Dateline: True Crime Weekly – Episode Summary Episode: Sean Combs: Capricorn Clark Testifies
Release Date: May 28, 2025
Host: Andrea Canning
Guest: NBC News Correspondent Chloe Meloss

Introduction

In the gripping episode of Dateline: True Crime Weekly, host Andrea Canning delves deep into the high-stakes Sean Combs racketeering trial. This episode focuses on the pivotal testimony of Capricorn Clark, a long-time associate of Combs, whose revelations have added significant momentum to the prosecution's case. Canning, alongside reporter Chloe Meloss, unpacks the dramatic courtroom moments and the explosive claims made by Clark.

Capricorn Clark’s Background

Capricorn Clark, a key prosecution witness, has a 14-year history with Sean Combs, commonly known as Diddy. Her professional journey with Combs began in the early 2000s, transitioning from a personal assistant to holding prominent roles such as Director of Marketing for Sean John Women’s and Global Brand Director for Bad Boy Entertainment.

Canning [02:31]: "Just tell us more about who Capricorn Clark is and what she did for Sean Combs."

Chloe Meloss [02:31]: "She joined Bad Boy in 2004 and started as Diddy's personal assistant, later taking on significant roles within the company."

Initial Allegations: Threats and Kidnapping

Clark’s testimony takes a dark turn as she recounts her first encounter with Combs' aggressive behavior. On her first day working for him, Combs allegedly threatened her life due to her association with Suge Knight, a known rival.

Chloe Meloss [02:55]: "He threatened her because she was close with Suge Knight... he said to her, if something happens, I'm going to have to kill you."

Clark describes the incident as a serious threat, expressing genuine fear for her safety.

Canning [03:21]: "He's not joking around here."

The Chase and the Car Incident

One of the most dramatic moments in Clark’s testimony involves an alleged kidnapping-like scenario. She describes how, early one morning, Combs confronted her at her apartment with a gun, forcing her into an Escalade for a potential hit on Kid Cudi, Combs' romantic rival.

Chloe Meloss [05:46]: "Diddy goes to Capricorn's apartment and starts banging on her door with a gun and is like, let's go get dressed. We're gonna go kill Kid Cudi."

Clark characterizes this event as a kidnapping, emphasizing the coercion and fear she experienced.

Chloe Meloss [06:22]: "He had a gun and she felt like she was being forced against her will."

The defense challenges this narrative, suggesting that Clark voluntarily accompanied Combs.

Chloe Meloss [06:58]: "Mark Agnifolo, one of Combs defense attorneys, said... didn’t you willingly go with him because you wanted to make sure he didn’t do something so stupid?"

Alleged Assault on Cassie Ventura

Clark’s testimony escalates as she describes an alleged assault by Combs on his partner, Cassie Ventura. According to Clark, Combs violently beat Cassie in a state of rage, leaving her severely injured.

Chloe Meloss [09:21]: "Cassie agrees. And Capricorn actually gets into a staff car of Diddy's and goes to pick up Cassie."

Chloe Meloss [09:44]: "Diddy is... just kicking her violently and just kicking her over and over. And she falls into this fetal position..."

Clark recounts witnessing Diddy's uncontrolled aggression, leading her to seek immediate help by contacting Cassie's mother.

Chloe Meloss [10:37]: "She calls Cassie's mom, Regina Ventura, and is like, your daughter is being beaten within an inch of her life."

Combs has categorically denied these allegations.

Canning [10:37]: "Sean Combs has denied all of this."

Missing Jewelry and Lie Detector Test

Adding to the complexity, Clark alleges that she was implicated in a missing jewelry case involving high-value pieces from Jacob the Jeweler. She was subjected to an extensive and inconclusive lie detector test under threats to her life.

Chloe Meloss [11:17]: "They take her to the sixth floor... he proceeds to give her a lie detector test for five days."

Despite denying involvement, Clark faced intense interrogation with threats of dire consequences.

Chloe Meloss [12:22]: "He said to her, if you fail this test, they're gonna throw you into the east river, meaning that she could lose her life."

Defense’s Cross-Examination & Challenges to Credibility

The defense has been staunch in challenging Clark's credibility, questioning her motives and the consistency of her narrative. A significant point of contention is why Clark continued to work for Combs despite alleging severe mistreatment.

Canning [15:00]: "Why did Capricorn keep working for Combs if she says these horrible things were happening?"

Chloe explains that financial dependency and limited job opportunities influenced Clark's decisions to remain with Bad Boy Entertainment.

Chloe Meloss [15:12]: "A lot of it comes down to money, right? And access when you're working for someone like Diddy."

Moreover, emails surfaced showing Clark pleading for forgiveness and attempting to regain her position within Combs' organization amid the investigation.

Canning [16:24]: "The defense showed emails where Capricorn asks Combs to forgive her."

Possible Motives and Dependency

Clark's financial and professional ties to Combs appear to have played a significant role in her continued association despite the alleged abuse. Her return to Bad Boy Entertainment in 2016 as Cassie’s Creative Director underscores this dependency.

Chloe Meloss [16:31]: "As recently as last year, she approached Diddy's legal team and asked to be his chief of staff amid this criminal investigation."

Clark's emotional recounting highlights the personal and financial losses she faced, including the loss of her 401k, credit, and home, further cementing her reliance on Combs.

Chloe Meloss [15:59]: "She was really crying while she talked about this. Losing her 401k, her credit card, losing her car."

Conclusion and Next Steps

Capricorn Clark's testimony has introduced a series of explosive allegations against Sean Combs, painting a picture of intimidation, violence, and misconduct within his inner circle. While Combs and his defense team vigorously deny these claims, the courtroom drama continues to unfold with each new piece of evidence and cross-examination.

Andrea Canning and Chloe Meloss emphasize that this case is still developing, with Clark facing challenging cross-examination and the defense seeking to dismantle her narrative through evidence such as her own emails. The episode sets the stage for further revelations as the trial progresses, leaving listeners anticipating the next developments in this high-profile case.

Canning [16:40]: "Chloe, thank you so much for again, all of your incredible insight from the courthouse."

Notable Quotes

• Chloe Meloss [02:55]: "He threatened her because she was close with Suge Knight... he said to her, if something happens, I'm going to have to kill you."
• Chloe Meloss [06:22]: "He had a gun and she felt like she was being forced against her will."
• Chloe Meloss [09:44]: "Diddy is... just kicking her violently and just kicking her over and over."
• Chloe Meloss [12:22]: "He said to her, if you fail this test, they're gonna throw you into the east river."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and dramatic moments from the episode, providing an engaging overview for listeners and newcomers alike.