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NZ Herald
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Sean ‘Diddy' Combs sex trafficking trial: Wild messages in music mogul's bathroom mirror
On Wednesday, US time, the jury was shown bizarre messages scrawled across a bathroom mirror in Combs' mansion in Miami Beach, which were found during a raid by federal agents. Authorities also found a wealth of drugs stashed around the home, firearm parts, high-heeled shoes, a box of nangs (nitrous oxide bulbs) and an erectile dysfunction product that US authorities have advised against. One closet contained more than 50 bottles of baby oil and lube. Staff sweep hotel rooms after freak-offs George Kaplan, Combs' executive assistant from 2013 to 2015, told the court that one of his roles was to set out hotel rooms to Combs' liking before the star arrived. He had a 'hotel bag' that included clothes for Combs, speakers, candles, baby oil and AstroGlide lubricant. Combs often used hotel rooms for his freak-off sex parties. Kaplan said Combs' hotel stays would last from 12 hours to two days. When Combs and any guests had finished in the rooms, Kaplan would then clean them up. That included tidying away 'empty bottles of Gatorade, liquor and baby oil'. He added that there was 'baby oil on the bed, tables, all around the room'. Asked why he didn't let hotel housekeepers clean the rooms, Kaplan said: 'I think it was implied my role in protecting Combs' public image was important.' Hotels would often sell images to try to 'embarrass celebrities'. Kaplan also said that Combs 'threatened my job on occasion,' clarifying that it happened 'monthly'. He stated that Combs said he 'only wanted to be surrounded by the best, and those around him were not performing to that level'. But Combs' demands could be almost impossible, Kaplan said. He once told him to go to US supermarket Whole Foods Market and buy a gallon-sized BPA-free plastic bottle. There weren't any, so Kaplan instead bought two BPA-free half-gallon bottles. Combs was furious that Kaplan had not fulfilled his order precisely. 'He was very angry, very close to my face.' Nangs and erectile dysfunction snake oil Special Agent Gerard Gannon testified about a March 2024 raid at Combs' mansion on Star Island, a Miami Beach enclave. As many as 90 agents searched the waterfront property when they knew Combs and his family were away. The government lawyers prosecuting Combs detailed the drugs found in the mansion, including one box that had the word 'Puffy' embossed on it. The drugs include ecstasy tablets with the Tesla and Supreme logos, other pills containing MDMA, tablets with a substance similar to Xanax, as well as ketamine and cocaine. The disassembled parts of various guns were also found, including magazines and bullets. Gannon said one closet contained 56 bottles of lubricant and baby oil. He was asked if they were the only bottles of lube and baby oil found in the building. 'No, they were not,' he said to laughs from the courtroom. The image presented as evidence of the baby oil also showed a nitrous oxide product called Eurogas. These appeared to be whipped cream chargers, sometimes known as nangs, the contents of which can be inhaled for a temporary high. In much of the US, nitrous oxide possession is legal for its proper purpose but can lead to a fine or jail if used for inhalation. There was no mention in court of Combs using the product. Dodgy erectile dysfunction product Another picture shown to the jury from the raid was of a product called Vital Honey. The honey-based supplement is claimed to help with erectile dysfunction and sexual enhancement. Combs' former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, testified earlier that her ex's 'freak-off' sex parties could last for up to four days. In 2002, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alert that Vital Honey contained a 'hidden ingredient' not listed on the pack. This was tadalfil, the active ingredient in prescription drug Cialis, which is used to treat erectile dysfunction. The FDA said Cialis should be used only after seeing a doctor and could be 'dangerous' to some users. Bizarre scrawlings on mirror At one point, a picture was shown of a bathroom in the Combs mansion. The mirror was full of messages possibly scrawled in red lipstick and black marker. 'What do you want?' said one message. 'You a legend', said another. 'You're an icon Puff Daddy' was also seen. It's unclear who wrote the messages. On Wednesday, the court also heard from clinical and forensic psychologist Dawn Hughes, who appeared for Amber Heard in her defamation trial against Johnny Depp and is due to give testimony in the upcoming trial of Harvey Weinstein. Hughes said people often remained in abusive relationships because of 'trauma bonds'. Abusers could 'love bomb' partners after they victimised them. They could also control their victims' lives financially, making it harder for them to leave. Rapper and actor Kid Cudi is expected to testify today on his brief relationship with Ventura 14 years ago. Ventura testified last week that Combs was enraged when she left him in 2011 and began dating Cudi, whose legal name is Scott Mescudi. She said Combs kicked her as she left his Los Angeles home for the last time, leaving a large bruise on her back. Prosecutors have contended that Combs was so upset that he arranged to have Cudi's convertible firebombed.
Courier-Mail
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Courier-Mail
Sean ‘Diddy' Combs sex trafficking trial: Reason hotels barely cleaned up after Diddy
Don't miss out on the headlines from Celebrity Life. Followed categories will be added to My News. A New York court has heard that while Sean 'Diddy' Combs' alleged 'freak off' sex parties created a huge mess of baby oil, lubricant and all manner of bodily fluids, hotels rarely had to do a thorough clean after they occurred. That's because the music star's staff swept through the rooms – which allegedly could have been used for days of love making and drug taking – before hotel staff had a chance to even touch them. A former staff member testified that he tidied the rooms because of fears hotel staff would sell images of the mess to 'embarrass' Combs. Combs, 55, is on trial in Manhattan on federal charges which include sex trafficking and racketeering. He has denied all the charges. X On Wednesday, US time, the jury was also shown the bizarre messages scrawled across a bathroom mirror in Sean 'Diddy' Combs' mansion, which were found during a raid by federal agents. Authorities also found a wealth of drugs stashed around the music star's home, firearm parts, high-heeled shoes, a box of nangs and even an erectile dysfunction product which US authorities have advised people to steer clear of. One closet alone contained more than 50 bottles of baby oil and lube. Sean Diddy Combs in London in 2017. (Photo by) MORE: Big reason giving Diddy $99m headache Staff sweep hotel rooms after freak offs Combs' executive assistant from 2013 to 2015, George Kaplan, took to the stand on Wednesday. He explained how one of his roles was to set out hotel rooms just to Combs' liking before the star arrived. These hotels included the Trump International overlooking New York's Central Park and The Bel-Air Hotel in Los Angeles. He said he had a 'hotel bag' which included clothes for Combs, speakers, candles, baby oil and AstroGlide lubricant. Combs often used hotel rooms for his freak offs. Mr Kaplan said Combs' hotel stays would last 12 hours to two days. When Combs and any guests were done with the hotel room Mr Kaplan would then 'somewhat' clean them up which included tidying away 'empty bottles of Gatorade, liquor and baby oil'. He added there was 'baby oil on the bed, tables, all around the room'. At one point, Mr Kaplan said he found a 'brown crystallised powder' on a surface. 'I didn't know what it was and I got rid of it,' he said. Last week on the stand, Ms Ventura detailed how messy the rooms could get. 'Oil on sheets and walls and handles … candle wax all over the place … sometimes blood and urine would get on the linens'. Asked why he didn't simply let housekeeping clean the room, Mr Kaplan said 'I think it was implied my role in protecting Combs' public image was important'. 'Often hotels would sell images to try and 'embarrass celebrities'. MORE:'Freak off': Diddy cops $50m insult in major blow Former employee George Kaplan arrives for Sean "Diddy" Combs sex trafficking trial at Manhattan Federal Court on May 21, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) Mr Kaplan also said that Combs 'threatened my job on occasion,' clarifying that it happened 'monthly'. He stated that Combs said he 'only wanted to be surrounded by the best and those around him were not performing to that level'. But Combs' demands could be almost impossible, Mr Kaplan said. He once told him to go to US supermarket Whole Foods Market and buy a gallon sized BPA-free plastic bottle. None were in store so faced with being late, Mr Kaplan instead bought two BPA-free half gallon bottles which equalled the same size as the original request. Combs was furious, Mr Kaplan testified, that he had not fulfilled his order precisely despite the product not being available. 'He was very angry, very close to my face'. Nangs and erectile dysfunction snake oil Also Wednesday, Special Agent Gerard Gannon testified about a March 2024 raid that took place at Combs mansion on Star Island, a Miami Beach enclave popular with celebs. The government lawyers prosecuting Combs detailed the drugs found on the property – including in one box which had the word 'Puffy' embossed upon it. The prosecution in the Sean Diddy Combs sex trafficking trial in New York tendered a series of photos to the court on May 21 2025. Picture: US Department of Justice Those drugs include ecstasy tablets, pills containing MDMA, tablets with a substance similar to Xanax as well as ketamine and cocaine. The disassembled parts of various guns were also found. Mr Gannon said one closet contained 56 bottles of lubricant and baby oil. He was asked if they were the only bottles of lube and baby oil found in the building. 'No they were not,' he said to laughs from the courtroom. Baby oil, lubricant an nitrous oxide were all found in a raid at Combs' Miami mansion. Picture: US Department of Justice The image presented into evidence of the baby oil also showed a nitrous oxide product called Eurogas. This appeared to be whipped cream chargers, known as nangs in Australia, the contents of which can be inhaled for a temporary high. In much of the US, nitrous oxide possession is legal for its proper purpose but can lead to a fine or jail if used for inhalation. There was no mention in court of Combs using the product. MORE: Jailed Diddy's wild $98m move exposed Vital Honey that was found in the Combs' raid. The product claims to help with erectile dysfunction. Picture: US Department of Justice Dodgy erectile dysfunction product Another picture shown to the jury from the Combs raid was for a product called Vital Honey. The honey-based supplement is claimed to help with erectile dysfunction and sexual enhancement. Ms Ventura testified her ex's sex parties could last for up to four days. In 2002, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alert that Vital Honey contained a 'hidden ingredient'. This was tadalfil, the active ingredient in prescription drug Cialis which is used to treat erectile dysfunction. The FDA said Cialis should only be used after seeing a doctor and could be 'dangerous' to some users. A picture of Combs' hotel room was shown in court. Bizarre scrawlings on mirror At one point, a picture was shown of a bathroom in the Comb's mansion. The mirror was full of messages possibly scrawled in red lipstick and black marker. 'What do you want?' said one message on the mirror. 'You a legend', said another. 'You're an icon Puff Daddy' was also seen. It's unclear who wrote the messages. A court sketch of Combs. Picture: Elizabeth Williams via AP MORE:'Freak off': Diddy cops $50m insult in major blow On Wednesday, the court also heard from clinical and forensic psychologist Dawn Hughes. She has appeared for Amber Heard in her defamation trial against Johnny Depp and she is due to give testimony in the upcoming trial of Harvey Weinstein. Ms Hughes said people often remained in abusive relationships due to 'trauma bonds'. Abusers could 'love bomb' partners after they victimise them. And financially they can control their victim's live making it harder for them to leave. Psychologist Dawn Hughes testifies on the witness stand on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in New York. (Elizabeth Williams via AP) Rapper and actor Kid Cudi is expected to testify at the trial on Thursday, US time, to tell the jury about his brief relationship 14 years ago with Combs' ex-girlfriend Ms Ventura. She testified last week that Combs was enraged when she left him for a period of time in 2011 and began dating Cudi, whose legal name is Scott Mescudi. She said Combs left a large bruise on her back where he kicked her as she left his Los Angeles home for the last time that year. Prosecutors have contended in court filings that Combs was so upset that he arranged to have Cudi's convertible firebombed. Originally published as Sean 'Diddy' Combs sex trafficking trial: Reason hotels barely cleaned up after Diddy
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Takeaways from Sean ‘Diddy' Combs trial: Cassie Ventura's mom and exotic dancer testify
A former assistant to Sean 'Diddy' Combs, Cassie Ventura's mother and an exotic dancer nicknamed 'The Punisher' all testified during Combs' federal criminal trial on Tuesday as the prosecution continued to make its case against the hip-hop mogul. The testimony Tuesday, touching on business, family and sex, was used to bolster allegations that Ventura, Combs' ex-girlfriend, laid out on the stand last week. Prosecutors also said they plan to call Scott Mescudi, the musician known as Kid Cudi, to the stand Wednesday or Thursday. The prosecution has argued Combs and some in his inner circle used threats, violence, drugs, bribery, arson, kidnapping and lies to coerce Ventura and another woman into participating in sex parties he called 'Freak Offs' and to protect the music mogul's reputation. The defense has acknowledged Combs was violent with romantic partners and during opening statements said he had 'a bit of a different sex life.' They also said that while Combs is 'a very flawed individual,' he has not committed the alleged federal crimes. Combs has pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. If convicted of the most serious charges, he could face up to life in prison. Here's what we learned from testimony Tuesday. David James, a former assistant to Combs from 2007 to 2009, testified that he at times would gather supplies for Combs' hotel rooms, including items that prosecutors say were used in Combs' sex parties known as 'Freak Offs.' James said that he would make sure Combs' hotel rooms were stocked with things like Combs' clothing, a toiletry bag, a medicine bag, food and drinks. The medicine bag typically carried 25-30 pill bottles including Ecstasy and Percocet, according to James. At times, those items would include 'personal items' like baby oil, AstroGlide and condoms, which prosecutors have said were used in 'Freak Offs.' James said he would ask security to be reimbursed from the cash Combs kept on hand. During cross-examination, James testified that he was instructed not to submit these items for reimbursement through the company because they were 'items he didn't want to have a record for.' Further, James testified that he saw Combs take drugs and give them to his friends, and on a couple of occasions, James procured drugs for Combs' friends. James did not testify about any personal knowledge of 'Freak Offs.' But he said he once keyed into a hotel room to drop off Combs' iPod and saw Ventura passed out in a bed and a naked man who scurried away. He said he heard the shower running and assumed Combs was in it. James also testified about a near-confrontation between Combs and Suge Knight, the then-rival music executive of Death Row Records. The incident began after James and a security guard spoke with Knight at a restaurant called Mel's Diner then saw him wielding a gun in the parking lot and reported the sighting to Combs, who was at home. Combs ordered James to drive him and the security guard back to Mel's Diner to look for Knight, he testified. Combs sat in the back seat with three handguns in his lap, James said. Knight was gone when they got back to the restaurant. On cross-examination, defense attorney Marc Agnifilo questioned James about his recollection of the incident and whether he spoke up when Combs allegedly told him to go to the diner. 'Respectfully, Sir, you have someone with three guns in this close proximity, I didn't think I had the option to say something,' James said. Asked if he was granted immunity for his testimony, James said he wasn't sure but believes he signed a proffer agreement. In general, a proffer agreement is one in which prosecutors agree not to prosecute someone in exchange for their testimony. James' testimony also offered a glimpse into what working under Combs was like. One of Combs' personal assistants had to go to the hospital for dehydration after working with Combs for 24 hours straight, James testified. He said the work was hard, but he was 'prepared for the moment' and enjoyed it at times. He testified there was a common saying among Combs' security guards: 'You know what rhymes with tired? Fired.' James testified that there was camaraderie among Combs' staff and that they would often say Bad Boy was a family. He confirmed he felt a sense of mission working for Combs. 'To make sure that he was happy and prepared for the day,' James said of the mission. Regina Ventura, the mother of Cassie Ventura, testified Tuesday she took out a loan and wired $20,000 to Combs' record label Bad Boy on Combs' request in 2011 because she was 'scared about my daughter's safety.' Cassie Ventura, home for the holidays in December 2011, told her mom that an angry Combs beat her when he learned she was romantically involved with the rapper Kid Cudi. Her mother photographed the bruises to 'memorialize' the abuse, she testified as the jury viewed the photos. Cassie Ventura also sent her mother an email from her daughter, using the alias 'Veronica Bang,' saying Combs had threatened to release two explicit tapes of her, including one around Christmas Day, Regina Ventura testified. 'He has also said that he will be having someone hurt me and Scott Mescudi physically (he made a point that it wouldn't be by his hands, he actually said he'd be out of the country when it happened),' the email said. Cassie Ventura testified last week that her relationship with Mescudi, the musician who goes by the name Kid Cudi, prompted Combs to threaten them both. She said she broke up with Kid Cudi soon after to keep them safe. On the stand Tuesday, Regina Ventura said she felt 'physically sick' when she read the email, which was also sent to one of Combs' employees. 'I did not understand a lot of it. The sex tapes threw me. I did not know the other person but knew that he was going to try to hurt my daughter,' she said. Around that same time, Combs contacted Regina Ventura and her husband, she said. 'He was going to need $20,000 to recoup money he had spent on her because he was angry that she had been in a relationship with Scott Mescudi,' she testified. Regina Ventura went to the credit union, took a home equity loan to obtain the $20,000, and then wired the money to the Bad Boy account, she testified. About four or five days later, the money was returned to her account, but she did not have any communications with Combs about it, Ventura testified. The defense did not ask her any questions. A male exotic dancer nicknamed 'The Punisher' testified Tuesday he was paid to have sexual encounters with Ventura in hotel rooms while Combs watched and told them what to do. 'My understanding was we were creating a scene, a sexy scene, that was enjoyable to her partner,' testified Sharay Hayes. Hayes said the liaisons began with him and Ventura putting baby oil on each other while Combs watched and directed them. He was told to ignore Combs and try not to look at him, he testified. The encounters, which generally lasted about four hours, typically escalated into sex with Ventura, he testified. Hayes usually received $1,200 or $2,000 after a session. He said he never used drugs with Ventura and Combs and never saw Combs take drugs or appear intoxicated. On cross-examination, he said that as an experienced exotic dancer, he always reads a room to make sure everyone is comfortable. 'I did not get any cues that there was a discomfort with what was going on,' he testified. 'It seemed as if it was consented, as far as I was concerned.' Hayes is the second person to testify in the trial about sexual encounters with the former couple. Prosecutors have said Combs used drugs and violence to coerce Ventura into participating in these 'Freak Offs' that could last for days. Gerard Gannon, special agent with Homeland Security Investigations, testified Tuesday about the search of Combs' Miami Beach home in which they found guns, ammunition and baby oil. Gannon was the special agent in charge on the ground for the search of Combs' Star Island home on March 25, 2024. About 80-90 law enforcement agents participated in the search because of the size of the property, he said. Agents used their vehicle to break through the front gate to enter the property, Gannon testified. He said it was standard practice when conducting a search warrant as the 'quickest and safest option to be able to get onto the property.' In the search of Combs' bedroom closet, agents found parts of AR-15 firearms with scratched out serial numbers and two loaded magazines, as well as seven-inch platform high-heeled shoes, sex toys, baby oil, personal lubricant and lingerie, Gannon testified. Gannon rose from the witness stand and picked bags of evidence off a metal cart beside him. After putting blue latex gloves on his hands, he cut open one of the clear evidence bags and pulled out part of an AR-15 rifle. Gannon held it in his hands in front of his body and walked a few steps toward the jury so they could see the weapon. Gannon is expected to continue to testifying about the search Wednesday morning.
