FOX NEWS AND FOX 5 WASHINGTON D.C.: David Gelman Breaks Down The Latest Updates in the Diddy Trial
Former prosecutor-turned criminal defense attorney, David Gelman recently appeared on both FOX 5 Washington D.C. and Fox News to provide legal analysis on Sean (P. Diddy) Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura’s cross examination by Diddy’s defense team and what’s next for the disgraced hip-hop mogul.
Breaking Down Cassie Ventura’s Testimony
Those who are unfamiliar with Cassie and her endeavors in the music industry are likely familiar with her appearance in a viral video that captured alleged domestic violence between her and the hip-hop mogul. In the video, Diddy can be seen following Cassie out into the hallway at the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, then pushing her to the ground, kicking her, and eventually dragging her by her sweatshirt.
Cassie’s abuse accounts are horrific, but her testimony as the prosecution’s star witness may actually help the defense. In an interview with FOX 5 Washington D.C., criminal defense attorney David Gelman explained, “There’s domestic violence all over the place, but he’s not being charged with that.”
At the time of publication, Diddy is facing federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and engaging in prostitution, not anything related to domestic violence. According to Gelman, the defense is doing a “master class right now” by using Cassie’s own words against her during their cross-examination. In text messages Diddy’s defense team presented to the court, Cassie admitted to not only doing these “freak-offs,” but that her participation was consensual. “She can say, “Oh, I didn’t mean it, I was being coerced,” Gelman told FOX 5 Washington D.C., but that may be difficult to prove.
He explained that the prosecution will try to “rehabilitate her” and reiterate to the jury that her participation was motivated by fear. However, he believes the damage has been done. “It’s very difficult and her credibility is being shot,” Gelman said. “And I think the jury is going to see that. It’s terrible, but it’s going Diddy’s way.”
Gelman echoed similar sentiments during his interview on Fox News: “What we’ve heard so far from the testimony of Cassie and the other individuals does not amount to the federal charges that he is being charged with right now. However, that may not be the case for the racketeering charges.
Personal Assistant Witness Could Corroborate Allegations of Racketeering
A third former employee of Diddy’s — Capricorn Clark, who worked as a personal assistant — recently took the stand and her account could corroborate Kid Cudi’s testimony from earlier in the month where he alleged that Diddy and one of his associates bombed his Porsche outside his house. According to Gelman, this corroboration is vital since “Nobody can put Diddy there.”
If Clark’s testimony is able to corroborate Kid Cudi’s (who’s real name is Scott Mescudi) testimony it would be a well-needed win for the prosecution and their ability to move forward with the racketeering charge. “If they can say Diddy or an associate of his did it, “Gelman told Fox News, “Then you may have a racketeering charge. Right now, as it stands, nothing — and I mean nothing, is sticking to Diddy.”
With a little more than a month left in the trial, a lot could still happen. But for Gelman, the prosecution is “falling way behind in this.” As for whether or not Diddy could walk, Gelman admitted that there’s a strong possibility, “he could be spending the 4th of July at home having a barbeque.”
David Gelman: Your Go-To For Providing Legal Analysis on Today’s Top Stories
This isn’t the first time that David Gelman has provided comprehensive legal insights on criminal trials. In April 2025, he joined the Daily Mail’s “The Trial of Diddy” podcast to offer insight into the legal implications regarding the recorded phone call between Diddy and Kanye West. More recently, he joined Court TV to provide expert commentary on the Karen Read trial; Read is accused of killing her boyfriend with her SUV in 2022.
David Gelman’s commentary is sought-after because he offers a unique perspective to criminal cases. As a former prosecutor, he understands how the prosecution thinks, allowing him to anticipate their move before the first step is taken. Over the years, David Gelman has appeared on numerous top networks, offering clear, Plain-English analyses on complex criminal matters that have strong public interest. To stay up to date on all of David’s interviews, follow him on Instagram and Facebook. For media inquiries or to schedule an interview, contact samantha@esquiredigital.com.
Watch the full interviews here:
- Fox 5 Washington D.C.: Diddy Sex Trafficking Trial: Cassie faces cross examination
- Fox News: Nothing is sticking to ‘Diddy,’ says criminal defense attorney