Sharay Dashawn Hayes

Sharay Dashawn Hayes testified on Day 11 about being hired for encounters involving Casandra Ventura and Sean Combs. He said he initially expected to perform a strip tease for a group, but was asked to create a sexualized scene. Hayes described that initial hotel encounter and estimated eight to 12 later encounters at New York City hotels, saying Combs gave directions and Ventura paid him cash, generally $1,200 or $2,000.

Hayes also addressed a later book account on direct examination. He said the account was framed around his anxiety and included sensationalized details.

On cross-examination, the defense questioned Hayes about his work as an exotic dancer, his book, a prior statement about Ventura, and what he observed during the encounters. Hayes denied that he developed feelings for Ventura, said he did not observe her appearing uncomfortable or under the influence of drugs, and said he did not see filming or violence. On redirect, he explained that his view that one encounter appeared enjoyable for Ventura was an assumption based on her conduct, acknowledged that no other example stood out and that he had little experience observing drug impairment, and said he had not seen or spoken with Ventura outside the encounters. During recross, the court sustained an objection and instructed the jury to disregard Hayes's last answer.