James, who worked for Combs from 2007 to 2009, told jurors yesterday that he frequently saw Combs take drugs, including opiates during the day and ecstasy at night.

Also taking the stand, Casandra "Cassie" Ventura's mother, Regina, testified that Combs allegedly demanded $20 000 because he was angry that he had spent money on Cassie. Regina said she took out a loan against her home to pay Combs, but that the money was returned days later.

--Reuters--