NEW YORK (AP) — The fourth week of Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial featured pivotal testimonies from two ex-girlfriends, who play crucial roles in the government’s effort to substantiate the sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges against the hip-hop mogul. Combs, who founded Bad Boy Records, has pleaded not guilty, with the trial scheduled to continue on Monday.
One notable testimony came from a hotel worker, Eddy Garcia, who claimed that Combs sought to conceal video evidence of a 2016 altercation with then-girlfriend Casandra "Cassie" Ventura. Garcia recounted receiving a call from a nervous Combs requesting the footage, stating, “if this got out it could ruin him.” To secure the video, Combs allegedly paid Garcia $100,000 in cash, which Garcia split with his boss and another security guard after signing a nondisclosure agreement. Video evidence of the incident has been presented multiple times during the trial.
The trial took a dramatic turn when Judge Arun Subramanian warned Combs to refrain from inappropriate gestures during the proceedings. Combs was reportedly seen “nodding vigorously” while his attorney questioned witnesses, prompting concerns from the prosecution that this was tantamount to him testifying. Judge Subramanian stated that any further occurrences could lead to Combs’ expulsion from the courtroom.
Another significant testimony came from a former personal assistant of Combs, known as "Mia," who claimed she was sexually assaulted repeatedly during her eight-year employment. She described events such as being molested at Combs' 40th birthday party and later raped in his Los Angeles home. During cross-examination, Combs’ defense attorney suggested that Mia's allegations were fabricated for financial gain. Mia defended herself by stating that she remained "brainwashed" even after leaving Combs’ employment, as shown by loving messages she sent him years after the alleged assaults.
The defense managed to challenge the credibility of Bryana "Bana" Bongolan, a friend of Cassie who testified about Combs' past aggressive behavior, including an incident where he allegedly dangled her from a balcony. The defense attorney presented cellphone metadata which contradicted the timing of the incident, leading Bongolan to agree that one person could not be in two places at once. However, she remained confident that the balcony episode had indeed occurred.
Another witness, known as "Jane," shared her emotional testimony about her tumultuous relationship with Combs, which lasted three years. She described frequent sexual encounters with male sex workers, which were purportedly meant to please Combs. Jane's experiences mirrored those of Cassie, who had earlier testified about engaging in drug-fueled sexual performances. Despite the defense arguing that the interactions were consensual, Jane described her struggles to maintain the relationship with Combs, particularly as it became increasingly reliant on these sexual performances.
As the trial continues, the testimonies from former partners and other witnesses aim to establish a pattern of behavior that supports the government’s case against Combs. Both the defense and prosecution have presented compelling narratives, leading to a gripping trial that has captured widespread media attention.
