Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense is preparing its case.
Following several weeks of building its case during the rap mogul’s sex trafficking trial, key witnesses, expert testimonies, and presented evidence, Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey announced that their team plans to conclude presenting evidence later this week, as reported by NBC News reporters in the courtroom.
Special Agent Joseph Cerciello from Homeland Security Investigations will be back on the witness stand on June 23, as a juror had to attend their child’s graduation ceremony earlier in the week. It is anticipated that his testimony will span an entire day, and it was confirmed by Comey that the prosecution will rest their case on June 24.
In this scenario, Cerciello didn’t play a role in the case but scrutinized numerous documents such as bank statements, phone records, and travel logs. Additionally, Cerciello shared his perspective on some of the presented evidence before Judge Arun Subramanian adjourned the court for the weekend. To wrap up, federal prosecutors summoned Brendan Paul, Combs’ ex-assistant, to continue his testimony.
From 2022 to 2024, Paul, an employee of Bad Boys Records’ founder, disclosed that he was let go on various occasions while working there.
On the 20th of June, he testified to the jurors that in October 2023, he had misplaced a fanny pack from Lululemon. He stated, “I don’t wish to see your face again. Contact Kristina Khorram [Combs’ former Chief of Staff] and tell her you’ve been let go.” His demeanor was displeased, and his voice showed anger.
He stated that Khorram recommended he should keep a low profile and everything would turn out alright. As far as he’s concerned, she was right, because Combs greeted Paul informally just a few days afterwards.
In a similar vein to other previous workers, Paul described that he frequently felt sleep-deprived during demanding work schedules. “Being young, I was able to endure it,” the 29-year-old stated. “I’d occasionally take Adderall and sparingly use cocaine.
He was prepared to accomplish his duties in whatever way necessary, as it was his responsibility to ensure he remained content.
Paul remarked that Combs never accepts a ‘no.’ He would often express his desire for us to act with the swiftness and determination of SEAL Team Six.
He pointed out that Combs anticipated his group to operate with a strong sense of initiative, completing tasks promptly even without being explicitly instructed, and always keeping him well-informed.
In simpler terms, Combs denies all charges related to human trafficking (including the organization of such activities), forced sex trafficking, deceitful or manipulative methods used in sex trafficking, and arranging transportation for prostitution.
For more live updates from Combs’ trial, keep reading.
On the 18th of June, as an over-the-moon fan of Judge Arun Subramanian, I found myself in the courtroom, only to have the proceedings abruptly adjourned. The reason? A valued member of our jury was indisposed due to illness. Now, you might wonder what happened next day, but alas, the 19th of June was set aside for Juneteenth, so the court took a well-deserved break.
The judge announced that one of our jurors isn’t able to attend court due to feeling unwell and experiencing dizziness, causing them to return home. We were informed by their partner. As this juror is part of the regular panel, it seems like we can’t proceed with the trial today.
The judge acknowledged that it’s uncertain if the juror’s sudden bout of vertigo, characterized by feelings of dizziness, nausea, and headaches, among other symptoms, is short-lived or a persistent condition. However, they plan to keep a close eye on the situation.
Since the court is closed on June 19th for Juneteenth, Judge Subramanian announced that the trial will pick up again on June 20th, operating from 9 in the morning till 1 in the afternoon instead of its usual schedule.
Following Judge Subramanian’s decision to dismiss Juror No. 6 due to inconsistencies regarding their residence, another juror is potentially at risk of being dismissed. This is due to a reported inappropriate discussion about the case with a past coworker. The individual under scrutiny was asked questions by the judge and requested to hand over their phone for examination, as reported by NBC News.
By the close of the court session on June 16, no determination had been reached regarding the termination of the member.
On June 13th, Kanye West showed up at a New York City courthouse to back Sean “Diddy” Combs. Known for his hit song “Stronger”, Kanye spent approximately 30 minutes inside the building before heading to an overflow section without stepping into the courtroom itself. The principal room was reserved exclusively for Combs’ family, legal representatives, press, and those eager spectators who queue for hours to secure a seat.
Jane, who was previously known as Combs’ ex and referred to as Victim-2 in the indictment, remembered a dispute that occurred between them following her vacation to Las Vegas with another rapper and his spouse.
In simpler terms, she stated that the incident resulted in sexual spying, as she requested the services of a person named Anton, who was a prostitute, and they frequently employed him. During this vacation, a crowd observed Anton engaging in sexual activities with another woman in a hotel room.
Jane conveyed to Sean Combs’ legal representative, Teny Geragos, that the hip-hop tycoon was displeased following the allegation she had been present at another man’s “unruly party.
On the 21st day of the Combs’ trial, Maurene Comey, representing the U.S., expressed that her team intends to dismiss one of the 12 jurors.
She shared with Judge Subramanian, before the jury’s entrance into the New York City courtroom, “We found it extremely difficult to include this in our letter.” She continued, “What seemed to be a lack of honesty towards the court presents significant concerns for us.
Defense lawyer Alexandra Shapiro, who mentioned that Juror No. 6 belongs to the group of Black jurors, requested a bit more time to compose a written response and carefully review relevant legal precedents.
Instead, Judge Subramanian indicated that he would “delay making arrangements” concerning the juror until a decision has been reached.
Jane and Garagos engaged in a heated discussion on June 10, during which Garagos implied that the witness was exchanging sexual favors for expensive items.
Lawyer Geragos scrutinized messages exchanged between Jane and Combs in November 2021, where it appeared the witness expressed displeasure due to Combs engaging with other women. According to the texts, she inquired about whether Combs had given the other woman a Chanel bag as a post-encounter gift.
Jane said that she didn’t get a Chanel purse from Combs, telling Garagos that she “got trauma.”
When the attorney asked what a Bottega bag was, she replied, “I’m sure you have one.”
And when Geragos asked how much the item costs, Jane asked, “How much does my body cost?”
Jane was granted a 10-minute break following the exchange.
Jane stated that by around 2022, she suspected that Combs was someone who derives pleasure from observing their partner being involved intimately with another person, based on her research into their relationship dynamics.
As a lifestyle connoisseur, I delved deeper into the subject matter to gain a comprehensive perspective. My curiosity led me to explore the underlying factors that contributed to their immense satisfaction when witnessing their partner engage with others.
The witness proposed an interpretation suggesting that Diddy’s frequent requests for “hotel nights” resembling Cassie Ventura’s private moments might stem from a curiosity about his own sexual orientation.
She stated, “These individuals might harbor a genuine curiosity they find embarrassing to explore personally. Instead, they employ women as proxies to satisfy their curiosity, without necessarily engaging in the action directly.
Jane stated that she referred to Paul, an escort they frequently hired along with Combs, as “Trifecta.” She made this nickname by drawing a parallel between their intimate relationship and the basketball court victories of prominent players.
“I was Kobe Bryant and Paul was Shaq [O’Neil],” she told jurors. “Combs was Michael Jordan.”
She characterized Paul as “very kind,” pointing out that if she “were in such a situation,” it would be preferable to engage with someone who exudes a pleasant and comforting aura, when referring to the use of escort services.
Jane stated that the relationship between Combs and his chief of staff, Kristina Khorram, was a source of disagreement or conflict during her romance with the hip-hop entrepreneur.
Jane mentioned that Khorram was always by his side. She found it challenging in their relationship as she felt strongly that she held significant emotional ties towards him, which seemed to impact the way Sean interacted with her.
On June 10th, Judge Subramanian rejected a plea for a mistrial from Diddy’s legal team. In their argument, his lawyers claimed that Ventura and her friend Bryana Bongolan had falsely stated that Diddy had dangled Bongolan over the 17th-floor balcony.
As a devoted follower, I’ve found myself in a position where I’ve had to contest the actions of the prosecution. In a recent court filing, I’ve alleged that they have conducted themselves improperly through “misconduct” and the “presentation of false testimony.
The letter states that during this trial, the government has offered evidence they knew or reasonably should have known was misleading, concerning their claim that Mr. Combs hung Bryana Bongolan over the balcony of Cassie Ventura’s apartment in September 2016. To prevent an unjust verdict in this case, it is recommended that the court declare a retrial instead.
Jane alleged that the rap mogul had beaten her for hours June 2024.
Jane stated that she and Combs had a heated dispute over his association with a young woman, approximately 25 years younger than him. This, according to Jane, caused her to label him as a “predator” and forcefully push his head against a marble kitchen counter.
From my perspective as a lifestyle advisor, I was compelled to seek refuge in the main bedroom when the situation escalated. Upon attempting to exit, the creator of Bad Boy Records forcefully attempted to break down the door. As I scurried away, he allegedly struck me on the back of my thigh, causing me to stumble.
In a harrowing account, I found myself in a precarious situation where an individual restrained me with a chokehold on the ground, lifting me off it. Due to the hold, I struggled to draw breath and had to stand on my tiptoes for survival. My primary concern during this ordeal was simply breaking free from his grasp.
Jane shared that she darted out of the house and concealed herself behind a wall outside for roughly two hours, hoping he would depart, but he didn’t. Later on, they went back to his residence, where Jane huddled in the backyard to shield herself as Combs reportedly assaulted her.
As per Jane’s testimony, the dispute intensified when it is claimed that Combs struck her repeatedly in the head. She explained to the court that he began kicking her as well, shouting abusive words, and continued to strike her.
She alleged that he told her that she was “trying to take him away from his kids and his family.”
She declared under oath, “I responded, ‘No, I’m not. Please go away. Go away. Stop it,’ but instead, he seized me by my arm and my hair, forcibly pulling me back towards the house… pulling me by my hair, pulling me by my arm.
Following the suspected attack, Jane declared that she noticed two swellings about the size of golf balls on her forehead, along with a blackened eye.
Or
After the reported incident, Jane claimed to have observed “two welts as big as golf balls” on her forehead and a black eye.
Jane stated that Homeland Security conducted a raid on her home, which was one of several properties owned by Combs and investigated in March 2023. She explained that agents arrived at her residence and promptly contacted Combs’ security chief to inform them about the incident.
In December 2023, it was claimed by Jane that the wealthy individual had threatened to expose explicit videos of them and share them with her child’s father.
As Jane and Combs’ relationship worsened, she claimed he justified his actions by saying he had “no more to lose” by publishing the videos. She later stated that it was a constant barrage of demanding phone calls from him.
Jane sent a message to Khorram regarding their encounter, which became part of the court records. In her messages, Jane stated that Combs had warned he would share the video where she claimed to have been under heavy influence of drugs.
Additionally, she mentioned requiring some space from Combs as she was attempting to deal with all the distress he had inflicted on her.
Jane told the court that Khorram assured her that Combs would not use the footage.
In her statement, Jane indicated that certain aspects of Ventura’s November 2023 lawsuit, which eventually reached a settlement, seemed similar to her personal encounter with Combs.
She shared with the jury that she came close to losing consciousness, and it seemed to her that she actually did faint. She also mentioned there were three particular pages that contained a deeply troubling account of her ordeal.
Jane, participating in the “hotel nights,” expressed feeling as if she was living through a personal narrative. This experience prompted her to exchange text messages with Combs.
It feels as if I’m reliving my own emotional turmoil,” I expressed. “I’m utterly distressed. The details are a chilling mirror of my past, filled with hazy days and nights under the influence. You were aware this moment would arrive. You manipulated me, you pushed me to the brink of madness.
The messages went on, making me feel uncomfortable as they seemed to require continuous engagement. They added to my distress over past sexual trauma, causing me to feel bewildered and violated. It felt like a form of sexual abuse.
Later on, Combs covertly referred to Jane during a conversation, which he secretly recorded, and this conversation was later presented as evidence. In this recording, he mentioned that “we did those actions” and emphasized the importance of her being present at a particular time.
Jane, unaware she was being taped, shared with Combs that she felt “nauseous” upon reviewing Ventura’s papers.
Jane mentioned that on several occasions when attending “Hotel Nights” alongside Combs and male escorts, she was under the influence of ecstasy. However, during one particular encounter with three men, she chose not to use any drugs for the sexual activity.
She stated that on this particular evening, she had been with several gentlemen. Later, she became ill and vomited. Then, Sean appeared and said, “Don’t worry, you’ll feel better now. Let’s step outside.
Jane said that at the end of the night, she felt “absolutely terrible.”
On the eighteenth day of the trial, Combs’ defense team submitted a request for a mistrial on June 7. They claimed that Ventura and Bongolan had given false testimony, stating that Bongolan was not actually dangled over the 17th-floor balcony by the rap mogul.
Lawyers representing Combs, whose request for a mistrial was turned down by Judge Subramanian, alleged that the prosecution engaged in misconduct by presenting false or dishonest testimony.
The letter states: “In the ongoing trial, the government has provided evidence that they either knew was misleading or should have recognized it as such regarding their claim about Mr. Combs allegedly hanging Bryana Bongolan over the balcony of Cassie Ventura’s apartment in September 2016. To prevent an unjust verdict in this case, the court should declare a mistrial.
In a turn of events, it was stated by the defense that Bongolan fabricated details regarding the incident, highlighting certain discrepancies they found in her account. The prosecution has promised to present their rebuttal on June 9, and the judge will deliver his decision the following day.
In April 2023, which was already two years into their relationship, Jane stated that Sean Combs started covering her home rent expenses. This arrangement has continued up until now. A month beforehand, she shared, she and the music industry titan had agreed on a regular stipend for her.
That particular night at the hotel, Sean presented a sort of ‘commitment agreement’ or ‘love contract,’ as I recall,” she explained to the jury. “In essence, he was inquiring about the amount I desired for my allowance.
month, just moving forward, that’s what he was going to do for me.”
As a diligent follower, I expressed that I needed a budget of 15,000, to which he responded with 10,000. This is what transpired regarding our allowance, she shared. In my pursuit for a fresh start, I ventured out searching for new living spaces and eventually moved into a new home that fit within this adjusted budget. My primary intention was to find a large and spacious abode for my child and me, a place where we could revel in comfort and strike a balance in our relationship. This move symbolized my desire for reciprocity; I’ve been giving him all my affection, and now he is contributing something meaningful in return.
According to Jane’s statement, as stipulated in the contract, she is entitled to receive money “without being forced for a period of two years, for all items.
As a lifestyle advisor, I’ve learned firsthand the challenges some individuals face when it comes to sexual health. Much like Jane, I found myself experiencing recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and yeast infections almost every week due to extended periods of intimacy. To manage these issues, I frequently resorted to antibiotics.
What’s more, I confess that on occasions when I wasn’t fully recovered from a UTI, I would engage in sexual activity. Additionally, during the nights spent in hotels, I often experienced discomfort in my pelvic region, a sensation that was present 100% of the time.
The witness additionally disclosed that she experienced discomfort in her shoulders and back while engaging in sexual activity. She further explained, “I found myself on the very edge of the chair or the bed, assuming the positions he preferred during foreplay with these individuals.
Even though she endured pain, Jane chose not to share this with Combs as she preferred “to avoid conveying any negative feelings.
However, she asserted that the discomfort was not confined solely to their intimate moments. She testified before the jury that she had her nipples pierced at Combs’ behest as he had reportedly stated it would “stimulate him greatly and that’s what he desired from his partner.
She said she removed the piercings because they “snagged and bled and got infected.”
However, she testified that Combs was unhappy with her decision.
She claimed that, initially, he appeared accepting. However, as the time taken to arrange things grew longer, his growing impatience became evident.
She mentioned that he often commented, “You won’t see me again unless you have piercings,” implying he expected her to wear piercings.
On her birthday in 2023, Jane claimed that she was obligated to spend numerous hours at an event called a “hotel night,” which went against her personal preferences.
Even though he was reportedly told multiple times by her that she didn’t wish to participate in the sexual encounter, which bears a striking resemblance to Ventura’s “freak off” experiences, she claimed that he unexpectedly arranged for an entertainer to join them during their dinner.
The witness, who dated Combs from 2021 to 2024, testified that on a particular sushi dinner occasion, she had chosen to dress up as she was in high spirits being with her significant other. She expressed that he was incredibly affectionate, and then he mentioned his eagerness to witness the performer later that night.
She went on to say, “I hadn’t anticipated this,” and then she exclaimed, “An entertainer? I was speechless.” He replied, “It’s your birthday!” and suggested, “Let’s have some fun.” Unable to argue, she agreed.
Jane, while testifying and becoming emotional, expressed that the escort seemed “more like a stranger to me than anyone else.
On my birthday, I wasn’t keen on doing what she described, but it happened nonetheless. Instead of enjoying the day, I found myself on the couch, preparing for an unwanted encounter, hoping to get it over quickly. When I asked Sean for a condom, he gave me a disapproving glance, as if shaking his head, and said something along the lines of, “You shouldn’t be asking for such a thing.
Following the accusation that the rap tycoon gave an escort birth control, “Jane” expressed that he seemed rather unconcerned or nonchalant about the situation.
In my testimony, I shared that he was departing, and his disheartened expression during the whole ordeal left me feeling quite miserable. All I could think at the time was, “I wish this entire situation would come to an end.
Jane claimed that the longest stretch of “hotel stay” occurred over New Year’s in 2022, lasting approximately “3 to 3.5 days.” She also mentioned that she would consume “ecstasy, caffeine, water, and protein shakes” to keep herself awake throughout the extended all-night sexual encounter.
As a die-hard admirer, I can’t help but share this intriguing detail: On numerous occasions, I implored Diddy to ensure the male escorts we shared company with during our hotel stays donned protective barriers. However, it’s alleged that he declined my requests.
She informed the jurors that his reaction was quite defensive and manipulative. In simpler terms, he didn’t seem pleased, and it felt like he was trying to make her feel guilty. However, what he truly desired was to divert the conversation. He stated plainly, ‘It wasn’t going to continue, so stop bringing it up.’ He added that he didn’t want to be reminded of a rubber while he was occupied.
Jane shared insight into her decision to participate in orchestrated sex acts with the rap mogul.
She stated that it was claimed the founder of Bad Boy Records was entertaining suggestions about incorporating escorts and voyeurism into private bedroom activities.
She informed the jury, “I agreed because it appeared he desired it and it excited him, and at that moment, I was quite fond of my partner.
She claimed that Combs contacted a male escort, who she asserted she had previously engaged in sexual activities with, prior to doing so with her boyfriend at the time. Yet, she stated that this unusual and entertaining night established the dynamic for their relationship as it unfolded further.
She testified, saying that night seemed to unleash a floodgate in our relationship, as if we had accidentally opened a Pandora’s box. There was just so much fallout from it all.
She claimed that, on approximately 90% of occasions when she encountered Combs, she observed him engaged in sexual activities with another man. She disclosed that these sexual encounters lasted from 24 to 36 hours without interruption and added that she felt compelled due to the understanding that he was taking care of her rent payments.
Jane stated that, due to her financial reliance on the rap tycoon, she felt compelled to continue engaging in sexual activities with multiple men at his behest.
She stated that it was her sense of duty which grew due to her partner covering her rent payments. If she resisted his sexual advances, he would respond by implying that if she wanted to end things, it was alright, and if she needed more time in the house, he’d continue paying for three additional months since he wasn’t planning on compensating a woman he wasn’t seeing anyway.
She claimed that her significant earnings from social media began to decrease since her activity on these platforms noticeably reduced following her decision to focus on her relationship with Combs.
She stated that her sole means of earning money shifted to child support received from another individual, along with funds provided by Combs.
In the federal indictment outlining charges against Combs, the person known as “Victim 2” appeared to testify for the first time on June 5.
Under the alias Jane, she confided in the court that she developed a deep infatuation for the tycoon during a visit to Miami at the beginning of 2021. She openly acknowledged prolonged, consensual intimate moments, which included using baby oil, with Combs when they were initially dating.
However, it was claimed by Jane in May that he orchestrated an instance where she would engage in sexual activity with another person, which he observed for the first time. Reluctantly, she admitted that she did this because “he was covering my rental expenses.
According to Jane’s account, those instances (as mentioned in the indictment and described by Ventura and others as “freak offs”) were also known as “sprees of debauchery” or “hotel escapades.”
In a more casual tone: Jane referred to those events (often called “freak offs” by Ventura and others) as wild nights out or hotel parties.
As a diligent adherent, I’ve found myself enduring stretches that ranged from 24 to 30 hours without rest, often accompanied by several individuals, in my unwavering commitment.
On occasion, I found myself suppressing my true feelings not just once, but possibly multiple times with different individuals,” Jane stated. “I would hold back my genuine words.
In the end, she ceased her work or journeys whenever Drew Combs required her assistance. He covered all her costs and organized childcare for her, given that she was a solo parent, according to Jane.
She informed the court, “I found it my duty to perform alongside him,” she said. “In Sean’s presence, I was utterly captivated by him.
As a devoted supporter of justice, I made it clear that if the defendant persisted in making faces towards the jury, Judge Subramanian would take action to have Combs escorted out of the courtroom.
The judge made it perfectly plain to Combs’ defense team on June 5 that no facial expressions should be displayed, as he had questioned his client was frequently nodding and gazing towards the jury during the trial.
Subramanian emphasized, “It’s not acceptable for there to be any contact with this jury. A repeat offense might lead me to instruct the jury, or it may even result in your client being removed from the courtroom.
Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo assured the judge it was “not going to happen again.”
Subramanian reiterated, “This cannot happen again.”
In November 2024, Bongolan informed the jury that she had initiated a civil lawsuit seeking $10 million from Combs. This was due to an incident in 2016 where he is said to have held her over a balcony on the 17th floor and then carelessly tossed her onto nearby furniture.
“I wanted to seek justice for what happened to me,” Bongolan said, “on the balcony.”
A fashion designer has officially brought charges against a rap tycoon for alleged acts of sexual assault, causing emotional turmoil, and unlawful confinement. These claims were reportedly detailed in a 17-page legal document, which was acquired by Rolling Stone magazine.
According to the lawsuit filed by her attorney James R. Nikraftar, it was claimed that the act of suspending someone from a balcony serves either to murder them or cause extreme fear, stripping them of control over their own physical well-being and security.
Bryana claimed that the prominent rapper had supposedly held her over a balcony on the 17th floor back in 2016, then tossed her onto surrounding furnishings.
According to Bongolan’s account, during the incident at Ventura’s Comstock apartment, she claimed that someone grabbed her from behind, lifted her up, and placed her on top of a rail. She weighed around 100-115 pounds at the time. With her feet on the rail, she was struggling not to slip and was pushing back against the person because she was terrified she might fall.
In that moment,” she explained on the stand June 4, “it seemed like I might lose my balance due to his aggressive outburst. He was screaming at me, ‘You know what you did!’ I had no clue what I was being accused of. Confused, I replied, ‘I have no idea what I did.’
Later on, Bongolan claimed that around 10-15 seconds passed, and then Combs propelled her towards the balcony furniture. This happened just as Ventura emerged, prior to them both going indoors for a conversation. The hip hop tycoon subsequently departed from the apartment.
After the reported event, Bongolan stated that she has experienced persistent aftereffects. She explained, “I often have vivid nightmares and feel unusually anxious, and I would frequently yell in my sleep.” However, she added that these symptoms have somewhat lessened over time.
Attorney Emily Johnson informed Judge Subramanian that the authorities have discovered a news source disclosing the true name of Combs’ ex-assistant, who was referred to as “Mia” throughout the trial.
Johnson suggested that the government asks the Court to possibly order the removal of a specific post, and also consider if more actions like banning rule-breakers from participating in this trial, not just in this courtroom but any courtroom, might be necessary.
Judge Subramanian instructed the prosecution team to compose their arguments, assuring them that he would definitely take them into account.
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2025-06-23 16:49