Who is Sharay Hayes? All about the exotic dancer known as ‘The Punisher’ as he testifies at Diddy’s trial

Sharay Hayes was among the people to testify in the New York court on Tuesday, May 20, on day seven of the ongoing trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs. The witness recounted the encounters after the controversial rapper and record executive hired him to perform with the latter’s ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.

For those unaware, Sharay Hayes is a businessman, author, and male escort known as The Punisher. According to his official Instagram handle, Hayes is partnered with Hunk-O-Mania, Diva Royale Drag Queen Show, and Red Velvet Burlesque Show. At the same time, the male entertainer has also authored a book titled In Search of Freezer Meat, which has a subtitle that reads,

“A Story of the Male Mental Health Crisis Caused by Erectile Dysfunction and the Only True Cure No One Is Talking About… A P*nis Implant.”

In his book, Sharay Hayes recalls his ED diagnosis that came after a “messy breakup” and worsened financial situation, per Entrepreneur India. Reflecting upon his condition, Hayes was quoted as saying (via Men’s Journal),

“Going through financial struggles is one thing. But losing my sense of masculinity on top of that? That was too much to bear."

Remarking on the taboo around ED and how it's being treated, Sharay Hayes added,

“The medical industry tells men that a pill or injection can solve everything. But that’s a lie. Many men with ED don’t have physical issues at all. Their condition stems from stress, anxiety, and life circumstances—not a medical defect.”

With “In Search of Freezer Meat,” the exotic dancer-author aims to raise awareness around ED while providing insights. Besides his book and profession, The Punisher has also appeared in Pose Season 3 Episode 5, “Something Borrowed, Something Blue,” as Reggie, per IMDb.

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Sharay Hayes made significant revelations while testifying at the Diddy trial

As mentioned, Sharay “The Punisher” Hayes gave his testimony at the Diddy trial, days after Sean Combs’ ex-partner, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, testified and was cross-examined. The exotic dancer recalled having allegedly eight to 12 encounters with Ventura. He further claimed that each time Puff Diddy watched and directed the pair, per BBC. During his testimony, the exotic dancer also alleged (via Complex),

“[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 s*xual activity.”

Recalling his first meeting with Combs, Sharay Hayes alleged that the hip-hop mogul was naked but had his face concealed. He claimed in front of jurors (via Complex),

“What I recall is the man was nude, but I could not see his face. Here was, like -- I don't know it was called, it was, like, what the Muslim women wear, where the face is covered completely in the veil and you can only see the eyes.”

Sharay Hayes added,

“It was a nude male with one of those veils on… And I could see he had what I saw as a bottle of Astroglide he was carrying.”

The exotic dancer said that the first encounter happened in 2012, and Ventura allegedly paid him $800 to create a “s*xy scene” for Combs. The first “freak-off” happened at a suite in the Trump Tower hotel near Central Park, where Hayes was greeted by Cassie in a bathrobe and a wig, per People. The Punisher also claimed,

“She [Ventura] said do not acknowledge her husband [Combs], try not to look at him and no communication.”

According to BBC, Sharay Hayes did not recognize Diddy initially but learned about his identity before an encounter when the TV screen in the hotel suite read, “Welcome Sean Combs.” Besides Hayes, Cassie Ventura’s mother and Diddy’s former assistant testified on Tuesday in court.

Last week, prosecutors made a startling allegation against Diddy, accusing him of forcing a male escort to urinate in Cassie Ventura's mouth.