Wednesday, Could 21, marked one other dramatic flip within the federal intercourse trafficking and racketeering conspiracy trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, with testimony from a Homeland Safety agent, a forensic psychologist, and maybe most damningly, a former assistant who painted an image of unrelenting loyalty, whispered threats, and clandestine cleanup jobs—all allegedly in service of protecting some of the highly effective males in hip-hop from scrutiny.
From “Freak Off” Provides to Firearms
Homeland Safety Particular Agent Gerard Gannon resumed testimony from earlier within the week, methodically strolling the jury by means of a set of things seized from Sean Combs’ Miami mansion throughout a 2024 raid. The visible show included AR-15 parts with defaced serial numbers, a loaded .45-caliber handgun present in a pink suitcase, and at least 31 bottles of child oil—objects prosecutors have dubbed Combs’s “freak off provides.” They had been proven alongside images of lingerie, platform heels, lubricant, and a Gucci bag full of designer medication: MDMA capsules (together with orange ones stamped with Tesla logos), cocaine, and ketamine.
Protection lawyer Teny Geragos, aiming to undercut the drama, questioned the raid’s militarized method and identified that no weapons had been discovered on workers in the course of the search. Nonetheless, the visible proof—firearms and intercourse paraphernalia saved collectively—appeared to bolster the prosecution’s declare that Combs used coercion, medication, and violence to arrange his infamous “freak off” intercourse events.
Forensic Psychologist Breaks Down the Trauma
Subsequent on the stand was Dr. Daybreak Hughes, a forensic psychologist and seasoned professional witness. Although she by no means examined Sean Combs or alleged sufferer Cassie Ventura, Hughes testified broadly concerning the psychological bonds and coping mechanisms widespread amongst victims of extended abuse.
In response to Hughes, victims usually stay in abusive relationships out of concern, disgrace, or monetary dependency. “There’s nearly all the time love,” she instructed the jury, explaining that emotional highs and lows can create a strong psychological tether between sufferer and abuser. She described Ventura’s trauma patterns—drug use to dissociate, fragmented reminiscences, returning to Combs after abuse—as in keeping with abuse survivor conduct.
Protection lawyer Jonathan Bach took purpose at Hughes’ credibility, portray her as a prosecution common and difficult the relevance of her “normal” testimony. Bach pointedly requested if she had ever testified for a person accused of a intercourse crime. “No, I don’t consider offenders,” Hughes responded. However on redirect, prosecutor Mitzi Steiner revealed that Hughes had, in reality, beforehand been retained by one in all Combs’s personal protection attorneys—Brian Metal—undermining the concept that Hughes’s experience is biased by allegiance.
George Kaplan: Loyalty or Legal responsibility?
The day’s most explosive testimony got here from George Kaplan, Sean Combs’s former assistant, who was granted immunity simply earlier than taking the stand.
Kaplan testified that in his 15-month stint working for Combs, he was liable for a big selection of non-public duties, together with curating what turned often known as the “resort bag.” This equipment—delivered on quick discover to resort rooms below the alias “Frank Black”—was stocked with garments, candles, liquor, child oil, and Astroglide lubricant, all reportedly for Combs and his feminine “visitors.”
When the events ended, Kaplan was anticipated to scrub the rooms himself. Why not go away that to resort workers? “I might see usually that motels would promote movies and pictures and attempt to embarrass celebrities and different figures,” Kaplan mentioned. “And that was one thing I wished to keep away from.” The prosecution used this assertion to border Kaplan as an unwitting confederate in a wider cover-up operation.
However maybe most damning was Kaplan’s testimony that Combs directed him—on no less than two events—to choose up medication. In a single occasion, Combs allegedly handed Kaplan money and a cellphone quantity in Miami. Kaplan met the supplier, secured the MDMA, and handed it over. An identical transaction allegedly befell in Hollywood, with Kaplan choosing up an unknown substance and delivering it to Combs with out asking questions.
Trial Continues with Extra Witnesses Forward
Prosecutors had initially hoped to name rapper Child Cudi (Scott Mescudi) to the stand Wednesday. In response to Cassie Ventura’s prior testimony and a settled lawsuit, Sean Combs allegedly threatened to explode Cudi’s automotive after discovering the 2 had been romantically linked. That risk reportedly got here true when Mescudi’s automotive exploded exterior his dwelling—an incident prosecutors might search to hook up with Combs’s alleged sample of violence and management. Cudi is now anticipated to testify on Thursday, pending scheduling.
Regardless of the burden of the testimony, the federal government said they’re forward of schedule and will wrap up the week’s proceedings early.
Wednesday’s proceedings gave the jury a clearer glimpse into the equipment that prosecutors allege propped up Diddy’s double life—one in all luxurious and movie star on the surface, and one fueled by concern, manipulation, and abuse behind closed doorways. With extra witnesses—together with potential victims and high-profile figures—anticipated within the coming days, the trial is quickly turning into a watershed second within the authorized accountability of one of many leisure business’s energy gamers.
SEE ALSO:
Sean Combs’ Authorized Crew Claims ‘Mutual Abuse’ In Relationship With Cassie Ventura
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Trial Day 8 Recap: Former Assistant Testifies On Drug Pickups, Resort Setups, And “Defending” The Boss
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