Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial live updates:
Kanye West makes courthouse appearance
in rare show of celebrity support for Combs
Combs faces five criminal counts in total, including two of sex trafficking, and has denied all the allegations.
What to know about the sex trafficking trial
Special Agent Andre LeMon, Jonathan Perez and Ananya Sankar are expected to be called to the witness stand next, a day after Sean “Diddy” Combs' former girlfriend “Jane” wrapped up about a week of testimony.
Combs faces five criminal counts: one count of racketeering conspiracy; two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs has vociferously denied the allegations against him.
This live briefing may include graphic descriptions of sexual violence. For resources on sexual assault, call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline.
MATTHEW RUSSELL LEE of I.C.P.
the ears to the inside for
MIND OF MONKEY STUDIO
1h / 2:59 PM
Adjourned
1h / 2:58 PM
Judge: So finally, who are the Government's last witnesses?
AUSA Comey: Summary witnesses Sankar and two others, personal assistant Brendan Paul, and a law enforcement office. We believe we will close next week.
1h / 2:12 PM
Judge: I am excluding this exhibit A-629-A, it's unfairly prejudicial outweighing any probative value.
Combs' Driscoll: We have more objections
AUSA: Brandon Paul is doing to testify next week, as well as another personal assistant
Judge: So I don't exclude them.
1h / 2:03 PM
AUSA: The exhibit rebuts their argument that Mr. Combs bought the Inter-Continental video only to protect his reputation. But this shows, as to Gina, he was aware that law enforcement can get involved in domestic violence. Gina has become a major part of this case
1h / 1:58 PM
Combs' Geragos: Beyond employment, Mr. Combs and Mr. Butler [D Roc] have been friends for decades...
Judge: I find that persuasive. Next issue?
Combs' Driscoll: The Government has essentially abandoned the claim that Gina was a victim
1h / 1:53 PM
Judge: The defense's objection to these exhibits is overruled. Anything more?
Combs' Geragos: D Roc ended his employment in 2017, he needed to pay for his grandmother's gravestone. He asked Mr. Combs for money, Butler is grateful - how is this relevant?
1h / 1:50 PM
Combs' Geragos: It was Jane who asked for the Four Seasons. Anytime she went to Two Star, KK left the premises.
AUSA Comey: Jane coordinated her flights with Ms. Khorram... at least two instances of alleged sex trafficking. Mr. Combs gave her liquid Molly
1h / 1:48 PM
AUSA: One of our witnesses next week will testify that Ms. Khorram had access to Mr. Combs' phone and texted from it.
Judge: The relevance is her knowledge?
AUSA: And that she continued to facilitate hotel nights after knowing
1h / 1:47 PM
Judge: Is the only reason Ms. Khorram took the videos at issue was because lawyers in the civil cases asked her to do so?
AUSA: It goes to Ms. Khorram knowledge. At this same time, Jane testified she is talking to Ms. Khorram
1h / 1:45 PM
[Now after bathroom break for the defendant]
Combs' Agnifilo: The New York case I cited was based on the New York [not US] Constitution
Voice: But it's still a constitution.
[No summary of what the sealed courtroom was about is given]
1h / 1:34 PM
after a (too) long sealed courtroom, it is being re-opened.
Inner City Press view: An explanation of what happened in the seal courtroom - and why it was sealed - should be given
1h / 1:17 PM
Now Judge returns and says: We have a sensitive matter to discuss. Everyone must leave and courtroom and the courtroom will be sealed.
1h / 1:09 PM
AUSA: For the record, we had no idea during voir dire.
Judge: All right. Let me have the parties at the sidebar.
[Why? The jury is not here. #CourtroomConfidential
1h / 1:07 PM
Judge: This came up in a colloquy this week, in an organic way. If the defense knew it before, that's something else. I'm going to thank Mr. Donaldson and Mr. Agnifilo for the issues they raised. If there's a change in my thinking I'll let you know.
1h / 1:04 PM
Combs' Steel: They bring this up now, after weeks of watching the jurors' reactions - now they go back to voir dire. Everybody knew but no one did anything. At the least bring in the juror to potentially explain.
Judge: I'll consider all this.
1h / 1:01 PM
Judge: I've heard you, Mr. Donaldson.
Combs' Agnifilo: I've got a new argument - there was a state case that there's a difference between the principle jurors and the alternate jurors. I know I'm throwing the ball in the end zone with NY law [Hail Mary]
1h / 1:00 PM
Judge: What's why this is the right thing, to move to the alternate.
Combs' Donaldson: It is going to be a less diverse jury That is a fact. Seeing that I've seen in this District, it is paramount to get a representative jury, particularly in this city.
1h / 12:54 PM
Judge: He said, All my bills go to the Bronx- it's that he wanted to be on the jury. After the break, he says he actually spends more of his time in The Bronx, which is flat inconsistent with what he'd previously said. The juror is shading answers to stay on jury
1h / 12:52 PM
Judge: In voir dire, he said, I live in the Bronx with my fiancee and daughter. There is no reason to lie but to try to get onto the jury. Then on the colloquy he said he had just moved to New Jersey, adding that his daughter had been living in New Jersey
1h / 12:49 PM
Judge: Anything from the government?
AUSA: I have nothing to add to your Honor's ruling. Mr. Donaldson is suggesting we make the decision here based on race. But the focus here is the integrity of the proceeding. The alternates have also been showing up on time
1h / 12:47 PM
Combs' Donaldson: There have been issues with representation of African American and Hispanic jurors in this District. We taken a step with this jury, now we're talking a step backward. Some say Black and Hispanic jurors don't answer the call. He did
1h / 12:44 PM
Combs' Donaldson: I'm concerned that the Court is equating inconsistencies with lying or hiding something from the court. If you bring him out here we can come to some soft of understanding. He has come here every day. I've been in this court 25 or 30 years
1h / 12:42 PM
Combs' Xavier Donaldson: Let me make a record. We didn't want an inquire because it might have a chilling effect. It is very very very common to have a girlfriend in New Jersey or vice versa. He should have been allowed to explain. These jurors have been attentive
1h / 12:39 PM
Judge: The Court does not feel further inquiry is required. The reason we have alternate jurors is if questions arise. Where there's a question like this, removal of the juror is required. The juror will be dismissed, he should not return on Monday
1h / 12:35 PM
Judge: In the robing room he said the daughter lived in New Jersey. Then he said, in The Bronx, with his aunt. In the voir dire he said he lived with his girlfriend - who lives in New Jersey. These are inconsistencies. There's more in the US letter
1h / 12:32 PM
Judge: The juror indicated me moved to New Jersey, with his girlfriend, it may not be permanent but has been for the past few weeks. That was initially; there was a long break to confer. When the juror returned the Court asked and he said, 4 to 5 days a week in NY
1h / 12:29 PM
Judge: In the morning when we addressed this, I said based on the record I was not sure an inquiry was needed. During the breaks I looked at the transcript from the robing room, and from voir dire. There is not evidence of bias
2h / 12:27 PM
[They're back]
AUSA: We move to introduce these exhibits under seal.
Judge: Granted... Jurors you may leave for the weekend, don't talk or read about the case.
[Jurors leave]
Judge: On Juror 6, under the Fazio case (2d Cir) District Court have broad discretion
2h / 12:21 PM
Combs' Steel: It was Tri-Star which designated the payments, not you, right?
Perez: Right.
Steel: Nothing further, thank you.
Judge: Let me see the attorneys at sidebar
2h / 12:20 PM
AUSA Smyser: Did you ever set up King Nights on vacation?
Perez: No.
AUSA: We can turn the public screen back on, thank you... This item, New Hookah, is that personal?
Perez: Not necessarily.
AUSA: And the baby oil?
Perez: Personal.
AUSA: Part of your job?
A: Yes
2h / 12:17 PM
Combs' Steel: She wrote to you, he's looking for smoke and you wrote, coming?
Perez: Yes.
Steel: Your Honor, I don't have any further questions.
Judge: Ms. Smyser?
AUSA Smyser: Was getting those things for Jane part of your job?
Perez: Yes.
2h / 12:11 PM
Combs' Steel: And you wrote?
Perez: I wrote, Have a good flight and dinner, I want photos of you and the [voluntarily redacted] gang
2h / 12:09 PM
Perez: I was setting up a Kings Night. She was telling me what to get.
Combs' Steel: She is cooperating in setting it up. Here, the chef says he's making her avocado toast, she asks for hot tea and honey to go, with heart emoji -and you replied?
Perez: I loved it
2h / 12:06 PM
[They're back]
Judge: You may proceed, but without showing this exhibit to the public in the gallery
Combs' Steel: So Mr. Perez-
AUSA: Make sure all the screens are turned off.
[They were and are]
Steel: These are between you and...Jane. What did you say to her?
2h / 11:54 AM
Combs' Steel: We propose this exhibit
AUSA: Objection!
Judge: Do we need a sidebar?
AUSA: There are a number of objection, we probably do need a sidebar, Your Honor
Judge: OK
[Sidebar]
2h / 11:49 AM
Combs' Steel: The hotel was put in your name, you had to go in to set up the room, right?
Perez: Yes.
Steel: And if the room was registered as Sean Combs there might be cameras outside, right?
Perez: Right.
2h / 11:48 AM
Combs' Steel: You are about the same age as Jane?
Perez: Yes...
Steel: Was Jane a strong and independent woman?
Perez: Yes.
Steel: You made purchases in sex stores with the company credit card?
Perez: I did
Steel: But you don't know if Mr. Combs paid?
A: I don't
2h / 11:43 AM
Combs' Steel: The argument you saw on Facetime, it was a verbal argument, not physical as you saw it, right?
Perez: Right.
Steel: You learned it was about jealousy?
Perez: Yes.
Steel: Jane was very jealous?
AUSA: Objection!
Judge: Subtained
2h / 11:41 AM
Combs' Steel: Mr. Combs was working on an album, very hard, right?
Perez: Yes.
Steel: You said KK and Mr. Combs were close, right?
Perez: Yes.
Steel: But you are not saying it was sexual?
Perez: I am not.
2h / 11:39 AM
Combs' Steel: Can you estimate percentages of your work business and personal?
Perez: I'd say personal was one percent.
Steel: Mr. Combs needed help connection to BlueTooth?
Perez: Yes.
Steel: He was not very high tech
Perez: He was not
2h / 11:33 AM
Combs' Stee: Did Jane always appear to you to be a willing participant in the Kings Nights?
AUSA: Objection!
Judge: Overruled.
Perez: Yes, always.
Steel: A small amount of drugs, personal use-
AUSA: Objection!
Judge: That's sustained
2h / 11:30 AM
Combs' Steel: Setting up a Kings Night, was that business or personal?
Perez: Personal.
Steel: And buying drugs - I'm not saying you did it often - that was personal too, right?
Perez: Right.
Steel: And buying lingerie for Jane, personal?
Perez: Personal
2h / 11:28 AM
Combs' Steel: You called King Nights "personal time," right?
Perez: Yes.
Steel: Mr. Combs works long hours, right?
Perez: Yes.
Steel: Because you worked out of his homes, sometimes business and personal got mixed, right?
Perez: Correct.
2h / 11:26 AM
Combs' Steel: He is a man respected in many fields?
AUSA: Objection
Steel: I'll ask this. You have worked with other celebrities?
Perez: Yes.
Steel: And many of them have security, right?
Perez: They do.
Steel: You mentioned Jane - she was nice to you?
A: Yes
2h / 11:24 AM
Combs' Steel: Have you been in the bedroom at Two Star?
Perez: Yes.
Steel: Did you ever see any guns there?
Perez: No.
Steel: Did you ever see him with firearms?
Perez: Never. I only saw Security with them.
Steel: Because he's a man of note, right?
Perez? Yes
2h / 11:23 AM
Perez: I can't remember if he was crying, but this does remind me that he ws upset
Combs' Steel: Look again.
Perez: It does not refresh
Steel: OK. You said there was a lot going on - do you remember the March searches?
Perez: Yes
Steel: You saw the news?
A: Yes
2h / 11:19 AM
Judge: Mr. Steel?
Combs' Brian Steel: Mr. Combs is a motivator, yes?
Perez: He is.
Steel: Have you seen Mr. Combs cry? Let me show you something - give me one second... Your Honor, may I hand him a book?
Judge: You may.
Steel: 3605 [3600 material]
2h / 11:17 AM
AUSA Smyser: Do you know what the money was for?
Perez: No.
AUSA: Why did you leave working for Mr. Combs?
Perez: To avoid a situation like this.
AUSA: How do you feel about Mr. Combs?
Perez: Great. The same way as when I worked there.
AUSA: No further questions
2h / 11:16 AM
AUSA Smyser: What did you do?
Perez: I told Faheem and KK that Mr. Combs was arguing with his guest and that I was going to pick him up.
AUSA: What is this?
Perez: Message between me, Faheem and Mr. Combs, June 20, 2024. I wrote, need cash for his guest asap.
2h / 11:08 AM
AUSA Smyser: What did Mr. Combs ask?
Perez: For me to say if there had been another female on a trip we had been on. I said no.
AUSA: Had there been?
Perez: No.
AUSA: How did you react during this Facetime?
Perez: Pretty normal, I thought
2h / 11:07 AM
Perez: I dropped him at Jane's house with his supplies. Then he called me a couple of hours later.
AUSA: How did Mr. Combs appear in the Facetime?
Perez: Angry and annoyed.
AUSA: Could you see Jane's face?
Perez: No, she was turned away.
2h / 11:05 AM
AUSA Smyser: And this text?
Perez: I texted, I'm still waiting for funds from Tri-Star, Mr. Combs' business managers.
AUSA: Who'd you interact with at Tri-Star?
Perez: Robyn Greenhill.
AUSA: Did you get a Facetime from Mr. Combs from Jane's house?
Perez: Yes.
2h / 11:03 AM
AUSA Smyser: How did you pay for the drugs?
Perez: Cash.
AUSA: Where did you get the cash?
Perez: Security, or the Gucci pouch.
AUSA: Who in security?
Perez: Faheem.
AUSA: What did your text here say?
Perez: I texted, Fa, I need $700 for Guido. For drugs
2h / 11:02 AM
AUSA Smyser: As part of your employment did you have any role in obtaining drugs?
Perez: A handful of times. I'd purchase or grab them from someone outside
AUSA: Who were you getting the drugs for?
Perez: Mr. Combs..
AUSA: Which drugs?
Perez: Cocaine, Xanax, Molly
2h / 10:59 AM
AUSA Smyser: Now some text - between whom?
Perez: Me and Rob.
AUSA: Rob says, Will you locate his Gucci pouch in his bathroom? What did you say?
Perez: I texted, There was no residue and I didn't steal any Addy, LOL
AUSA: Meanwhile what?
Perez: Adderal
2h / 10:57 AM
Judge: All rise!
[Jurors enter]
AUSA Smyser: Mr. Perez, were you subpoenaed and do you have an immunity agreement?
Jonathan Perez: Yes
AUSA: Let me show you this - what is it?
Perez: Mr. Combs' Gucci pouch.
AUSA: What was in the Gucci pouch?
Perez: Drugs and money
2h / 10:51 AM
[They're back. Before jury in]
Combs' Xavier Donaldson: Your Honor wanted us to address Juror Number Six?
Judge: We can do that another time.
AUSA Comey: After Mr. Perez we have exhibits to introduce so we can get our summary charts together over the weekend
2h / 9:45 AM
Break For Lunch
2h / 9:43 AM
AUSA: Why didn't you say Chef K was there?
Perez: I just wanted to minimize things.
AUSA: Did anyone ask you again?
Perez: Yes, Faheem did, asked me what happened when I found the video of Jane.
AUSA: Are you aware of how Faheem knew?
No
2h / 9:42 AM
AUSA: Let's pull up the next one for the jury
[Audio of Perez: I told Rob I found something private on the iPad, he said he didn't want to know
KK: Was anyone else in the theater, except you all and Geo?
Perez: No.]
AUSA: Was Chef K in the theater?
Perez: Yes.
2h / 9:37 AM
[Audio of Perez: Rob talked about it, but he said he didn't want to see it.]
AUSA: Why did you not want to delete it?
Perez: It wasn't my role.
[Audio: Perez: There should be an investigation, Mr. Combs thought he might be compromised in some way, his phone data
2h / 9:35 AM
[Audio: KK: We have camera footage of who was in the house
Perez: I went to PD about it, said, you can delete it. He said OK and deleted it. Then I told you.
KK: Did you hear anyone else in the house talk about it? Did anyone else ever bring it up again?
Perez: No
2h / 9:34 AM
[Audio of KK: Where did you find it?
Perez: Brandon the shooter-
AUSA: What that you?
Perez: Yes. And he's the videographer]
[Perez: Brandon was like, something is on the iPad I shouldn't see. I start-
KK: Was there anyone else in the theater?
Perez: Maybe Geo.
2h / 9:32 AM
AUSA: Show the stipulation, seizure of Kristina Khorram's cell phone. We offer the audio & transcripts
[Audio played then stopped]
AUSA: Whose voice did you hear, Mr Perez?
Perez: KK's.
[Audio of KK: Both time the only person at the house who knew about it was you
2h / 9:27 AM
AUSA: Did you speak with her about it again?
Perez: KK said she had gotten a call from someone outside the company talking about the video in some capacity.
AUSA: Did you record that conversation?
Perez: No.
AUSA: Were you aware it was recorded?
No
3h / 9:25 AM
AUSA: Did you tell Mr. Combs?
Perez: I did. I told him I found it on an iPad and it probably shouldn't be there. He seemed surprised.
AUSA: What did KK say?
Perez: That in the future I should bring things like that to her. I described it to her.
3h / 9:24 AM
AUSA: How did you become aware of this video?
Perez: A videographer named Brandon showed it to me
AUSA: Where did you go?
Perez: I told an iPad and went to the office.
AUSA: What was on the video?
Perez: Jane having sex with a black man and Mr. Combs watching
3h / 9:22 AM
AUSA: Then KK asks, Is room done done yet? How did you respond?
Perez: I wrote, Room is done, now going to store.
AUSA: What store?
Perez: Adult store.
AUSA: Afterward, KK asks about clean up. Of what?
Perez: The room
3h / 9:19 AM
AUSA: Mr. Perez, is this your text message?
Jonathan Perez: Yes. It's me, KK and Joey.
AUSA: KK asks, How is the set up going, how much longer do y'all need? What did you write back?
Perez: I wrote, I got fruits and shakes and will ask Jane about outfits
3h / 8:54 AM
AUSA: Did KK and Mr. Combs appear to be personal friends too?
Perez: It would depend on the day.
AUSA: And you and Mr. Combs?
Perez: First six months, little interaction. It was KK who'd give me instructions.
AUSA: Then from Mr. Combs?
Perez: Yes
3h / 8:53 AM
Perez: KK told me to go to Miami for a trial
AUSA: What do you mean?
Perez: To try the job for a week. I passed the test, got hired
AUSA: What was your job?
Perez: Making sure he had material for meeting. Buying gifts.
AUSA: Where did you work?
Perez: LA & Miami.
3h / 8:50 AM
AUSA: What was your work?
Perez: Personal assistant to Mr. C, Sean Combs.
AUSA: From when?
Perez: December 2021 to September 2024.
AUSA: How did you learn of the job?
Perez: KK reached out to me. Kristina Khorram. I had interviewed with her for the same job.
3h / 8:49 AM
trial resuming
Judge: All rise! [Jury enters] Government may call its next witness.
AUSA: The Government calls Jonathan Perez.
[Witness takes stand, in brown tie on brown shirt]
AUSA: Where are you from?
Perez: Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
3h / 8:36 AM
Combs, seated, is surrounded by and speaking with Agnifilo, Nicole Westmoreland - and Xavier Donaldson, who was down in the lobby waiting when Kanye West came in...
3h / 8:30 AM
Kanye West has just arrived in SDNY courthouse - ran down to the lobby, Marshals reminded, on photos - but Ye came in in white pants and jacket, security with him, one forgot the token they give you to pick up your phone when you leave
3h / 8:18 AM
Combs' Brian Steel: It is my affirmation Mr. Combs has done nothing inappropriate.
Judge: Alright, very good. We had an exchange about this a few days ago. There's going to be some amount of reaction to testimony that is given. It is impossible to police all of it
3h / 8:16 AM
[They're back for Jonathan Perez to invoke the Fifth]
AUSA: Do you intend to assert that right, as explained?
Perez: Yes.
Judge: I will enter the order of immunity.
AUSA Comey: My colleagues tell me Mr. Combs has been nodding during cross. Please instruct him
3h / 8:12 AM
Break
3h / 8:11 AM
Combs Agnifilo: OK (chuckles)
Judge: No comments, please.
Agnifilo: So the baby oil was in the garage?
Agent Lamon: It was the Astoglide in the garage.
Agnifilo: You're from LA?
Lamon: Yes.
Agnifilo: Enjoy. No further questions.
No re-direct.
3h / 8:09 AM
Agent Lamon: SRT goes in first.
Combs' Agnifilo: So because of this protocol we don't have any photographs. So you use a body cam?
Lamon: No.
Agnifilo: In your human trafficking work, have you ever dealt with Astroglide before?
Lamon: Only in this case.
3h / 8:01 AM
Agent Lamon: We brought a locksmith. But I didn't see him touch that safe.
Combs' Agnifilo: We're in Mahattan, we don't know a lot about guns - sorry
Judge: Withdrawn.
Agnifilo: This was a gun safe?
Lamon: Designed for that.
Agnifilo: Why not photo of opening it?
4h / 7:54 AM
Combs' Agnifilo: Was the security office door locked?
Lamon: Not when I got there.
Agnifilo: But before - isn't it important? Did it have a lock?
Lamon: It had a knob. Lock, I don't know.
AUSA: You have no reason to think the safe was open before you got there
No?
4h / 7:50 AM
Judge: Mr. Agnifilo?
Combs' Agnifilo: You are aware that Mr. Colms has security, right?
Agent Lamon: Yes.
Agnifilo: And every gun and piece of ammo was recovered from the security office, right?
Lamon: Yes
Agnifilo: There were no guns in kids' bedroom?
Lamon: None
4h / 7:48 AM
AUSA: Do any of the firearms not have serial numbers?
Agent Lamon: One did not, this one [holds long gun up]
AUSA: How are serial numbers eliminated?
Lamon: Sanded off with a machine. It's smooth. Not like it was done with a screwdriver.
AUSA: No further questions
4h 7:41 AM
AUSA: What does green-tip ammunition do?
Agent Lamon: It is designed to pierce body armor.
AUSA: Could you go look at the boxes of firearms in the cart next to you?
[Lamon does, goes off-mic]
Lamon: ...the serial numbers, where they existed, matched up
4h / 7:39 AM
Agent Lamon: There is a 5.11 bag
AUSA: What's that?
Lamon: Just a bag.
AUSA: And this?
Lamon: Rifles and a Mossberg shotgun.
AUSA: And this?
Lamon: A drum magazine, large capacity, this one was a 60 round. It had 59 rounds of green-tip ammunition in it
4h / 7:35 AM
AUSA: Let's turn to the firearms found in the residence. What are these?
Agent Lamon: A Ruger, a Glock pistol, some AR-15 platform-
AUSA: Show the photo. What is this?
Lamon: The Smith & Wesson rifle on the chair. Three 30 round magazines
4h / 7:33 AM
[Next photo: Boxes marked Astroglide- two dozen boxes
AUSA: Where were these boxes of Astoglide?
Agent Lamon: In the garage.
AUSA: Overall how much bottles of baby oil did you find?
Lamon: 200.
AUSA: How many bottles of Astroglide in 200 South Mapleton?
Lamon: 900
4h / 7:31 AM
AUSA: What is in this bag?
Agent Lamon: J&J baby oil, Astroglide and some lingerie
AUSA: Where else were Astroglide and baby oil found?
Lamon: In the bathroom... In the garage...
AUSA: Show the photos
[Bookcase full of baby oil, drawer full Astroglide
4h / 7:28 AM
AUSA: Is there a safe in this closet?
Agent Lamon: Yes. It's gray, there in the photo.
AUSA: What was in the safe?
Lamon: A passport for Sean Combs, and a plastic bag with substances in it.
AUSA: Stipulation at Para 15-16, Testing found the brown pebbles were MDMA
4h / 7:20 AM
AUSA: How many manila envelopes were there in the nightstand?
Agent Lamon: Six.
AUSA: What was written on them?
Lamon: K
AUSA: Publish the stipulation - testing determined in the K envelope - with a shamrock on it - was ketamine
4h / 7:17 AM
[They've back]
Judge: The exhibits are admitted.
AUSA: What are these?
Agent Lamon: The floor plans of 200 South Mapleton
AUSA: How do you know they are accurate?
Lamon: I was there.
4h / 7:10 AM
Sidebar
4h / 7:09 AM
Agent Lamon: It is a large property. I went through the objects that we seized then entered them into our case management system.
AUSA: We move to enter into evidence these exhibits
Agnifilo: Objection!
Sidebar...
4h / 7:04 AM
Agent Lamon: HSI New York asked HSI LA to be involved. We executed the search warrant.
AUSA: Here's an exhibit, please publish it
[200 South Mapleton Drive]
AUSA: What are these other buildings?
Lamon: Sauna, recording studio.
AUSA: What room were searched?
All
4h / 7:00 AM
AUSA: Where do you work?
Agent Lamon: HSI in Los Angeles, in the human trafficking unit.
AUSA: Do you execute search warrants?
Lamon: Yes. Fifty or sixty so far.
AUSA: Did you search 200 South Mapleton Drive LA?
Yes
4h / 6:59 AM
AUSA [reading] The key as a blue fuzzy tail, just take it
D Roc: I'm at the house, Puff is here. You know I can't take your keys from him.
Judge: Thank you. The Government may NOW call its next witness.
AUSA: The Government calls Special Agent Andre Lamon.
4h / 6:56 AM
AUSA: And this message:
"Three of my doors are broken, this is crazy
D Roc: He is coming to the house. He just text me. I don't think it is a good idea to leave your place. That's not going to make it better
He has my key, I don't feel safe
4h / 6:54 AM
AUSA: Before the witness comes in, we introduce these text messages involving Kristina Khorram. Let me read:
Puff Music Phone 2: Make sure Robyn pays her rent.
KK: Robyn send her rent was paid
AUSA: In the vicinity of Newark Airport, cell phone from Damian Butler
4h / 6:50 AM
jury entering
Judge: All rise! Jurors, you can see we are only 50 minutes late today, so we are doing better [smiles]
AUSA Comey: We introduce the following exhibits, these under seal: E-331-BR, -C, -FR, -HR, etc all under Your Honor's pseudonym order
4h / 6:40 AM
Break
4h / 6:39 AM
Judge: If we or I question him, let's do it at the end of the day. Let's bring the jury in, then the witness.
AUSA: Ms. Foster is telling the witness about the new questions.
Judge: OK, break
4h / 6:38 AM
Combs' Shapiro: This would be harassing the juror, to inquire about the employer.
AUSA: I don't understand why the defense is so adverse to asking this question. I wasn't present when this juror was questioned in the robing room.
4h / 6:36 AM
AUSA: Given where we are now, it is the Government's position we should get to the bottom of this issue. We have at least one question. Does the juror's employer have a residency requirement? That might explain the answer
4h / 6:35 AM
Judge: The question was, where do you live, an answer saying Bronx was accurate. One might move, but it wouldn't raise to the level of removal of a juror.
AUSA: Sure some of the other cases are more extreme. Here Rule 24(c) is operative
4h / 6:33 AM
Combs' Alexandra Shapiro: We are concerned if we bring the juror back in for questioning, it might impact behavior during deliberations.
Judge: We don't have to get into this right now. Mr. Combs, are you waiving the issue?
[Indicates yes]
4h / 6:26 AM
Judge Subramanian: But let me say, the allegation in court that the Government is engaging in bias, there is no basis for that statement. Not in jury selection nor what occurred in the robing room. It is understandable they would raise this to the court
4h 6:25 AM
AUSA: The juror has said multiple things they cannot all be true. Additional steps should be taken, to protect the record.
Judge: My preference would be to run it to ground and hear from the juror. I expect we will hear a perfectly reasonable explanation.
4h / 6:20 AM
Combs' Agnifilo: Residency was resolved. This jury is diligent. Let's treat them with respect.
Judge: There is no issue with qualification to serve, this juror met the qualifications at the time. It was vague enough that the answers can be reconciled.
4h / 6:17 AM
Combs' Agnifilo: This juror is not a professional speaker, these were honest answers. I am hesitant to raise this issue again and lead the juror to think we think he said something wrong. The juror's answers are innocuous. We were concerned about his residency
4h / 6:14 AM
Judge: The agent can testify. Now as to the juror, why can't we bring the juror out today and get to the bottom what the parties have raised
4h / 6:12 AM
Combs' Agnifilo: I want to know where the guns were found. I don't want to play Russian Roulette with guns - that is how Russian Roulette is played, by the way
[rim shot]
4h / 6:11 AM
Combs' Agnifilo: I'm not seeing how the guns are relevant, if they were locked up. Guns are a very divisive issue.
Judge: The witness can be asked about all this. That's how we'll proceed.
Agnifilo: I had no idea he had no idea where the guns were found.
4h / 6:07 AM
AUSA Comey: May I step up? This is how HSI [Homeland Security Investigations] does searches - they have a team that goes in to make the area safe, they are not the experts in collecting evidence. Ms. Foster can ask about that; I expect he'll say it was made safe
4h / 6:04 AM
Judge: Mr. Agnifilo, the defense would stipulate that the guns were there, right?
Agnifilo: You're asking for the first time. I know the property well, I've been there many times. The security room has been locked.
Judge: Can we find the person who did this?
4h / 6:02 AM
Combs' Agnifilo: But these are guns. Let them put on the Agent who actually found guns. This witness should not testify.
AUSA: This is how every law enforcement search is done - the property is secured before the search begins. They can ask [pronouncing it awsk]
4h / 6:00 AM
Combs' Agnifilo: I don't want jurors to see me to objecting every time to guns. There is nothing illegal about these guns. Mr. Combs has professional security, guns were in the safe. This witness is prejudicial. I don't care they don't know where Astroglide was
4h / 5:57 AM
AUSA: When he was at the premises, the guns were found in the security room. They can cross examine. There is nothing prejudicial-
Judge: It's not about prejudice. Mr. Agnifilo is going to object to every statement. That's the issue.
4h / 5:55 AM
[Before jury in]
Combs' Agnifilo: The Government's proposed witness for today does not know how the guns were moved and piled in the security room. He has no personal knowledge. We can him excluded.
Judge: He is not an expert witness. He is a fact witness.
4h / 5:52 AM
OK - now US v. Sean Combs, Day 23, with Jane done, Agent to testify about search of Two Star
DAY: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
AND NOW THE VERSION NBC NEWS
POSTED TO THEIR WEBSITE
11h ago / 3:13 PM PDT
Juror on the verge of being dismissed
Adam Reiss
Judge Subramanian said there are serious questions about a juror's candor and ability to follow directions.
Based on seemingly conflicting answers he gave during jury selection and subsequent discussions with attorneys and the court, it's unclear whether he lives in New York or New Jersey, the judge said.
If the latter, that would make him ineligible to serve on a jury in the Southern District of New York.
The juror in question is a Black man who sits in the front row on the far right facing the parties. He's been attentive and takes notes. The defense said it's very much opposed to removing this juror.
Judge Subramanian said he'll hold off on making a final decision until Monday, when he will interview the juror one more time. If the juror is removed, he'll be replaced by one of the alternates.
13h ago / 1:23 PM PDT
Judge clearing courtroom in wake of possible juror replacement
Adam Reiss, Katherine Koretski and David K. Li
Judge Subramanian cleared the courtroom while he and lawyers debate the fate of a juror who might be removed from the panel.
"We have a sensitive matter in the courtroom," Subramanian said in ordering all spectators to leave.
13h ago / 12:45 PM PDT
Juror could be thrown off panel
Adam Reiss, Katherine Koretski and David K. Li
A juror could be dismissed from the panel after he allegedly gave conflicting answers about where he lives.
The man had given different answers to questions about where he primarily lives, in either New York or across the Hudson River in New Jersey with his girlfriend.
Earlier in the day, Judge Subramanian had said he was leaning against dismissing the juror, saying there was likely an innocent explanation for any conflicting answers.
But by the end of the court day, Subramanian said there were "serious questions about his candor and ability to follow instructions."
13h ago / 12:31 PM PDT
End of the day, jurors going home
Adam Reiss, Katherine Koretski and David K. Li
Judge Subramanian thanked jurors for their time during this "long week" and sent them home.
"Thank you for your attention. It was a long week, and we appreciate it," he said. "Do not speak about the case with anyone."
14h ago / 12:28 PM PDT
'Jane' took active role in planning 'king night' outings, witness testifies
Adam Reiss, Katherine Koretski and David K. Li
"Jane" was not just a willing participant in "king nights," but also helped coordinate them, the witness said.
She enjoyed wearing Tom Ford shorts and underwear during these getaways and made sure to visit a salon to make sure her hair was in the best shape, Perez said during cross-examination by the defense.
14h ago / 11:59 AM PDT
Perez 'feels great' about Combs
Adam Reiss, Katherine Koretski and David K. Li
The witness said he left Combs' company but harbors absolutely no ill will toward his former boss.
Perez said he wanted to avoid any kind of legal entanglement and thought working for Combs could put him into such a situation.
The last time he spoke with Combs was the day the music mogul was arrested last year, he testified.
"I feel great about him, the same way I did when I was leaving my employment," Perez said.
14h ago / 11:41 AM PDT
'Jane' appeared to be willing participant in 'king night' outings, witness says
Adam Reiss, Katherine Koretski and David K. Li
Under cross-examination, the witness said he never got the feeling that "Jane" was unhappy or was an unwilling participant in Combs' "king night" evenings.
Jane even asked him for advice on fashion so she could look her best for Combs, the witness said.
Defese lawyer Brian Steel also got Perez to agree with him that these "king nights" were on Combs' personal, non-work time. That kind of distinction could be key for jurors as they weigh whether Combs used his resources to run a criminal enterprise.
15h ago / 11:22 AM PDT
Scoring drugs was part of the job, witness says
Adam Reiss, Katherine Koretski and David K. Li
Buying drugs for Combs was an element of the job, according to Perez.
The witness said he'd get cash from Combs' top security guard, Faheem Muhammad, in order to score cocaine, Xanax or molly.
He testified that Muhammad would submit receipts for the money he used to buy these drugs.
15h ago / 11:06 AM PDT
Drugs and cash carried in a Gucci bag, witness testifies
Adam Reiss, Katherine Koretski and David K. Li
The defendant kept cash, cocaine, ketamine, Adderall, Xanax and molly in a Gucci pouch, Perez said.
That bag was a must-have for Combs when he traveled for "king nights," the witness said.
15h ago / 10:56 AM PDT
Ye spent a few minutes in an overflow room
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Ye caught a few minutes of Perez's testimony in an overflow room on the 23rd floor.
He and Combs' son Christian were close to the monitor and Ye removed his glasses, a local reporter said, to follow along with Perez describing his job with Combs.
Ye left without speaking to anyone else gathered in the room.
15h ago / 10:34 AM PDT
Combs is engaged with his defense today
Jing Feng
The defendant appeared to be particularly engaged with his attorneys today.
Combs seemed to be paying very close attention to the testimony of a federal agent describing the raid on his home in Los Angeles. Combs even handed his attorney a note while the lawyer was cross-examining the agent
Combs could be fighting some congestion, perhaps an allergy, today as he grabbed tissues and forcefully blew his nose at one point in the morning.
16h ago / 9:51 AM PDT
Witness testifies he found sex tape on iPad
Adam Reiss, Katherine Koretski and David K. Li
Perez recounted how he found a sex tape — showing "Jane" engaged with another man as Combs watched in the background — on a company iPad.
The employee said he immediately brought the issue to Combs and his chief of staff Kristina Khorram.
Judge Subramanian declared a recess and asked jurors to return to court before 1:30 p.m. ET.
17h ago / 9:20 AM PDT
Assistant testifies staff had to prepare for a 'king night'
Adam Reiss, Katherine Koretski and David K. Li
Combs' staff would typically get between two and 24 hours to prepare for a "king night," an evening their boss would spend in a hotel with a woman, the witness said.
Food, a change of clothes, condoms, lubricants and red lights were among the items commonly packed, Perez said.
17h ago / 9:03 AM PDT
Ye leaves the courthouse
Adam Reiss, Katherine Koretski and David K. Li
Ye walked out of the front doors of the federal courthouse, got into a car and was driven away.
He spent about 40 minutes in the courthouse but never made it into Judge Subramanian's courtroom to show support for the defendant, Combs.
17h ago / 8:56 AM PDT
The many names of Combs
Adam Reiss, Katherine Koretski and David K. Li
Perez worked for Combs between December 2021 and this past September, addressing his boss by several names.
The witness said he, at different times, addressed Combs as "Diddy," "P. Diddy" and "Mr. C Love."
17h ago / 8:53 AM PDT
Former Combs assistant takes the witness stand
Adam Reiss, Katherine Koretski and David K. Li
Jonathan Perez, a former personal assistant to Combs, took the witness stand for prosecutors.
The 35-year-old native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, wore a brown suit, black shirt and black tie.
2h ago / 8:45 AM PDT
Kanye West has kept quiet lately
Deon J. Hampton and Adam Reiss
Reporting from Manhattan
Grammy award-winning rapper Kanye West, now commonly known as Ye, has been keeping a relatively low profile in recent weeks before making his surprise appearance at the courthouse today to show his support for Combs.
2h ago / 8:35 AM PDT
Oils were a surprising find for agent
Adam Reiss, Katherine Koretski and David K. Li
The agent said he'd never found large amounts of baby oil in his previous investigations of human trafficking.
Asked if he'd ever walked out of a trafficking raid with boxes of baby oil, LeMon told Combs' defense: "It's only been this one."
"That's what I thought," said Combs' defense lawyer Agnifilo, perhaps insinuating that the presence of lubricants signal consensual sex acts.
2h ago / 8:34 AM PDT
Kanye West arrives at the courthouse
Adam Reiss, Katherine Koretski and David K. Li
Kanye West came to the courthouse in Lower Manhattan.
Bystanders shouted, “Thanks for the support, Kanye,” as he entered the building.
West confirmed to a reporter he was there to support Combs.
2h ago / 8:33 AM PDT
Prosecutor complains to judge about Combs 'nodding emphatically'
Adam Reiss, Daniel Arkin and David K. Li
Maurene Comey, one of the prosecutors, complained to Judge Arun Subramanian that Combs was “nodding emphatically” as his ex-girlfriend “Jane” and the Homeland Security agent testified. Brian Steel, one of Combs' lawyers, pushed back on that characterization, saying his client has been “nothing but professional.”
Subramanian, who scolded Combs' team last week after the rapper apparently made facial expressions at jurors, told Comey it would be “impossible to police” everyone in the courtroom but made clear “we will keep an eye out” for any inappropriate behavior.
3h ago / 7:52 AM PDT
Large number of guns found at Combs' L.A. home, witness testifies
Adam Reiss, Katherine Koretski and David K. Li
Combs kept an arsenal of firearms and ammunition — designed to pierce armor — according to the federal agent who led the raid on his L.A. home.
Long guns, AR-15-style weapons, Smith & Wesson rifles, a Ruger rifle and a Glock pistol were among the firearms discovered at Combs' Mapleton Drive home, LeMon testified.
Agents also found 59 rounds of green tip ammunition, which is manufactured to penetrate body armor, the witness said.
3h ago / 7:39 AM PDT
Hundreds of bottles of lubricants found at Combs' L.A. home, witness testifies
Adam Reiss, Katherine Koretski and David K. Li
Federal agents found 900 bottles of Astroglide and 200 bottles of baby oil when they raided the defendant's home in Los Angeles last year, LeMon said.
The lubricants were frequently used during "hotel nights" and "freak offs," when Combs directed women to have sex with other men as he watched, witnesses have testified at this trial.
In a nightstand, agents also found six envelopes marked with "K" on them all, LeMon said. Those envelopes tested positive for ketamine, attorneys stipulated.
3h ago / 7:01 AM PDT
Government calls its first witness of the day
Adam Reiss, Katherine Koretski and David K. Li
The government called Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Andre LeMon to the witness stand, presumably to discuss details of Combs' arrest last year.
Combs wore light-colored pants and a brown long-sleeve sweater to court this morning.
4h ago / 6:36 AM PDT
Defense wants to limit or bar testimony about guns
Adam Reiss, Katherine Koretski and David K. Li
The defense told the court that it'll likely object to questions about guns found during raids during Combs' arrest.
Combs attorney Marc Agnifilo called firearms a “divisive issue” that he’d rather not have on the minds of jurors.
"I am not seeing how guns in a security room are relevant to any of the charges in this case," Agnifilo said.
4h ago / 6:27 AM PDT
Judge wants to settle juror issue
Adam Reiss, Katherine Koretski and David K. Li
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian said he wants to settle the government's objections to one of the jurors, though there doesn't appear to be enough evidence yet to remove the panelist.
Subramanian revealed the issue could be about where the juror lives.
The government, earlier this week, said that panelist should be removed over "lack of candor."
"My preference would be to hear from the juror and it is likely we will hear a perfect innocent explanation," Subramanian said, adding that he wants to "quickly resolve this issue" and "put it to bed."
5h ago / 5:51 AM PDT
Court is in session
Adam Reiss and Pilar Melendez
Court is now in session for Day 23 of Combs' trial.
Combs is in court today wearing light pants and a brown long-sleeved sweater.
5h ago / 4:57 AM PDT
Here's what 'Jane' said yesterday
Adam Reiss, Katherine Koretski and Marlene Lenthang
Yesterday, "Jane" testified that she felt jealous of other women in Combs’ life. She thought it was unfair that they appeared to get more from their relationships with him than she did, despite her folding to the pressure of "hotel nights."
Jane reiterated how much Combs pushed her for "hotel nights" even after telling him she didn’t want to do it.
"All the time," Jane said.
The constant need to have sex for Combs’ entertainment made Jane “sore, tired, exhausted and overwhelmed,” she testified.
While she witnessed positive changes in Combs after Cassie’s lawsuit in November 2023, Jane said she and Combs physically fought at her residence in Los Angeles in 2024.
In that incident, she said she pushed Combs’ head into a marble countertop when she was angry that he went on a family trip to Turks and Caicos with another woman. She claimed Combs later assaulted her in the hallway.
6h ago / 4:06 AM PDT
Who is expected to testify today
Pilar Melendez
Special Agent Andre LeMon, Jonathan Perez and Ananya Sankar are expected to be called to the witness stand next.
6h ago / 4:06 AM PDT
'Jane' was composed on the last day of her marathon time on the stand
Adam Reiss, Chloe Melas, Katherine Koretski and David K. Li
"Jane" came across as firm and composed on her sixth day of testimony, only fighting back tears near the end of the day.
Combs, clad in what appeared to be the same orange sweater and khaki pants he wore the day before, hugged members of his defense team when he walked into the courtroom yesterday morning. During an afternoon break, Combs grabbed tissues and dabbed an eye before leaving the room.
6h ago / 4:06 AM PDT
Combs' former girlfriend finally off the stand after 6 days of testimony
Daniel Arkin and Pilar Melendez
Combs’ former girlfriend, identified in court by the pseudonym "Jane," finished her sixth and final day of testimony yesterday.
During her time on the stand yesterday, she faced a series of questions about her relationship with Combs, including how it played out after he became the subject of a headline-grabbing criminal investigation in 2024.
Jane told jurors she saw positive changes in Combs after Cassie Ventura, his former partner, filed her November 2023 civil lawsuit alleging physical and sexual abuse. Responding to questions from defense lawyer Teny Geragos, Jane agreed that Combs became more apologetic and attentive, less egotistical and cold.
DAY: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
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