Donald Trump Hotel Gets Dragged Into Sean 'Diddy' Combs Trial
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Sean "Diddy" Combs' former assistant said the rapper and music mogul's favorite hotel in New York City was the Trump International Hotel.
David James, who worked as Combs' assistant from 2007 to 2009, continued his testimony on Tuesday. He detailed how he would set up hotel rooms for Combs with his clothes, toiletry bag, medicine bag, applesauce, Jell-O and Fiji Water.
'Trump International, they knew me very well, they gave me a key," James said.
Why It Matters
Combs is charged federally with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The trial has included various mentions of celebrities, high-profile individuals and famous locations, now including President Donald Trump's New York City hotel.
Trump International Hotel at One Central Park West in New York City, as seen on February 18, 2024.
Trump International Hotel at One Central Park West in New York City, as seen on February 18, 2024.
zz/Andrea Renault/STAR MAX/IPx
What To Know
James said Combs' toiletry bag had about 40 products, including hair dye. He said Combs also had a Louis Vuitton pouch with about $10,000 in cash and up to 30 medicine bottles, with some unmarked.
James said the medications included Viagra, sperm count pills, ecstasy and Percocet. He testified that one of the medications featured former President Barack Obama's face.
"There were various pills, but one was in the form of a former president's face," James said.
James said he saw Combs take ecstasy and Percocet on a regular basis.
"I would say every day," James said.
James recalled taking ecstasy at a New Year's Eve party in Miami. He later learned that the party had been videotaped.
He said he was also tasked with purchasing baby oil, lube and condoms for Combs. Combs told James to pay for the items in cash so they would not be linked back to Combs, according to James' testimony.
James said he had to take lie detector tests twice during his employment: once after cash went missing and once after a watch went missing. He passed both times.
James said he decided to leave the position after a 2008 incident involving record executive Marion Hugh "Suge" Knight Jr.
James said a friend of Combs spotted Knight at Mel's Diner in Los Angeles. When the friend informed Combs, Combs grabbed three guns and told James to drive to the diner.
"This was the first time as his assistant that I realized my life was in danger. I told them I want to leave but give six months notice so I could train the next assistant," James said.
Sharay Hayes, a male escort, also testified on Tuesday. Hayes said he had his first encounter with Combs and former partner Cassie Ventura at Trump International Hotel in New York City.
He testified that Ventura told him to "create a sexy scene of me and her applying baby oil on each other and create a sexy environment" for Combs to watch.
What People Are Saying
David James recalled taking the lie detector tests in his testimony: "It was very intimidating."
Sharay Hayes recalled Cassie Ventura's instructions regarding Sean "Diddy" Combs in his testimony: "Try not to look at him and no communication."
What Happens Next
The prosecution is expected to continue calling witnesses as the second week of Combs' trial unfolds. The trial is expected to last eight to 10 weeks.
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