Diddy Paid $100G For "Only" Copy of Cassie Hotel Assault

Day 15 of Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial, testimony was provided by Eddy Garcia, a hotel security worker at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles, and Derek Ferguson, Combs' former chief financial officer at Bad Boy Entertainment.

 
Eddy Garcia's Testimony: Garcia testified about a 2016 incident captured on surveillance footage showing Combs assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in a hotel hallway. He stated that Combs paid $100,000 to obtain what he believed was the only copy of this video, which the prosecution argues supports their case that Ventura was coerced into participating in "freak-offs" (drug-fueled sexual events). Garcia noted that he recognized Combs and Ventura in the video, and when asked why law enforcement wasn’t contacted, he explained that Ventura did not request it.

Derek Ferguson's Testimony: Ferguson, who served as CFO of Bad Boy Entertainment until 2012 and later as chief growth officer and COO of Revolt Media and TV, testified about financial transactions involving Combs. Bank statements from December 2011 were presented, showing a $20,000 transfer from Combs’ account to Ventura on December 14, followed by an incoming wire transfer of $20,000 from Ventura’s father, Rodrick Ventura, on December 23, and a return of the same amount to Rodrick Ventura’s account on December 27. 

Legal analysts suggested this could indicate an attempt to cover up illegal conduct, such as coerced sexual activity or prostitution related to the "freak-offs." During cross-examination, defense attorney Marc Agnifilo asked Ferguson about his opinion of Combs, to which Ferguson paused and responded, “I don’t know how to respond to that,” before leaving the stand.

The day also included discussions about the upcoming testimony of a witness using the pseudonym "Jane," expected to testify later in the week. Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo requested additional time to prepare with Combs due to the volume of evidence, including sensitive communications and images, citing inadequate facilities at the Brooklyn jail where Combs is held. Judge Arun Subramanian allowed Combs and his legal team to use the courtroom until 6 p.m. that day to review evidence.
Testimony concluded for the day, with the court adjourned and set to resume with further witnesses, including Jane, who is expected to provide significant testimony supported by extensive exhibits.