The criminal trial of hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs intensified on Tuesday as a former hotel security guard claimed under oath that he received a $100,000 payment from the music executive in exchange for surveillance footage showing Combs assaulting singer Cassie Ventura in 2016.
According to reports from The Associated Press, the explosive testimony came during proceedings at a Manhattan federal court, where Diddy faces five serious criminal charges, including racketeering conspiracy and multiple counts related to s£x trafficking.
Eddy Garcia, a former guard at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles, testified under an immunity order. He revealed that Combs’ former chief of staff, Kristina Khorram, first approached him for the footage. Garcia said Combs personally called him to express concern that the video “could ruin” him and offered compensation to ensure it didn’t go public.
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“I spoke to my boss, and we agreed to sell the video for $50,000,” Garcia testified. Days later, in a private meeting, Combs made him sign a nondisclosure agreement before handing over a USB with the incriminating footage. “Eddy, my angel, I knew you could help,” Combs allegedly said before returning with a brown paper bag containing $100,000.
Garcia said he kept $30,000, gave $50,000 to his supervisor, and shared the remaining $20,000 with a colleague.
The video, already played for the jury earlier in the trial, allegedly shows Combs kicking and dragging Cassie Ventura in a hotel elevator area.
Also taking the stand was Derek Ferguson, former CFO of Combs’s Bad Boy Entertainment. He detailed internal financial transactions, including a December 2011 transfer of $20,000 from Combs to Cassie, followed by a $20,000 return payment from her father, Broderick Ventura, and another $20,000 transfer back to Ventura.
Federal prosecutors, led by Maurene Comey, said they intend to call more witnesses, including women who have accused Combs of s£xual abuse and coercion under the guise of his so-called “freak offs.”
The trial was briefly disrupted when a woman began screaming profanities at Combs and had to be removed from the courtroom. She later claimed to be a supporter frustrated by how others were mocking him.
Combs has denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment.
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