The federal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs moved forward this week with gripping testimony and newly scrutinized evidence, including a 2016 hotel surveillance video showing Diddy allegedly assaulting then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. The clip, released last year by CNN, has become a centerpiece in a case that spans claims of sexual assault, trafficking, and racketeering.
Eddy Garcia, a former security officer at the hotel where the incident occurred, told jurors that Diddy paid $100,000 for the video, fearing its release would severely damage his reputation. “The video was concerning for him,” Garcia testified. “He feared its release would endanger his standing in the industry.” Garcia claimed Diddy initially offered $50,000 but doubled it after emphasizing the need for confidentiality. The incident first surfaced in Ventura Fine’s 2023 lawsuit, which drew national attention even before the trial began.
Coercion claims and financial twists escalate Diddy’s trial
Prosecutors argue that the alleged cover-up adds weight to their broader case against the music mogul, who was arrested last fall and remains in custody without bail. Witnesses this week included a former assistant known as “Mia,” who told the court she felt “brainwashed” during her employment under Diddy. She described a work culture of coercion and emotional control. Meanwhile, Derek Ferguson, former CFO of Bad Boy Entertainment, appeared hesitant during questioning, especially when asked about company finances and Diddy’s alleged behavior.
One key moment came when jurors were shown financial records indicating a $20,000 transfer from Ventura’s family to Diddy in 2011. According to Ventura’s mother, the payment was made under pressure, in hopes of suppressing tapes she feared would harm her daughter. The defense has yet to respond in full to this claim but has maintained that Diddy never extorted money from anyone.
Tensions ran high in the courtroom, culminating in one spectator being removed after shouting at Diddy during proceedings. The judge is aiming for a conclusion by early July, but with more witnesses—including radio host Enrique Santos—still expected to testify, the road ahead remains unpredictable.