The federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs descended into chaos on its 15th day, marked by a disruptive courtroom outburst and damning witness testimony that could significantly impact the proceedings.
Before the day’s session commenced, an unidentified woman erupted into a profane tirade directed at Combs, accusing him of various misdeeds and criticizing the judicial system. Court officers swiftly removed her from the courtroom. Combs, present during the incident, observed the disruption without immediate comment.
The trial’s intensity escalated with the testimony of Eddy Garcia, a former security supervisor at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles. Garcia testified that in 2016, Combs paid him $100,000 to obtain and suppress surveillance footage showing Combs assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. The video allegedly depicted Combs, clad only in a towel, beating and dragging Ventura in a hotel hallway. Garcia stated that after initial refusals, his supervisor agreed to sell the footage for $50,000. Combs ultimately paid $100,000 and instructed Garcia to avoid conspicuous purchases. Garcia used $30,000 of the payment to buy a used car and signed a nondisclosure agreement with a $1 million breach penalty.
Prosecutors argue that this incident exemplifies Combs’ efforts to obstruct justice and maintain control over his alleged victims. They assert that Ventura was coerced into participating in organized sex events, known as “freak-offs,” involving male escorts and drugs, orchestrated by Combs. The defense contends that Ventura’s participation was consensual. Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation for prostitution. A conviction could result in a life sentence.
