Dateline NBC: Sean Combs Trial – Capricorn Clark Testifies

Episode Release Date: May 28, 2025
Host: NBC News
Podcast Title: Dateline NBC
Episode Title: Sean Combs: Capricorn Clark Testifies

Introduction to the Trial

In this gripping episode of Dateline NBC, host Andrea Canning delves into the high-stakes racketeering trial of music mogul Sean Combs, also known as Diddy. The focus of this episode centers on the dramatic testimony of Capricorn Clark, a long-time associate of Combs, whose revelations could significantly impact the case.

Who is Capricorn Clark?

Capricorn Clark has been a pivotal figure in the trial, having worked intermittently for Sean Combs over a span of approximately 14 years. According to Clark, her roles within Combs' organization evolved from personal assistant to high-ranking positions such as Director of Marketing for Sean John Women's and Global Brand Director for Bad Boy Entertainment.

Chloe Meloss, NBC News correspondent present in the courtroom, provides detailed insights into Clark’s background and her relationship with Combs. “She held some massive titles within the company,” Meloss explains (02:53).

Allegations of Threats and Intimidation

Clark's testimony begins with a harrowing account of her first day working for Combs. On 02:47, she recounts being taken for a walk in Central Park by Combs accompanied by a security team member. “He threatened her because she was close with Suge Knight, a major rival,” Meloss reports. Clark states, “If something happens, I'm gonna have to kill you” (02:53), highlighting the severity of the intimidation she faced.

She emphasizes the gravity of the threat: “He was completely serious, straight-faced, and I took it as a real threat to my life” (03:20). Despite the fear, Clark felt compelled to continue working for Combs, recognizing the unique opportunities and financial stability the position provided.

Involvement with Cassie Ventura and Kid Cudi

Clark unveils complex interpersonal dynamics involving Cassie Ventura and Kid Cudi, labeling the situation “almost like a soap opera, but it's real life” (04:58). According to her testimony, Cassie was engaged in a romantic relationship with Kid Cudi, which she concealed using a burner phone financed by Combs. Clark admitted her awareness of this secret relationship and facilitated Cassie's efforts to maintain it, describing an attempt to help Cassie “live her authentic life” with Cudi.

A critical incident occurred when Combs discovered Cassie's burner phone after a hotel stay, leading Clark to describe a near-violent confrontation: “Diddy, at like five in the morning, goes to Capricorn's apartment and starts banging on her door with a gun” (05:45). Clark characterizes this event as a forced abduction, detailing a tense car ride to Kid Cudi's residence (05:56).

Alleged Car Chase and Attempts to Confront Combs

Clark further describes an ensuing car chase involving Kid Cudi. She asserts that “Kid Cudi actually rolled up on them in his car, made eye contact with them, and then he sped off,” leading to a prolonged pursuit until sirens appeared (07:09). This account contradicts Kid Cudi’s previous testimony, where he denied any encounter with Combs, adding layers of complexity to the case.

Assault Allegations Against Combs

The testimony takes an even darker turn as Clark recounts an alleged physical assault perpetrated by Combs against Cassie Ventura. She describes how, upon Cassie's return, Combs “started just kicking her violently...he kicks her all the way from the front of the house to the street” (09:37). Amidst the chaos, Clark attempted to intervene, urging Combs to stop the assault. The distressing account culminates with Clark having to call Cassie's mother to report the beating (10:36).

Combs categorically denies these allegations. His attorney, Mark Agnifolo, challenges Clark's account, suggesting she "didn’t willingly go with him because you wanted to make sure he didn't do something special, stupid" (06:57), casting doubt on her credibility.

The Jewelry Theft Incident

Adding to the mounting allegations, Clark describes an incident involving the disappearance of high-value jewelry from Jacob the Jeweler, a renowned celebrity jeweler. She claims that after the jewelry went missing, she was confined to a room in one of Combs' office buildings. During this ordeal, she underwent a five-day lie detector test under the supervision of a menacing figure, who purportedly threatened her with harm if she failed (11:04).

Despite denying any involvement in the theft, Clark's repeated exposure to the lie detector test raises questions about the internal operations within Combs' organization.

Defense’s Cross-Examination and Clark’s Motivations

During cross-examination, the defense probed Clark’s continued employment with Combs despite her allegations. Clark cited financial dependency and limited job opportunities as reasons for her persistence. She revealed that after being fired in 2012, presumably due to her involvement in the Kid Cudi incident, Combs had effectively blacklisted her, leaving her with no viable employment options (15:07).

Furthermore, emails presented by the defense showed Clark pleading for forgiveness from Combs, including requests to rejoin his team amid the criminal investigation (16:25). These communications undermine her current stance and suggest possible coercion or manipulation.

Contrasting Testimonies and Defense Counterclaims

The episode underscores the conflicting narratives between prosecution witnesses like Clark and Combs’ defense team. Notably, Kid Cudi, a central figure in the case, did not mention the alleged car chase during his testimony, further complicating the narrative.

Meloss remarks on the duality of testimonies, “There are two sides to every story” (06:57), highlighting the ongoing battle to establish the truth amidst conflicting accounts.

Conclusion and Ongoing Developments

As the trial progresses, Capricorn Clark’s testimony introduces significant allegations of intimidation, violence, and misconduct within Sean Combs' inner circle. The defense's efforts to discredit her raise critical questions about her motivations and the validity of her claims.

Dateline NBC continues to provide comprehensive coverage of the trial, with daily updates and in-depth analysis from reporters like Chloe Meloss. Listeners are encouraged to follow the trial's developments through the Dateline True Crime Weekly series and the accompanying NBC Newsletter, Diddy on Trial.

For more detailed reporting and updates on the Sean Combs trial, subscribe to Dateline NBC and follow the latest episodes of Dateline True Crime Weekly.