Sean “Diddy” Combs‘ trial enters week six on Monday, June 16. Much of the previous week involved recollections from his alleged ex-girlfriend, who testified under the pseudonym Jane. She’s off the stand after four days of questions about her ties to Combs from 2021 until 2024.
Jane revealed a passionate, romantic relationship that escalated to “hotel parties” with male entertainers a few months in. From May 2021 until 2023, the majority of their quality time was spent having sex parties. While Jane admitted to organizing some of the interactions, including contacting the entertainers, she was adamant that it was under pressure from Diddy and/or a desire to please her man. Much of her “hotel nights” details mirrored what Cassie described as “freak offs” during week one of Diddy’s trial. Jane also revealed that Diddy threatened to stop paying her rent when she advocated against the sexual acts. Combs, per Jane, is still paying that bill, along with her defense lawyer.
Another notable from week five includes Ye, formerly Kanye West, pulling up to the Manhattan courthouse. Also, Diddy’s defense filed for a second mistrial after prosecutors filed for the removal of a Black juror who gave conflicting answers about where he resides, New York or New Jersey. The judge denied the petition — and that battle is playing out in court at the top of week six.
By Cassandra Santiago
THIS IS LIVE COVERAGE OF WEEK 6. REFRESH AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE FOR THE LATEST DAILY UPDATES.
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 24: Judge Dismisses Juror #6
Last week, the prosecution revealed they only have five witnesses to call before the defense begins presenting its case. The witnesses, per CNN, include three summary witnesses, a law enforcement agent, and another former assistant of Sean Combs’.
When the trial resumed for day 24, Judge Arun Subramanian circled back to an issue he had tabled at the end of week five. He had shared concerns about Juror #6’s “changing answers and inconsistency,” and the possibility that he had a personal agenda with jury duty. On Monday, Subramanian dismissed the juror for his inconsistent disclosures, especially about his place of residency. During jury selection, he claimed to be living with his fiancée and their daughter in the Bronx, but in an inquiry last week, he said he lived in New Jersey with a woman and their child, but primarily stays with his aunt in the Bronx. The judge said that continuing to question the juror could lead to more jaded answers.
The juror was reportedly a 41-year-old Black man. Diddy’s trial defense previously argued that dismissing the juror would affect the jury’s racial diversity. To that, the judge responded: “It would be improper to let the race of the juror and the alternate juror factor into the proper course here at all.”
A 57-year-old white man will replace Juror #6. The alternate lives with his wife and two kids in Westchester County, has a master’s degree in mechanical engineering, and works as a manufacturing architect. He admitted to hearing about Sean Diddy Combs’ trial on the radio.
By Cassandra Santiago
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 24: Judge Presents Another Juror Issue
After dismissing Juror #6 and replacing him with the alternate, Judge Subramanian informed the court of an issue with another juror. However, he clarified that the situation is “in no way linked” to problems with the dismissed Black male juror. The judge will follow up to question the second juror after the rest of the jury is dismissed this afternoon.
By Cassandra Santiago
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 24: Paralegal Specialist Takes The Stand
Paralegal specialist Ananya Sankar is the first summary witness to testify during week six of Diddy’s trial. She works for the US Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of New York. Her job on the stand is to make things clearer for the jury.
Sankar testified about reviewing the accuracy of government charts, which summarize the exhibits. She said she looked over “hundreds and hundreds” of document pages that show text messages, call logs, audio files, images, and video files. Her testimony will also expose text messages and other information submitted as evidence but not yet presented in court.
By Cassandra Santiago
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 24: Paralegal Specialist Introduces Texts Between Diddy & His Employees
One thread Ananya Sankar read from a summary chart was between two of Diddy’s employees, Kristina Khorram and Ryan Lopez, in December 2019. In the thread, Lopez told Kristina about seeing “one of the cowboys” in a hotel lobby. Khorram replied with laughing emojis and asked about Sean Combs going to sleep, which Lopez said likely won’t happen until the following night. The “cowboy” in the thread references a man from a service called ‘Cowboys and Angels,’ which Cassie and Jane testified was used to book male entertainers.
More text messages from March 2016 show Diddy and his former chief of staff, Khorram, planning for a freak off with Cassie. One message talks about adding an escort to the room reservation. In another text thread, Khorram told an assistant named Dave Shirley, “Heads up, he’s probably about to do wild king tonight.” Shirley, who hasn’t testified in the trial, replied, “Sh*t need to reup on baby oil and sh*t.” Another message from Kristina to Cassie said, “Hi, Dave is at your door with the green.”
The jury also saw another text thread between Diddy and Kristina from November 14, 2021. In it, he asks about the hotel room being ready, and discretion about his identity to avoid “unneeded charges.” Khorram replied that he should wait until “Jane” and an assistant named Joey arrive. After Diddy was in the hotel, she texted him, “Hotel called, Paul coming up.” Cassie previously identified Paul as a male entertainer they frequently used in freak offs.
Fast forward to texts between Combs, Jane, and Kristina from February 12 to 14, 2022. In one text, Kristina spoke about Diddy’s charges for damages always being “high” for a particular hotel. Another text from Kristina instructs Jane to request “like 15 bath towels.” Jane also texted Kristina, asking if Diddy’s security could bring between $5,000 and $10,000 in cash. The former chief of staff texted Combs later, confirming the requested cash was in the safe.
By Cassandra Santiago
#1
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 24: Jurors See Texts About Drug Purchases
At this point, the jury continued to review text messages while the paralegal specialist was on the stand. Multiple threads pointed to Combs and his staff buying drugs from a dealer named “Guido.”
A thread from December 2021 between Kristina and Diddy showed them discussing a package the dealer dropped off, and confirmed that she’s setting up a hotel room Diddy requested.
Another thread shows Faheem Muhammad, Diddy’s head of security, getting approval to pay Guido thousands for drugs. “Flower,” meaning marijuana, was mentioned. That text exchange included Kristina, Combs, and his accountant.
In another thread with Faheem and Diddy, Kristina asked her employer to inform the security head of his pick-up details before a flight to Miami. Combs replied that he had already told her, but Kristina said she didn’t know the final details. “Molly, 15 pills,” Combs texted back.
Another message from Muhammad to Khorram, Combs, and his account manager said: “Just gave $5K to Brendan for hotel.” That was in April 2023.
By Cassandra Santiago
#2
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 24: Jury Sees Text Messages Involving Mia After Cassie's Lawsuit
Three days after Cassie filed her lawsuit against Diddy in November 2023, his former security guard, Damion “D-Roc” Butler, texted him: “Need to hear your voice bro, love you.” Combs replied, thanking him for checking on him. For context, Cassie filed on the 16th of that month and settled with Combs within 24 hours.
A few days later, D-Roc messaged Diddy again, wishing him a Happy Thanksgiving and offering to kick it with him. On November 30, 2023, D-Roc reached out to Mia. She is Combs’ former assistant who testified about him sexually assaulting her throughout her employment from 2009 to 2017.
After telling Mia “a lot has been going on” in texts, the two spoke on the phone. Mia admitted in her testimony that they discussed Diddy and Cassie’s relationship. Records have shown that D-Roc also Mia’s number to Diddy, who then tried to call her.
On December 5, 2023, D-Roc texted Mia: “Your boy said to call him. He doesn’t want or need you to do anything. He just called me.” He followed up again the following year, on February 2, 2024. D-Roc said, “Good Morning. How are you going? Did you ever speak to P. He called me a couple days ago.”
Records show Diddy was in contact with D-Roc around that time. In fact, two days later, he texted Combs a screenshot of his convo with Mia and added: “Hey bro, she hit me back. I’m trying to call her now.” Diddy replied, “Let me know when you reach her.” That same day, Diddy texted Mia directly, asking for “10 min to talk.”
Over the next few days, D-Roc sent more texts to Mia. She eventually responded, saying she was on a scuba diving trip out of the country. In one text, the former security guard asked how he could send her “something,” meaning money. She rejected the offer, saying her debt is her problem. He also attempted to have a phone call with her several times.
Diddy also tried reaching out again on February 7, 2024, with a message. He wrote: “Hey. I don’t wanna be blowing up your phone. Just needed to talk to you for 10 minutes. Just need my memory jogged on some things. You were my right hand for years, so I just to speak to you to remember who was even around me. And it would be good to hear your voice. But if you don’t want to, all good. Just let me know. Love. Hope you’re well.”
Combs later forwarded the message to D-Roc, adding that Mia wasn’t answering the phone. D-Rock reacted by trying to call Mia twice.
Meanwhile, it should be noted that Diddy’s mother, Janice, was in the courtroom as text messages were introduced.
By Cassandra Santiago
#3
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 24: Defense Cross-Examines Paralegal Specialist
Upon cross-examination of Ananya Sankar, defense attorney Teny Geragos read text messages Diddy sent to Mia, including the February 7, 2024, one explained above. Geragos highlighted that after that text, D-Roc told Diddy Mia’s phone was ringing like she was out of the country. The paralegal specialist confirmed that no records suggest Diddy called Mia again after that.
Geragos also highlighted a message “Jane” sent to Kristina Khorram around Valentine’s Day in 2022. In the text, Jane wrote, “I’m excited to surprise him,” and later texted Kristina a room decorated with rose petals and heart balloons.
Another conversation between Jane and Kristina shows her pushing against a “hotel night” on February 25, 2023. Khorram asked her to call Diddy twice because he was pressing her about the plans. “My answer to him is no, and it is still no,” Jane partially replied.
Additionally, Geragos pointed to Muhammad’s text asking for approval on a disbursement from a “PD Personal” account.
By Cassandra Santiago
#4
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 24: Defense Points To Diddy's Former Chief Of Staff Questioning His Honesty Before Cross Exam. Ends
With the paralegal specialist on the stand under cross-examination, the jury reviewed texts between Diddy and Kristina Khorram from November 2023. In one message, she wrote:
“If you cannot be honest with me, this doesn’t work,” Khorram wrote in part. “We all know what your Kryptonite is and where you don’t make the best choices.”
Khorram added that she felt like Diddy was lying to her, which bothered her. He responded, “Come take my phone.” She then said it wasn’t about his phone but warned him that if he started lying, it would “break” her.
Cross-examination ended shortly after.
By Cassandra Santiago
#5
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 24: 2nd Summary Witness, DeLeassa Penland, Special Agent With The U.S. Attorney's Office Of SDNY, Takes Stand Before Court Is Dismissed For Lunch
DeLeassa Penland, a special agent with the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of New York, then took the stand. Penland explained that her role in the case against Diddy was to “review charts and data and ensure the information is correct.” Furthermore, Penland walked the jury through “a summary chart that shows the date, location, attendees, and travel records related to different ‘meetings.'”
One meeting occurred in December 2009 at the London Hotel in New York City. It included Diddy, Cassie, and a man. Penland read messages to the jury where Diddy and the man coordinated their travel. Then, Combs sent an email to his “personal finance director for his executive office,” ordering them to book a flight under the man’s name. Additionally, a flight itinerary was sent to the man. Ultimately, the record was found in “records for Combs Global.”
Penland concluded that the flight records showcased Cassie and the man being in the same location at the same time.
At that point, the court was dismissed for lunch with an anticipated return time of 1:30 PM EST.
By: Jadriena Solomon
#6
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 24: 2nd Summary Witness, DeLeassa Penland, Returns To Stands As More Messages Shown
When Penland returned to the stand, the jury was shown more records showcasing the December 2009 “meeting” between Diddy, Cassie, and a male escort. The records showed that Cassie and the escort’s flights were paid for with Diddy’s American Express card, as well as the hotel room.
In addition, the jury was shown 2012 travel and hotel invoices amid texts between Diddy and Cassie. One invoice was sent to Bad Boy Entertainment for a flight for Cassie on October 10, 2012. To note, the flight was from Los Angeles to New York. On October 13, 2012, Diddy texted Cassie asking if she was “ready for tonight.” Cassie confirmed, but added that she needed to get something.
“Man, you had all day. All day. It’s always something,” Diddy wrote back to her.
Furthermore, messages were then shown between Cassie and two men, where she instructed them on hotel and meeting details in New York. The invoice for the hotel was made under the name “Janet Clark.” Additionally, the room was paid for in cash. Additionally, one of the men texted Cassie the next day, confirming that he was in a separate room at the hotel. Ultimately, records showed that that room was paid for by cash and AmEx under the name “Frank Black.”
Then, videos recorded on October 14, 2012, retrieved from one of Cassie’s devices, were shown to the jury.
At that point, jurors were shown messages between Diddy and Cassie shared in January 2013. In the messages, they were reportedly setting up a freakoff with four men to “celebrate Christmas.” Cassie reportedly set up the meetup in texts shared on or around January 11, 2013.
“Hello star … this is Santiago, I hope we can do another voyeur encounter again… I really want to do this again with you guys,” one of the male escorts reportedly wrote to Cassie.
By: Jadriena Solomon
#7
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 24: Before Dismissal, Jury Is Shown Explicit Videos Of Sexual Encounters For The First Time Before
Per CNN, before the jury was dismissed for the day, they were shown videos of the explicit sexual encounters involving Diddy for the first time on Monday, June 16. Prior to this, the jury had only been shown still images of the encounters, in addition to audio. The outlet reports that the videos shown were from October 2012, October 2014, and December 2014. Additionally, the videos were just over two minutes in length. To note, the lawyers were not shown the clip to keep the footage private from the press and public.
The outlet reports that most jurors remained “stonefaced” as they watched the clip. One juror reportedly winced while another covered her eye.
By: Jadriena Solomon
#8
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 25: Judge Reprimands Lawyers Over Article That Revealed Details Of Sealed Proceeding, Brendan Paul Takes Immunity
The court kicked off on Tuesday, June 17, with Judge Subramanian reprimanding prosecution and defense lawyers. This, reportedly over an article that “revealed details of a sealed proceeding held Friday.”
“Well, someone is lying,” the judge told the lawyers, who alleged they were unaware of how the information was leaked. “One or more people in this courtroom or the designated people who were here on Friday flagrantly violated this court’s orders.”
The judge ultimately shared that he’d investigate the incident and punish any violations with anything “as severe as criminal contempt or sanctions.”
Additionally, the judge revealed that jurors were informed of no. 6’s release by being told he was excused. However, the judge added that jurors were not informed of the circumstances surrounding no. 6’s release.
As for any separate issues surrounding juror no. 7, the judge told the court they would discuss the matter at the end of the day.
Lastly, Brendan Paul appeared in court, invoking his 5th amendment and being granted immunity.
By: Jadriena Solomon
#9
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 25: Jury Sees More Flight, Hotel Records & Texts, 2nd Summary Witness DeLeassa Penland, Special Agent With The U.S. Attorney's Office Of SDNY, Returns To Stand
When the jury entered, they were shown records for flight and hotel reservations made for an escort between Los Angeles and New York in August 2009. The flights and hotels were paid for with Diddy’s AmEx. Additionally, the jury was shown texts between the escort and Cassie where she thanked him and sent him the details for his flight home.
Then, records shown from September 2014 detailed a hotel stay in Los Angeles. Additionally, a round-trip between Los Angeles and NYC was booked for a man named “Dave” and paid for with Diddy’s AmEx. “Elie Maroun” was the name listed on the reservation, while Kristina Khorram was noted as the contact for the room. In all, the credit card statement showed that the charges were paid off by five bank accounts. Some were reportedly linked to Bad Boy Records and Combs Enterprises.
In addition, the jury was shown records detailing various hotel charges for damages. A Beverly Hills hotel charged $500 for drape and carpet damage. Meanwhile, another invoice listed a $950 charge for “linen damage/deep cleaning.” Furthermore, in October 2012, $46,786 was paid for “penthouse damage” at the Intercontinental New York Times Square.
The jury was also shown messages between Diddy and a contact named “NY Strip.” The texts were exchanged days before a December 2009 hotel stay. At one point in the messages, Diddy asked for a “massage.” In another message, he mentioned a “present,” and in another, he and the recipient asked each other if they were cops.
By: Jadriena Solomon
#10
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 25: Jury Sees More Photos Of Cassie After 2016 Hotel Assault
At that point, Assistant US Attorney Emily Johnson presented a timeline of events between Diddy and Cassie in March 2016. The timeline started with Cassie inquiring about the availability of an escort on March 4, 2016. From there, records show that Diddy called Cassie eight times around 11:30 a.m. on the day of the assault, receiving no answer. Furthermore, the timeline also included photos of Cassie with a swollen lip taken around 11:35 a.m. She reportedly took the photos of herself.
Cassie called Diddy back twice around 11:36 a.m., the calls lasted about a minute.
“I went and checked everything and spoke to security. Jules left so you’re good and as long as you don’t disturb the other guests they’ll leave you be,” she eventually texted him.
Diddy responded by texting her that the cops were there and he needed her to call him.
“You gonna abandon me all alone… Call me pls,” he later texted her.
In response, Cassie texted him:
“I have a premiere Monday. For the biggest thing I’ve ever done in my life. I have a black eye and a fat lip. It was time for me to go. You are sick for thinking it’s okay to do what you’ve done. Please stay far away from me.”
In later texts, he threatened that if she didn’t respond to him, she would never hear his voice again.
“This is crazy he won’t stop. Please tell him the neighbors are about to call the police,” Cassie later texted Khristina Khorram. To note, Diddy reportedly went to her apartment after Cassie left the hotel. “Please takeaway whatever keys he thinks he has.”
Ultimately, Khristina Khorram texted Cassie, prompting a lengthy call between her and Diddy.
“Talk to him. He promised me he won’t go back over if you will just talk to him for 5 minutes… Sorry don’t want to be in the middle just don’t want him to go back over,” she texted Cassie.
Later texts showed D-Roc texted Diddy.
“She’s ok she’s eating breakfast. Her face don’t look bad. She good.”
At that point, the court took a short break.
By: Jadriena Solomon
#11
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 25: 2nd Summary Witness DeLeassa Penland Is Cross-Examined
Defense attorney Teny Geragos questioned Penland for cross-examination, asking if other individuals not mentioned in the chart could’ve been a part of the incidents.
“If I did not have the evidence, their name is not in this chart,” Penland responded. “It does not have the name of every potential person that was at this gathering.”
Furthermore, Geragos read messages from Cassie to Diddy in which she was sexually explicit with him. In one message, Cassie told him she was “always ready to freak off.” After reading the messages, Geragos noted that Penland did not include those messages in the chart.
Additionally, the lawyer explained that Diddy called Cassie five times after the text. However, none of his calls were answered. From there, Khristina Khorram also called Cassie, to no answer.
Ultimately, Penland explained that she is not a part of the case and only reviewed materials which were provided to her from prosecutors to ensure the charts were accurate.
By: Jadriena Solomon
#12
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 25: Jury Again Views Footage Of 2012 And 2014 Freak Offs Involving Cassie
On day 24, the jury initially saw footage of Cassie involved in a freakoff with a male, taken on October 12, 2014. CNN reports that the jury has continued watching additional freak off clips, one recorded the same day and another recorded on October 20, 2014.
Now, the jury is seeing footage of freakoffs recorded on December 4, 2014.
By: Jadriena Solomon
#13
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 25: Court Resumes After Break, Defense Presents Texts About Freak Offs
When the court resumed from lunch, special agent DeLeassa Penland retook the stand for continued cross-examination. Penland told the court that all five explicit videos the jury saw today came from a profile called ‘Frank Black’ on a device Cassie gave prosecutors. The videos are sealed due to the content.
Defense attorney Teny Geragos also reviewed more texts between Cassie and Diddy that showed her planning logistics for freak-offs. Some messages showed Cassie agreeing to a freak-off when Diddy asked and exchanging sexually explicit messages in other instances. In February 2013, Combs texted Cas, “Maybe one of those nights,” and she replied, “Yesss.”
Penland also said she hasn’t reviewed any materials supporting Deonte Nash’s testimony. Nash previously testified that he saw a man enter Cassie and Combs’ hotel room during a Las Vegas trip around New Year’s Eve 2016-2017.
By Cassandra Santiago
#14
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 25: Defense Wraps Cross Of Agent Penland, Prosecution Will Rest Case This Week
After the defense wrapped its cross-examination, prosecutor Emily Johnson revisited messages between Cassie and Diddy before and after the assault at the InterContinental Hotel. Days after the hallway beating, Diddy texted Cassie, “Baby, I can’t say it enough, I’m so sorry!!!!” That same day, Cassie texted him back about her bruises and the trauma.
“I still have crazy bruising from Friday. I would be a dummy to subject myself to that possibly happening again,” Cassie Ventura wrote. “When you get fucked up the wrong way, you always want to show me that you have the power and you knock me around. I’m not a rag doll, I’m someone’s child.”
Peland was off the stand shortly after, and Judge Subramanian dismissed the jury for the day. Defense attorney Maurene Comey announced that the prosecution will rest its case on Friday. Brenden Paul will take the stand next. He worked as a former assistant to Diddy.
By: Cassandra Santiago
#15
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 26: Judge Takes Stand & Alerts Of Sick Juror
Per CNN, on Wednesday, June 18, Judge Subramanian took the bench and informed the court that a juror had arrived at court; however, they returned home after feeling sick. The judge initially explained that he was unsure if the court would proceed or take the day.
After a sidebar, he explained that the court would inquire for more information about the sick juror. Meanwhile, a decision was made that the prosecutors and defense would proceed by debating exhibits on which they didn’t agree.
By: Jadriena Solomon
#16
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 26: Court Is Adjourned For The Day
The court was ultimately adjourned for the day due to the sick juror. The proceedings will resume on Friday, June 20, with testimony beginning at 9 a.m.
By: Jadriena Solomon
#17
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 27: Judge Denies Defense Request Regarding A Sealed Issue With A Juror
On Friday, June 20, court resumed with Judge Arun Subramanian denying a request regarding a sealed issue with a juror. Per CNN, the judge did elaborate on the issue to the court, so it remains unclear what the sealed matter is.
Nonetheless, the outlet reports that last week, lawyers reportedly discussed an issue in relation to juror no. 7. The juror reportedly shared communications with a former colleague about his time on the jury, the prosecution reported to the court.
By: Jadriena Solomon
#18
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 27: Brendan Paul, Diddy's Former Assistant & Alleged "Drug Mule" Takes Stand, Explains 2024 Arrest
Subsequently, Brendan Paul, Diddy’s alleged “drug mule” and former assistant, took the stand. Paul explained that he worked as an assistant to Diddy between late 2022, after he graduated from college, until he was arrested on March 25, 2024. He noted that he was on the way to a family vacation in the Bahamas with Diddy when he was arrested on possession of cocaine charges.
“It was in my Goyard bag for personal assistant duties,” Paul told the court.
Paul alleged that he cleaned one of Diddy’s rooms and forgot to put the substance elsewhere before boarding Diddy’s private jet at Miami-Opa locka Executive Airport.
By: Jadriena Solomon
#19
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 27: Brendan Paul Talks Working For Diddy
Per Paul, he learned of Diddy looking for personal assistants from Elie Maroun, another personal assistant of the mogul’s.
“He told me to get in, to get out, if you have a girlfriend break up with her, and you’re never going to see your family,” Paul told the court, noting he knew working for Diddy would be a “a really tumultuous job that required all of my attention.”
Paul interviewed for the position in the fall of 2022 at Diddy’s home. Before entering the home, he shared his ID with security and signed an NDA. He reportedly met with Kristina Khorram and Frankie Santella, Diddy’s music manager, for about 20 minutes. Then, he began working for Diddy a few days later. Furthermore, he explained that he usually worked from Diddy’s home and received his instructions from other assistants.
Per Paul, he assisted Diddy with his travel, packing, fitness, meal plans, and music-related needs. Additionally, Paul noted that he would “pack marijuana joints in Combs’ garage.”
Additionally, Paul explained that he usually worked 80-100 hours a week, with his workweek being 4-6 days. To note, Paul shared that he was always on call. Furthermore, his starting salary was $75,000 and was later raised to $100,000. Paul noted that he frequently traveled for work, setting up rooms for Diddy, “so when you walked in, everything was seamless and he had everything he needed.” When he traveled for work, Paul explained that Diddy’s travel manager would book his flights.
Additionally, Paul explained that the longest he’d ever stayed awake while working for Diddy was when they were working on his album in New York. He said he was up for three days, taking naps sparingly. He noted that he was able to “handle it” because he was young.
Per Paul, he took prescription Adderall and had “rare” use of cocaine to stay awake. Furthermore, he noted that he smoked marijuana during his time working for Diddy.
The former assistant went on to note that his mission was to make sure Diddy was always happy. He testified that the mogul wanted him and others to work like SEAL Team Six. Furthermore, he noted that he was fired by Diddy two or three times. However, he usually returned to work. Ultimately, Paul explained that work issues were never discussed with HR, and instead discussed with Diddy himself.
By: Jadriena Solomon
#20
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 27: Brendan Paul Talks Diddy's Alleged Drug Use
Per Paul, he witnessed Diddy doing drugs such as “cocaine, ketamine, ecstasy, and marijuana” about once a month. However, he felt he had noticed the mogul appearing high on other occasions. At that point, the jury was shown a photo Paul had taken of tusi for Diddy.
Paul added that Diddy or other assistants would instruct him to obtain drugs. He would purchase 16 oz. of marijuana every two months for Combs and pay $4,200. He would reportedly purchase the substance from Phillip Pines. Other drugs, he reportedly purchased for Diddy less than 10 times, and would pay up to $500 or would not pay for the substances himself.
On some occasions, Paul would tell the dealer to come to Diddy’s residence for the exchange. The dealer would ask if the drugs were for him or “Puff.” Paul would confirm the drugs were for Puff.
“But please don’t disclose that, you can tell whoever it’s for me,” he wrote in one text to a dealer.
Once he received the drugs, he would give them to Diddy or put them in the Gucci pouch. Additionally, he explained that he would pick up Diddy’s prescriptions under Diddy’s real name or the alias “Frank Black.”
At that point, the jury was shown texts Diddy sent Paul on February 14, 2024. In the texts, Diddy asked for Xanax. But he didn’t have a prescription for the substance, so Paul wasn’t able to obtain it.
By: Jadriena Solomon
#21
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 27: Brendan Paul Says Diddy's Wild "King Nights" Stopped After Cassie's Lawsuit
Per Paul, “Jane” was the only one of Diddy’s girlfriends that he remembered participating in the wild “king nights.” His understanding was that the gatherings included “partying, alcohol, sex, drugs.” Per Paul, the interactions, however, stopped after Cassie’s November 2023 lawsuit.
Paul explained that he cleaned up about a “king night” three or four times. The rooms appeared in disarray, and he noted cleaning up liquor bottles and baby oil in particular. Additionally, Paul explained that he used gloves to clean the room for “sanitary reasons.” On one occasion, he noted seeing a white powder substance, which he believed was a drug.
At that point, the jury saw a photo of a hotel room with sheets covering the furniture. Paul shared that he sent the photo to Diddy’s travel manager to alert her that there would be damage charges to the room.
By: Jadriena Solomon
#22
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 27: Brendan Paul Circles Back To 2024 Arrest
Per Paul, he didn’t inform law enforcement that the cocaine found in his possession belonged to Diddy due to his “loyalty.” He explained that subsequent charges filed against him afterward were dismissed because he had a “good lawyer.”
Since then, Paul has completed 20 drug classes and has submitted to random drug questioning.
By: Jadriena Solomon
#23
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 27: Brendan Paul Is Cross-Examined On Time Working For Diddy, The Drugs & The "King Nights"
Brian Steel explained to the court that Paul was a member of the Syracuse University basketball team. Paul confirmed that he is a hard worker, strived for perfection, and was willing to work long hours for Diddy. Steel then asked Paul if he was a “drug mule” for Diddy.
Paul said, “Absolutely not,” and explained that he believed the substances were for Diddy’s personal use. As for the wild king nights, Paul explained, “I considered it to be like an escape.” He added that he often spoke with Jane for the nights and “almost every time” afterward. He said he never perceived her to be an unwilling participant.
By: Jadriena Solomon
#24
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 27: Brendan Paul Is Cross-Examined On March 2024 Arrest
Brian Steel then asked Paul about his March 25, 2024, arrest. Paul confirmed that his arrest was for a small amount of cocaine that he had left in his travel bag. However, he noted that neither Diddy nor “KK” asked him to travel with the substance. Additionally, he explained that his “heart dropped” when the agent found the substance because he didn’t mean to travel with it.
When asked if he believed he was working for a “criminal,” Paul said, “Absolutely not.” When asked if he felt “indebted” to Diddy, Paul questioned the meaning of the word. Steel asked if he had “good experiences” working with Diddy, then Paul said, “For the most part.”
By: Jadriena Solomon
#25
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 27: Re-Direct Begins On Brendan Paul
Christy Slavik then asked Paul if he knew what was happening during the wild “king nights.”
“There was sex happening and partying,” Paul said while confirming that he was not present during the events, so he wouldn’t know if anything illegitimate was happening.
When asked how he feels today about Diddy, Paul said:
“It’s complicated.”
At that point, re-direct ended, and Brendan Paul left the stand.
By: Jadriena Solomon
#26
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 27: Court Sees More Texts Between Diddy & Cassie Before Jury Takes Short Break
At that point, the jury is shown texts between Diddy and Cassie shared between March 12 and 14, 2017.
“wtf really? I think it’ll always be black and white. You threw out all of my s**t,” she texted him at one point, later adding. “You [beat] my head in.”
In turn, Diddy called her “crazy” and “dead wrong” for “flipping” on him.
“Aint flipping, I can come back so we can talk but you know I fight,” Cassie responded.
At that point, Diddy asked if she wanted a break, writing, “This is really how you want to leave this? You sure?”
“No I just don’t want to be beat down for being defiant or ever,” Ventura responded. “You treat me and make me feel like I don’t matter… I guess I’m not down with abuse. It doesn’t make sense to me… you hit me in my head two good times. That didn’t make me feel good. I know I’m not crazy.”
In turn, Diddy told Cassie she “disrespected” him “so much in the lsat 12 months.”
On March 18, 2017, Cassie texted Diddy.
“You’re at a point in your life where you want to party and have good time… I have to focus or I’ll never become anything… I had so much fun in Miami then I realized I opened the door to that being my sole purpose in seeing you… I knew if I said no to it in New York it would’ve been a problem… You treat me like a hooker to be honest. You always want to call one and you have one. This hooker has been here for 10 years.”
Diddy responded with, “Wow.”
On May 2, 2017, Cassie texted Diddy:
“You get f**ked up you drag me down the hall by my hair. I’m 30 years old this isn play play anymore… I was scared of your rage. I talk out of line sometimes and I do apologize but that doesn’t mean I don’t love you and your love shouldn’t equate to what you ‘do’ for me… Physicalities take it somewhere else. Boris had to tackle you Puff. That’s not love that’s possession. I have bleeding cuts.”
In turn, Diddy told Cassie she was unappreciative and he wouldn’t let anyone “s**t” on him when “when all [he’s] done is be nice.”
“Any other woman in the world would’ve been so happy… you’re wack for not keeping it real When I and everyone knows you were acting like a b*tch,” he said. “You need to ask someone how you were acting… Talk to your people. They’ll tell you. Or they won’t. Because all they do is suck you. KK won’t. Talk to her.”
Another text was shown where Cassie messaged KK:
“I’m sure you don’t want to get involved, but he said I was an a**hole which I owned up to but no one deserves being dragged by their hair. I locked the door for my safety.”
At that point, the jury was dismissed for a short break.
By: Jadriena Solomon
#27
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 27: Jury Returns, More Messages Read & Joseph Cerciello Of Homeland Security Investigations Takes Stand
Prosecutor Emily Johnson continued to read text messages after the jury returned from the short break. Afterward, Joseph Cerciello, of Homeland Security Investigations, took the stand as the prosecution’s next witness.
Joseph Cerciello displayed a chart, reportedly lining out 44 entries from May 2021 to August 2024. Furthermore, the chart reportedly included “location, individuals’ names, and transportation records associated with different date ranges.” To note, the only female listed in the chart was “Jane.”
He reportedly noted that before Cassie’s lawsuit was filed, most of the freak-offs took place at hotels. After the lawsuit, none of the freakoffs took place at hotels.
Additionally, Cerciello testified that he reviewed documents related to a January 2023 hotel stay for Diddy in Los Angeles. The room was reserved under “Joseph Chavez” and included a $3,750 charge for “damaged furniture.” A hotel note stated that there were “bodily fluids stained on the wood floor” and furniture. Furthermore, messages between Jane and Diddy were included where they reportedly coordinate the arrival of three men at the hotel.
In the days that followed, one of the men deposited $1,500 in cash at an ATM. Meanwhile, another text showed Diddy asking Jane to send $1,100 to Cowboys for Angels for flights and an “overnight rate.”
Records in the chart also showed Jane and Diddy’s London hotel stay in Los Angeles in April 2023. Texts shared between Diddy and an “entertainer” appeared to note that the individual joined them at the location. Afterward, Diddy was charged $1,800 for damaged furniture and linens.
“the room towels appear to be soaked baby oil… Baby oil is in the carpet as well,” a room report noted, in addition to the appearance of smoking having taken place.
Next, the jury was shown a note from Diddy’s heard of security, Faheem Muhammad, made on April 25, 2024.
“$5000 PD personal London,” the note stated.
Muhammad reportedly kept track of Diddy’s spending reimbursement for his personal expenses. Additionally, records were shown from June 18, 2024, where Jonathan Perez informed Muhammad they needed $600 because Diddy was going to Jane’s house. Later texts showed KK asking someone to pick up Diddy from the location “asap.” In the same instance, Perez asked Muhammad to bring cash.
“Need $3500 cash asap for his guest. I’m going to take it to her,” Perez also texted Muhammad on June 20, 2024.
By: Jadriena Solomon
#28
Diddy Trial Week 6, Day 27: Jury Is Dismissed For The Day As Court Updates Are Shared
At this point, the jury was dismissed for the day. Assistant US Attorney Maurene Comey noted that the prosecution should end presenting its case on Monday, June 23. At that time, Joseph Cerciello will return to the stand for continued testimony. After the break on Monday, prosecutors believe the defense will be able to pick up the cross-examination of Cerciello.
Furthermore, Marc Agnifilo noted that he believes the defense will rest on Tuesday, June 24, or Wednesday, June 25.
Judge Arun Subramanian shared that he believes the parties will meet for a charge conference Wednesday.” Additionally, he shared that he believes closing arguments will be held on Thursday. However, this is subject to change.
By: Jadriena Solomon
