Security Guard Testifies Against Sean “Diddy” Combs in Court Over 2016 Incident and Extortion Attempt
A security guard at the Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles testified on Thursday against renowned American rapper and entrepreneur Sean “Diddy” Combs, alleging that the artist paid him $100,000 (approximately 87,000 euros) in cash to conceal a security video from 2016. The footage, now a crucial piece of evidence in the ongoing trial, shows Combs physically assaulting his then-partner, singer Cassie Ventura.
The video was played during the hearing, with three individuals, including Cassie, providing testimonies. Cassie recounted her attempt to escape from one of the so-called “freak off” parties—events she describes as involving sexual abuse, drugging, and secret recordings. “When I decided to leave, I took what I could and left the room. Sean followed me down the hall, in front of the elevator, knocked me to the ground, kicked me, and tried to pull me back into the room,” she stated.
Diddy’s legal representatives acknowledged his responsibility for the violence depicted in the video but denied allegations of human trafficking, extortion, and prostitution—charges that currently have him incarcerated.
Eddy Garcia, a hotel security guard, testified that Combs was extremely anxious about the potential release of the video. “He was afraid that the video would be distributed and it would ruin his career,” Garcia told ABC News. He added that Diddy paid him in cash and referred to himself as “his angel.”
Garcia learned of the incident shortly after beginning his shift on May 5, 2016. He explained that police were not contacted because Cassie did not call for help. About an hour later, he was approached by Diddy’s assistant, Kristina Khorram, who requested access to the security footage. Garcia refused, insisting that a formal request was necessary, but Khorram showed up at the hotel regardless. “He asked me about the video and if there was a way to see it. He wanted to know what they were up to,” Garcia testified, noting that the footage “seems serious.”
Shortly after, Garcia was contacted directly by Combs, who appeared very upset and nervous. “He asked me if I knew who he was. I said I did. He was speaking quickly, mentioning he’d been drinking heavily and that he understood how things can go wrong with women when one thing leads to another. He said I seemed like a good guy who would help, and that this could ruin his career,” Garcia recounted.
Diddy then offered him $100,000 (approximately 87,000 euros) to obtain the video. Garcia accepted the offer and was given an address about 20 minutes from the hotel, where he handed over a USB drive containing what he described as “the only copy of the video.” After Diddy confirmed there were no other copies, he reportedly contacted Cassie, who also wished to keep the video private. “When she handed me the phone, I said, ‘Hi,’ and she responded, ‘Hi,’ explaining that her movie was coming out soon and it wasn’t the right time for that video to be released,” Garcia testified.
He also signed a nondisclosure agreement. Diddy and his bodyguard escorted him to his car. “He asked me how I planned to spend the money. I told him I didn’t know. He advised me not to buy anything big,” Garcia recalled. A few weeks later, Diddy sent her an Easter card and inquired if she had heard any mention of the video. Garcia said he had not.
Despite efforts to keep the matter private, the video was leaked last year by CNN. Following its release, Diddy faced widespread criticism and publicly apologized to Cassie, expressing remorse and stating he had sought professional help.
After Garcia’s testimony, prosecutors called Diddy’s longtime associate, Derek Ferguson, to shed light on how his business operations were allegedly used to conceal illegal activities. The indictment claims that Diddy’s companies were involved in covering up various illicit activities.
Multiple employees testified about being tasked with purchasing items for the “freak out” parties—such as baby oil, lubricants, drugs, and alcohol. Payment records were introduced, including a transaction from Cassie’s mother, Regina, who sent $20,000 out of concern for her daughter’s safety. Ferguson claimed he had no knowledge of the purpose of that money.
He also stated that he had not seen anyone directly assisting Diddy in any criminal acts. The trial continues, with testimonies expected from three more individuals: video expert Frank Piazza, Bryana Bongolan—who alleges Diddy threatened to kill her and hung her from a balcony—and a woman known only as “Jane,” who is anticipated to give a detailed account. She is expected to be the third and final woman to accuse Diddy in this case.
