Diddy Case: Exotic Male Dancer Known as 'The Punisher' Says He Had to Be ‘Glistening’ for Freak-Offs

As Diddy’s federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial continues, questions abound about the names and faces making their way into headlines in connection with alleged “freak-offs.”

As detailed extensively since Diddy’s initial 2024 arrest, prosecutors have alleged that these sexual encounters were made possible through force and coercion, while Diddy’s legal team has denied this. During her time on the stand, Cassie echoed allegations that coercion, not to mention alleged blackmail, were paramount to these “freak-offs.”

Photos of those said to have been enlisted for such encounters have since been released by prosecutors, quickly spurring a reaction from frequent Diddy criticizer 50 Cent.

Below, we take a look at one particular escort whose name has popped up in recent days, Sharay Hayes, a.k.a. The Punisher.

Who is The Punisher ?

On Tuesday, May 20, Sharay Hayes, 51, took the stand at Diddy’s trial. A veteran exotic dancer who has been working in the field since 1995, Hayes is also known by the nickname “The Punisher.”

While on the stand, Hayes said that his nickname stems from his time playing basketball in New York. This explanation aligns with one given on a website believed to be associated with Hayes, a reality TV alum who has also written a book about his struggles with erectile disfunction, called In Search of Freezer Meat.

Why is The Punisher being mentioned during Diddy's trial?

While Cassie was on the stand, she was shown photos of various individuals and asked if she recognized them, namely through their alleged enlistment in connection with “freak-offs.” One such individual was Hayes, with Cassie testifying that she knew him by his nickname.

Hayes himself took the stand on Tuesday. During his testimony, he gave alleged details of the first time he was allegedly enlisted for a “freak-off” in late 2012. He testified that Cassie called him, using the name "Janet," initially saying that she wanted to hire a dancer for a get-together with some friends.

When Hayes arrived, he continued, he met Cassie, but no other guests were there.

"And she explained to me that she didn't want me to actually dance," he said. "She explained to me that her and her husband liked to create a sexy scene that consisted of me and her mutually applying baby oil, applying it to ourselves and to possibly each other, and try to create a sexy environment that her husband would eventually come out to watch."

According to Hayes, he was enlisted for "between eight and twelve" additional such sessions, with the last one happening in March, 2015. In the encounters, he continued, he and Cassie would have oral and penetrative sex while Diddy watched.

As Hayes alleged, Diddy would offer direction during these sessions, which Hayes said could last several hours.

"[Diddy] would at some point come into the room, sit in the distance, gave subtle directions to Ms. Ventura based on...angles, lighting, positionings, and sometimes the sexual activity," Hayes testified.

Hayes also said he was directed to use "a considerable amount" of baby oil during these alleged sessions.

"We were supposed to be glistening," he added.

Hayes testified that he was paid in cash for his sessions with the couple, either $1,200 or $2,000 each time.

"I don't have any understanding to why there was a difference in pay," he said.

What's next in the Diddy trial?

Diddy has pleaded not guilty in the case, the trial for which is roundly expected to last eight weeks. The proceedings are not being livestreamed. Complex's Shawn Setaro, however, has been providing regular updates while in attendance for the trial.

Kid Cudi will testify this week, perhaps as early Wednesday afternoon.