Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial day 19 recap: Security guard says Combs paid him $100,000 for assault video

The ongoing trial of rap mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs took a dramatic turn on Tuesday as a hotel security guard revealed shocking details about the alleged attempts to cover up a video that captured Combs engaging in violent behavior towards his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. The security guard, Eddy Garcia, testified that Combs paid him $100,000 in a bid to prevent the video from being made public.

The video, recorded in 2016 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles, shows Combs kicking and dragging Ventura, who testified as the government’s star witness during the trial. Ventura described a harrowing incident where Combs assaulted her during one of his drug-fueled orgies, known as “freak-offs.”

Ventura recalled how she tried to escape Combs, only to be physically assaulted by him in the hotel hallway. She testified that Combs threw her to the ground, kicked her, and attempted to drag her back to the room against her will.

Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, has taken responsibility for the domestic violence captured in the video. However, his defense team argues that the allegations of sex trafficking and racketeering are unfounded.

According to Garcia’s testimony, Combs was desperate to ensure that the incriminating video never saw the light of day. He paid Garcia $100,000 in cash to obtain what he believed was the only copy of the recording. Garcia recounted how Combs expressed concern that the video could ruin his career and promised to take care of him in return for his silence.

When the video surfaced last year, Combs issued a public apology, acknowledging his wrongdoing and seeking professional help to address his behavior. Prosecutors have argued that Combs’ payment to Garcia constitutes a bribe and is a key element in the racketeering conspiracy case against him.

The trial is set to continue with the testimony of additional witnesses, including a video expert and a woman identified as “Jane” who is expected to testify about alleged threats made by Combs. The outcome of the trial remains uncertain, but the revelations from Garcia’s testimony have shed new light on the disturbing allegations against the hip-hop superstar. Jane is expected to be the third and final alleged victim to testify against Combs in his ongoing trial for sex trafficking. The security guard, Eddy Garcia, took the stand on Tuesday to provide crucial testimony about Combs’ alleged efforts to bury a video of the assault.

Garcia recounted how he first heard about the assault shortly after he started his shift at the InterContinental Hotel on March 5, 2016. Despite not contacting law enforcement at the time, Garcia explained that he was made aware of the incident and its severity.

An hour into his shift, Garcia received a call from Combs’ assistant, Kristina Khorram, who requested a copy of the security video. Despite Garcia’s insistence that she needed proper authorization to view the footage, Khorram arrived at the hotel lobby an hour later to watch the recording.

During their interaction, Garcia warned Khorram that the video was “bad” off the record. Later that evening, Garcia received a call from Khorram on his personal cell, followed by a call from a nervous-sounding Combs. Combs allegedly tried to justify his actions, stating that he had too much to drink and things got out of hand.

Combs expressed concern that the video could ruin his career and pleaded with Garcia to help him. He even offered Garcia $100,000 in exchange for the video, referring to him as “Eddy my angel” in a phone conversation.

Garcia agreed to the deal and was instructed to bring the video to a designated location. There, he was met by Combs’ bodyguard who escorted him to an apartment where Combs awaited, smiling and excited. Combs then contacted the alleged victim, Ventura, on FaceTime to ensure she also wanted the video to disappear.

Ventura expressed her desire for the video to go away, citing an upcoming movie release as the reason. Combs then made Garcia sign a nondisclosure agreement, certify that there was only one copy of the video, and provide identification for himself and his colleagues.

Garcia’s testimony provides insight into Combs’ alleged attempts to cover up the assault and highlights the lengths he went to in order to protect his reputation. Jane’s upcoming testimony is expected to further strengthen the case against Combs as the trial continues. Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ongoing trial took a dramatic turn as witness Eddy Garcia testified about a $100,000 payment he received from Combs in exchange for a video that could potentially damage his reputation. Garcia detailed how Combs left the room during their meeting and returned with a brown bag containing stacks of $10,000, which he fed into a money counter until the total reached $100,000.

After the transaction, Combs and a bodyguard escorted Garcia out of the suite and walked him to the valet where his car was parked. During their interaction, Combs asked Garcia how he planned to spend the money, advising him not to make any significant purchases.

Weeks later, Garcia received a message from Combs wishing him a happy Easter and inquiring if anyone had inquired about the video. Garcia confirmed that he had not heard anything, indicating Combs’ concern about potential fallout from the footage.

Following Garcia’s testimony, the prosecution called Derek Ferguson, Combs’ longtime employee and former chief financial officer of Bad Boy Entertainment, to provide insight into the financial operations of Combs’ business empire. Ferguson detailed Combs’ bank accounts, financial arrangements, cash management, and how employees were reimbursed for expenses charged to corporate cards.

The prosecution argued that Combs’ companies served as a front for criminal activities, allowing him to evade consequences for illegal actions. Several personal assistants testified about purchasing supplies for illicit activities, including baby oil, sexual lubricants, drugs, and alcohol.

Jurors were presented with documents showing wire transfers in 2011 involving Cassie Ventura’s mother, Regina Ventura. Regina testified that she and her husband took out a home equity loan to fund a $20,000 payment demanded by Combs to recoup expenses related to Cassie’s relationship with rapper Kid Cudi.

The jury saw transfers from Combs’ account to Cassie Ventura, followed by reimbursements from her father after Combs demanded a return of funds. Regina Ventura explained that she felt compelled to comply with Combs’ demands out of fear for her daughter’s safety, as he threatened to release explicit videos.

During cross-examination, Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, attempted to undermine the prosecution’s portrayal of Combs’ business dealings. Ferguson affirmed that he had not witnessed any criminal activities or acts of violence orchestrated by Combs or his associates, refuting the prosecution’s claims.

As the trial continues, the testimonies of Garcia and Ferguson shed light on the complex financial and personal dynamics at play in Combs’ world, raising questions about the extent of his involvement in illicit activities and the impact on those around him. Are you looking for a way to spice up your home decor? One of the hottest trends in interior design right now is the use of bold, vibrant colors. Adding a pop of color to your space can instantly make it feel more lively and energetic. Whether you want to go all out with a bright accent wall or just add a few colorful accessories, there are endless possibilities for incorporating bold colors into your home.

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