Hotel security officer testifies Diddy paid $100K to suppress assault video
This is a free article for Diddy on Trial newsletter subscribers. Sign up to get exclusive reporting and analysis throughout Sean Combs' federal trial.
Much of today's testimony was spent revisiting Diddy's March 2016 assault on Casandra Ventura, an incident at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles that was captured on security video and shown to jurors at the start of his trial. Eddy Garcia, the hotel's security supervisor, testified that Diddy and his team desperately wanted to get the sole copy of the video and prevent it from getting out. In exchange for $100,000 divided among members of the hotel's security team, Garcia said, he signed a nondisclosure agreement that called for his silence and the destruction of evidence.
Here's what else to know about today's testimony:
Garcia testified that he was so 'nervous' about the NDA that he didn't read it all before he signed it. Diddy presented stacks of cash in a brown paper bag, added Garcia, who said he bought a used car with his $30,000 share.
Garcia also said he wasn't initially truthful to police when he was asked about the assault. On cross-examination, the defense pointed out the NDA didn't stop Garcia from speaking about it in legal proceedings, a line of questioning presumably intended to undermine the government's potential claim of obstruction of justice.
After Garcia, Derek Ferguson, the former chief financial officer of Bad Boy Entertainment, took the stand to discuss the structure of Diddy's businesses and how money flowed.
🔎 The view from inside
By Adam Reiss and Jing Feng
For the first time during the trial, a spectator disrupted the courtroom decorum, prompting U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian to order court marshals to 'escort her out right now.'
The uproar began before the jury was seated and Garcia took the stand. At first, both prosecutors and the defense team were discussing with Subramanian exhibits in the trial and whether to offer evidence of Diddy's jail calls. Prosecutors also complained to Subramanian that a person who had been in the courtroom Monday broadcast on YouTube the real identity of a government witness, who went by the pseudonym 'Mia' when she testified.
Suddenly, a woman in the courtroom began shouting in defense of Diddy, including that 'it's not right what they're doing to him' and 'Diddy's innocent.' She was quickly removed.
Prosecutors later told Subramanian that the true name and identity of 'Mia' were being reported and asked for him to ban the outlet that made them public from the court. He said he would consider such a court order.
🗓️ What's next
Tomorrow: Frank Piazza, a forensic video expert, and Bryana Bangolan, who alleges that Diddy dangled her over an apartment balcony, may testify.
PSA: Every night during Diddy's trial, NBC's 'Dateline' will drop special episodes of the 'True Crime Weekly' podcast to get you up to speed. 'Dateline' correspondent Andrea Canning chats with NBC News' Chloe Melas and special guests — right in front of the courthouse. Listen here. 🎧
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNET
12 minutes ago
- CNET
Summer Game Fest 2025: News, Trailers and Everything Announced
Summer Game Fest Summer Game Fest 2025 is just getting started, and the weekend of games kicked off with a showcase of nearly 50 game trailers -- scroll down for all of them in our live blog as it happened. The showcase was held live at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles and simultaneously livestreamed out to the world, but CNET was in the seats blogging as it happened. The biggest reveal was without question the debut of Resident Evil 9, but there were plenty of other highlights, like new footage of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (due out June 26), the reveal of the next game from Yakuza developers RGG, and a muppet boxing game (really). How to watch Summer Game Fest 2025 livestream The Summer Game Fest 2025 livestream was broadcast on the event's YouTube page and the Twitch page for The Game Awards, Geoff Keighley's annual end-of-year awards show.
Miami Herald
an hour ago
- Miami Herald
Scott Galloway sends strong message to Elon Musk about Bill Gates
Podcaster and New York University professor Scott Galloway is well-known for his provocative opinions and smart takes on business, finance and government. That fact includes Galloway's unconventional view on how Social Security ought to be run. It also involves some sharply critical words he recently spoke about Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Galloway, who earns $16 million annually, contends that wealthy individuals, including himself, should not receive Social Security benefits. He advocates for means-testing to determine eligibility, ensuring that the program primarily supports those who depend on it for financial security in retirement. He highlights an imbalance in the system, pointing out that an employee at the company he owns, ProfG Media, earning $160,000 annually contributes $9,000 to Social Security, which amounts to 6% of their income. However, because Social Security taxes are capped at $160,000, someone earning millions - such as himself - still pays only $9,000, despite making exponentially more. Related: Scott Galloway warns Americans on 401(k), US economy threat Galloway sees Social Security as a safety net meant to prevent seniors from falling into poverty, rather than a mechanism for transferring wealth from younger generations to retirees who, collectively, are the most financially well-off generation in history. He argues that substantial reforms are necessary to reduce costs significantly. He believes that political leaders have avoided addressing the issue due to the risks involved, noting that older voters have managed to secure increasing financial benefits for themselves. Galloway asserts that this trend must end and that, by his math, approximately one-third of seniors should not be receiving Social Security. Appearing on a YouTube broadcast of Piers Morgan Uncensored, Galloway explained his view that a number of Musk's actions, such as spearheading the shutting down of USAID, were not to be respected. "Somehow we've decided in America that innovation and money replaces - or obviates, or excuses - depravity." Galloway said. "Or cutting off aid to HIV positive mothers, deciding what veterans should get benefits, cutting off SNAP payments, which have shown to have a positive net return when people run out of money for food at the end of the month." "I mean, I think one of the wonderful things about being an American and quite frankly, for me what it means to be a man and what I try to teach my boys, is the whole point of prosperity is such that you can protect people," he added. More on retirement: Dave Ramsey sounds alarm for Americans on Social SecurityScott Galloway warns Americans on 401(k), US economy threatShark Tank's Kevin O'Leary has message on Social Security, 401(k)s Galloway criticized Musk's behavior, arguing that wealth and success should not excuse problematic actions. According to Galloway, when someone publicly makes offensive gestures such as apparent Nazi salutes, is largely absent from their children's lives, or reportedly struggles with substance abuse, it raises serious concerns. He questions whether such a person should be considered an aspirational figure for young men. Galloway urges people to reflect on how money and status can distort public perception, noting that Musk's achievements - whether in aerospace or autonomous vehicles - are remarkable. However, he challenges the idea that these accomplishments justify moral failings, asking whether society should overlook unethical behavior simply because someone is a visionary or the richest person in the world. Related: Dave Ramsey warns Americans on Social Security Galloway discusses Musk's behavior and mentions billionaire Bill Gates as an example of an immensely wealthy person who is putting his money toward philanthropy and making the world a better place. "Does that mean unlike Bill Gates, he's not using his billions to help people?" Galloway asked. "He's not planting trees the shade of which he won't sit under. I think this is an individual who has literally come off the tracks ... and is using his immense power to get people elected." "Too many of us excuse what is abhorrent behavior," Galloway added. "I think his legacy is not going to be an EV or putting rockets into space. I think it's going to be unnecessary death, disease, and disability of the world's most vulnerable. That is not what it means to be an innovator. It's not what it means to be an American. It's not what it means to be a man." Related: Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary sends strong message on Social Security The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Diddy Courtroom Sketch Artist Reveals Surprising Message Rapper's Mom Gave Her During Trial
One of the courtroom sketch artists tasked with covering Sean 'Diddy' Combs' trial, Christine Cornell, revealed what it's like to participate in the high-profile legal proceedings. 'You want to have a really accurate drawing that really resembles them, and you want to capture a little bit of the dynamic of the courtroom,' Cornell said on the Thursday, June 5, episode of Dateline's 'True Crime Weekly' podcast. 'For the most part, I get a lot of affirmation.' Cornell, who illustrates approximately three to six drawings each day, even got a subtle stamp of approval from Diddy's mom, Janice Combs. 'Puffy Combs' mom is sitting behind me, and she tapped me on the shoulder and gave me a thumbs-up,' Cornell told podcast host Andrea Canning. 'She likes the way I'm drawing her son. I said, 'Well, ma'am, do you mind if I draw you?' She, right away, started posing for me.' Diddy, Sporting Gray Hair, Faces Judge in Courtroom Sketches From Federal Sex Trafficking Trial Diddy, 55, is currently on trial for charges pertaining to sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution and racketeering conspiracy. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and denied every allegation against him. 'I was looking at Puffy on the first day [through] my binoculars,' Cornell recalled on Thursday. 'I [use them] because I want to see as much as I can see. So, I had my binoculars on him and I see him looking straight at me. It sort of feels like a social faux pas. I put them down comically quickly, and he [started waving at me].' While drawing Diddy, his mother and the lengthy list of witnesses called — including Cassie, Kid Cudi and the rapper's past employees — Cornell has made sure to paint an accurate image of what it's really like inside the courtroom. 'You can't help but feel there was a tension between P. Diddy and Cassie,' she recalled of the disgraced music mogul and his ex-girlfriend, who took the stand for four days in May. 'I could see it on her 'cause she held her own, but she wept a little, and Diddy, of course, is fighting for his life. So, he's in warrior mode.' According to Cornell, Diddy had also been through physical changes while behind bars. Why Isn't the Diddy Trial Being Broadcast or Livestreamed? Why Some Court Cases Are Private 'I think he's been working out a ton. He's got a very broad back [and] he looks solid,' she speculated. 'Then, of course, everyone's fascinated that he can't get hair dye in jail. He's salt-and-pepper on the sides, a little whiter on top and his little, tiny goatee is very white.' If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support. If you or someone you know is a human trafficking victim, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
