A former hotel security guard has testified in court that music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs paid him $100,000 to keep a surveillance video showing him assaulting singer Cassie Ventura hidden from the public.
This revelation came on Tuesday, June 3, during an ongoing federal trial in Manhattan, where Combs is facing serious charges including racketeering and sex trafficking. Prosecutors allege the rapper abused and manipulated women for years, using threats, weapons, and money to cover up his crimes.
Diddy, 55, has pleaded not guilty to the charges. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.
The day in court started dramatically as a woman was thrown out for shouting obscenities at Diddy. She later claimed she was a supporter who was angry that others in the courtroom were mocking him.
$100K for a Video
The first witness of the day was Eddy Garcia, a former security guard at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles. Garcia told the court that in 2016, Combs’ former chief of staff, Kristina Khorram, contacted him about a video that showed Diddy kicking and dragging Cassie near an elevator.
Garcia said he told Khorram they needed a legal order to release the footage, but soon after, Diddy called him personally, saying the footage could "ruin" him. Diddy then promised to "take care" of Garcia if he helped keep it under wraps.
Garcia admitted he and his supervisor agreed to sell the video for $50,000. A few days later, at a private location, Garcia said he handed the footage to Diddy after signing a non-disclosure agreement. Cassie was also on a video call during the meeting, reportedly asking that the video be erased.
Garcia said Diddy left the room and returned with $100,000 in a brown paper bag. After counting the money, he warned Garcia not to make any flashy purchases. Garcia said he gave $50,000 to his boss, $20,000 to another guard, and kept $30,000 for himself.
Money Trail
Next to testify was Derek Ferguson, Diddy's former Chief Financial Officer at Bad Boy Entertainment. He worked closely with Diddy for over a decade.
Prosecutors presented financial records from December 2011 showing three $20,000 transfers involving Diddy, Cassie Ventura, and her father, Broderick Ventura. These transactions raised questions about potential hush payments.
The government is expected to call three more witnesses, including Bryana Bongolan—who previously accused Diddy of sexual abuse—and another woman using the pseudonym "Jane" to protect her identity. The trial continues.
