A former hotel security guard took the stand Tuesday in federal court and testified that music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs paid him $100,000 in cash to suppress a 2016 surveillance video that captured Combs assaulting his then-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, inside the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles.
The video — now a critical piece of evidence in the sex trafficking and racketeering trial against Combs — shows the hip-hop icon kicking and dragging Ventura in a hallway. Ventura previously testified that she was fleeing a drug-fueled “freak-off” orchestrated by Combs when the assault occurred.
The guard, Eddy Garcia, told jurors that Combs was “nervous” and desperate to ensure the video never surfaced publicly. Garcia testified that Combs made personal contact through his assistant and ultimately facilitated the cash payment in exchange for what was believed to be the only copy of the video, along with a signed nondisclosure agreement.
“He was concerned this video would get out and it would ruin his career,” Garcia testified. “He referred to me as ‘Eddy my angel.’”
Prosecutors allege the payment was not only a bribe, but one of several overt acts that support their broader claim that Combs led a racketeering enterprise built to facilitate sex trafficking, suppress victims, and maintain his celebrity image.
Combs has pleaded not guilty and denies the allegations of sex trafficking and racketeering, though he has acknowledged the assault captured on video, calling it “inexcusable.”
$100K Cash Drop and NDA
Garcia detailed the handoff at an apartment arranged by Combs’ team, where he was met by Combs and his bodyguard. After handing over a thumb drive containing the security footage, Garcia said Combs confirmed there were no other copies and then produced a brown bag filled with $10,000 stacks.
Garcia also testified that Cassie Ventura appeared via FaceTime and said she “wanted [the video] to go away too” because she had an upcoming film release. Garcia was required to surrender his ID, along with the IDs of a colleague and supervisor, and sign an agreement swearing the video was destroyed.
Weeks later, Combs allegedly sent a text message to Garcia: “Happy Easter, Eddy my angel. God is good.” Garcia said Combs then asked whether anyone had inquired about the footage. Garcia said no one had.
Paper Trail and Prior Alleged Extortion
Later Tuesday, prosecutors introduced financial records and testimony from Derek Ferguson, former CFO of Bad Boy Entertainment, to demonstrate how Combs allegedly used his business enterprises to finance or obscure illicit activities. Ferguson walked the jury through Combs’ banking structure and expense protocols.
Jurors were also shown 2011 wire transfers involving Cassie Ventura’s parents that prosecutors allege amounted to an attempted extortion repayment. Cassie’s mother, Regina Ventura, had previously testified that Combs demanded reimbursement for money he’d spent on her daughter after learning about her relationship with rapper Kid Cudi (Scott Mescudi), and threatened to release explicit videos.
According to Ventura, her family took out a home equity loan to transfer $20,000 to Combs. Financial records showed the money was later returned.
Defense Strategy
Under cross-examination, Combs’ lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo, pressed Ferguson on whether he had ever seen Combs or his staff commit crimes or use threats of violence to support his business.
“Did you see anyone help Sean Combs commit crimes?” Agnifilo asked.
“No,” Ferguson replied.
Despite that, prosecutors maintain that Combs’ businesses served as the infrastructure for what they describe as a “criminal enterprise.”
What’s Next
The trial continues Wednesday with anticipated testimony from a video expert, a woman named Bryana Bongolan who has made previous allegations of physical abuse against Combs, and a third alleged victim referred to as “Jane,” who is expected to testify for several days.
