Male Escort Shares Testimony in Ongoing Investigation Involving Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
As federal investigations into music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs continue to unfold, a key figure has come forward with detailed claims about his alleged personal encounters with the artist and his former partner, Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura. Sharay Hayes, who once worked professionally as a male escort under the alias “The Punisher,” has provided both courtroom testimony and an interview to The Telegraph, describing multiple private engagements spanning over two years.
Combs, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for decades, was arrested in New York in 2023 and now faces a wide range of serious charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking by means of force, fraud, or coercion. The artist has denied all allegations, and no verdict has been reached. However, Hayes’ testimony has added a new layer to the public’s understanding of the ongoing legal proceedings.
According to Hayes, the first meeting took place on October 14, 2012, at the Trump International Hotel in Midtown Manhattan. He stated that Ventura introduced herself using an alias and initially described the gathering as a casual entertainment session with friends. However, Hayes quickly realized that the situation involved a carefully orchestrated private scenario.
Hayes recalled that Ventura directed him to engage in a sensual routine involving baby oil, suggesting a staged scene with both visual and physical elements. She reportedly instructed Hayes to sit in a specific chair, while she occupied a nearby sofa, and the two began to apply oil on themselves and one another in what he described as a choreographed performance. Hayes emphasized that the purpose appeared to be setting a particular mood for a third party—later revealed to be Combs—who would enter and observe the interaction.
When Combs did arrive, Hayes claimed he was entirely nude but wore a niqab that concealed his face. He positioned himself several feet away and watched the scene without participating, though he allegedly gave instructions on lighting and positioning, influencing how the session unfolded. Hayes admitted he did not recognize the man as Combs at first and only realized his identity later.
Hayes said the initial session lasted approximately 35 minutes, after which Combs exited the room and Ventura followed shortly thereafter. He added that he was compensated for his time and was told that the performance was “perfect.”
Over the next two and a half years, Hayes alleges he was contacted by Ventura numerous times—estimating between eight and twelve total visits—with each session involving a variation of the same structured encounter. According to Hayes, later visits eventually progressed to include sexual contact. For each appointment, he said he was paid between $1,200 and $2,000, with the total duration of visits often lasting around four hours, although the more intimate parts of the sessions were much shorter.
Notably, Hayes testified that he never witnessed any aggressive or coercive behavior from Combs toward Ventura during these meetings. In both his legal and media statements, he maintained that Ventura appeared to be participating willingly, and there was no indication she was under duress.
Despite the unusual and private nature of the events described, Hayes stated he felt compelled to come forward as a witness in the current federal investigation. His firsthand perspective, combined with the broader allegations against Combs, forms a complex portrait of one of the most high-profile celebrity cases in recent years.
Authorities have yet to confirm whether Hayes’ testimony will play a decisive role in the ongoing trial, but legal analysts say such statements may help provide context regarding Combs’ private conduct and potential behavioral patterns.
Combs’ legal team continues to assert his innocence, claiming that he has been the target of unfounded accusations and that all interactions described were consensual. They also emphasize that no formal convictions have been made and that the artist remains committed to defending his name in court.
As the legal process proceeds, the public and media remain focused on the developments, with many awaiting further witness testimonies and official findings from investigators.
Source: The Telegraph, U.S. Federal Court Records