Los Angeles Police officer Israel Florez was referred to as by the prosecution Monday (Might 12) as their first witness within the federal intercourse crime case towards Sean “Diddy” Combs. He stated was working on the Intercontinental Lodge in Century Metropolis again in 2016 as assistant director of safety. Leaked surveillance video of Casandra “Cassie” Ventura being overwhelmed, kicked and dragged by Combs got here from that very lodge across the identical time.
Diddy “Performing Unusually”
Florez acknowledged that on March 5, 2016, he obtained a name about “a girl in misery” on the sixth ground. He stated he encountered Combs when he stepped out of the elevator, per CNN. Combs was solely sporting a towel and socks and gave the impression to be “performing surprisingly,” he stated by way of The Washington Publish. Florez additionally famous items of a damaged vase on the ground.
“He was on the chair slouched down and he was like in a clean stare. One of the simplest ways I may describe it was identical to a devilish stare,” stated Florez, including that Ventura was cowering within the nook, masking her face. He later recalled her having a “purple eye.”
Florez stated Ventura instructed him she needed to get her bag and depart. Combs then instructed her she wasn’t going to go away, the cop stated by way of CNN. Florez stated he instructed Combs if she needed to go away, she may and instructed the 2 to take their argument again to their room, per WaPo. When he walked them again, Florez stated he observed one other man contained in the room. Nonetheless, he didn’t seem like engaged within the chaos.
A Hush Cash Bribe?
Combs then approached the officer with a large wad of money and stated, “Don’t inform no person,” stated Florez, per The New York Occasions. The officer declined the cash and instructed Combs he’d be charged for any property harm.
Florez stated he later noticed Ventura and requested if she needed him to name the police. One in all Combs’ staff tried to halt the interplay till ultimately Ventura stated she simply needed to go away and departed in a black SUV. Prosecutors claimed in opening arguments that Combs used an “internal circle” to assist him commit crimes.
Combs Lashes Out
Florez additionally stated himself together with the entrance desk supervisor went again to the room to remind Combs of the home guidelines. Nonetheless, Combs allegedly obtained heated and grabbed the supervisor’s cellphone, believing he was being recorded. Florez stated he then interjected, pinning Combs to the wall, per The Occasions. Following this, he filed an incident report.
The police weren’t referred to as following the incident as a result of Ventura refused to reply his questions and nobody pressed any expenses, the officer stated.
The “Actual” Footage
The prosecution then performed the unique lodge surveillance footage from the occasions that occurred that day. Florez didn’t see the footage previous to this second. The Occasions reported the video is kind of just like the CNN leak however “noticeably slowed down.” Studies additionally say Combs is seen grabbing a vase and throwing it at Ventura, inflicting it to shatter.
The viral clip of the Intercontinental Lodge surveillance footage exhibits Combs angrily chasing down Ventura sporting nothing however a towel round his waist. Within the video, she’s being punched and kicked repeatedly by Combs earlier than being dragged down the hallway alongside along with her belongings. After the video aired, Combs took to Instagram to apologize for what the general public noticed and stated his conduct was “inexcusable.”
New footage was additionally proven the jury by the use of a phone-recorded video taken by Florez himself who stated he needed to point out his spouse what occurred. Within the video, Combs is heard shouting at Ventura from up the hallway whereas Florez tries to de-escalate the state of affairs, per WashPo. Florez additionally stated later he recorded the lodge footage of the incident on his cellphone.
Protection Bites Again
Protection legal professional Brian Metal clocked Florez about a number of issues, one being that the officer didn’t be aware Ventura’s “purple eye” nor Combs’ “devilish” expressions within the incident report he wrote. Florez responded that he remembered the occasion clearly regardless of how way back it was.
Florez additionally denied the protection’s suggestion that the wad of money Combs allegedly provided him may have been for lodge damages as a substitute of a bribe.
Breaking Down Diddy’s Intercourse Crime Case
In September 2024, the 55-year-old rap mogul was arrested in Manhattan by federal authorities, six months after they raided his two properties in Los Angeles and Miami. His indictment reveals expenses of racketeering conspiracy, intercourse trafficking and fascinating in interstate transportation for prostitution and cites three nameless victims. He has pleaded not responsible, and was denied bail.
The allegations towards Combs of sexual abuse, bodily abuse, bribery and varied drug offenses have been first introduced forth by ex-girlfriend and Unhealthy Boy Data signee Casandra “Cassie” Ventura in a lawsuit. Probably the most notable claims have been about his so-called “freak off” intercourse events, the place prosecutors allege ladies and men have been drugged and compelled to carry out sexual acts at Combs’ pleasure. He was additionally accused of utilizing video footage to blackmail the victims into compliance.