie disclosed for the first time on Wednesday — but dozens of similar legal claims followed from other women.

Estevao asked Cassie if it was “fair to say” that Combs’ career was ruined after she sued him, making public for the first time the concept of “freak-offs.” Cassie responded, “I could understand that.”

Combs, 55, has been jailed since September. He faces at least 15 years in prison if convicted.