NEW YORK — R&B singer Cassie faced a challenging courtroom experience Thursday as she was directed to read explicit text messages exchanged with her former boyfriend, Sean “Diddy” Combs. These messages revealed her past involvement in drug-fueled sexual encounters that she previously described as traumatic.

Combs is currently fighting federal charges related to sex trafficking and racketeering, maintaining that his actions, though at times violent, did not constitute a criminal enterprise. His legal team aimed to paint Cassie, whose full name is Casandra Ventura, as a compliant participant in a lifestyle that they claim was consensual.

During the proceedings, Cassie’s testimony focused heavily on the communications between her and Combs. While her attorney, Anna Estevao, shared messages from Combs, Cassie read aloud her own expressions regarding their intimate encounters. As the trial progresses, her testimony will continue into Friday.

Currently 55 and incarcerated since September, Combs faces a minimum of 15 years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors allege he exploited his status in the music industry to coerce Cassie and other women into lengthy sexual encounters, which he referred to as “freak-offs.”

As defense attorneys highlighted texts that appeared to show Cassie’s enthusiasm for these encounters, Cassie noted the complexity of her emotions. She admitted to feeling pressure to please Combs, indicating that while she expressed excitement at times, she also sought more than just physical intimacy from him. In her messages, she oscillated between desire and frustration, revealing the duality of their relationship.

In one exchange from 2009, Cassie responded affirmatively to a question from Combs about future encounters, stating, “I’m always ready to freak off.” However, she later communicated feelings of dissatisfaction, indicating a longing for a deeper connection that Combs was not willing to provide.

Cassie also discussed the dichotomy of their relationship, expressing anger over Combs’s jealousy and his insistent control over her social interactions. Despite her own heartbreak, she noted that he was able to freely pursue other relationships.

The courtroom atmosphere remained tense as jurors intently followed the graphic details of the case. Cassie’s steady demeanor was noteworthy, though she displayed signs of distress when reflecting on painful memories. Supporters, including her husband, filled the gallery, while Combs interacted casually with his legal team, seemingly unfazed.

On the stand, Cassie rejected the defense’s attempts to frame the encounters as benign, likening them more to a controlled environment of voyeurism than a carefree lifestyle. She recounted physical tolls from the encounters, mentioning instances where she required medical attention, and spoke candidly about developing an addiction to opioids as a means of coping.

This high-profile trial is rooted in a lawsuit Cassie filed earlier this year, detailing years of alleged abuse at the hands of Combs. Her claims prompted a judicial inquiry, culminating in this month’s proceedings. Following her lawsuit, a swift $20 million settlement was reached, but it opened the door for numerous other allegations by women against Combs, amplifying the scrutiny surrounding his conduct.

The case continues to unfold in a trial that not only delves into Cassie’s personal experiences but also examines broader issues of power dynamics in relationships within the entertainment industry. With more testimony expected, the implications of the trial resonate well beyond the courtroom.