Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial: Cassie Ventura’s mother, a federal agent and an exotic dancer testify
Regina Ventura said Combs demanded $20,000 for sex tapes with her daughter, money which was later returned.
Where the sex trafficking trial stands
David James, Combs' former personal assistant, took the witness stand today, followed by Cassie Ventura's mother, Regina Ventura, and a male exotic dancer Sharay Hayes, whose nickname is "The Punisher."
Regina Ventura said she documented her daughter's bruises, allegedly received at the hands of Combs; once called police on Combs when he took Ventura's phone; and that Combs demanded $20,000 in exchange for sex tapes with Ventura on them. The money was later returned, she said.
The government is expected to call Combs' former chef, Jourdan Atkinson, to the stand today.
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
reporting as the ears to the inside
for MIND OF MONKEY STUDIO
5h / 12:15 PM
Judge: Break for the day.
5h / 12:05 PM
AUSA: Let's turn to two more exhibits. What are these?
Agent Gannon: The ammunition we found.
AUSA: And these platform high heels, how high are they?
Agent Gannon: Seven inches.
AUSA: This may be good place to break for the day.
5h / 12:01 PM
Agent Gannon: These magazines were loaded with bullets.
AUSA: What do these show?
Agent Gannon: The serial numbers have been cut out.
5h / 11:51 AM
[After review of 2 Star Island floor plan]
AUSA: What did you find here?
Agent Gannon: Parts of AR-15 rifles, sex toys and Astroglide.
[photos of guns shown to jury]
5h / 11:50 AM
[Photos of 2 Star Island shown]
AUSA: Why did you have to break open the gate?
Agent Gannon: To make sure bad actors wouldn't have time to put those who would search in danger.
AUSA: What's this a photo of?
Agent Gannon: The pool and the pier.
5h / 11:25 AM
AUSA: What time did the search begin?
Agent Gannon: After 3 pm.
AUSA: Why so late?
Agent Gannon: We learned Mr. Combs and his family were flying out of the country.
AUSA: Was there a pier on the property on Star Island?
Agent Gannon: Yes we had to monitor it
5h / 11:18 AM
Judge: Next Government witness.
AUSA: The Government calls Special Agent Gerard Gannon
AUSA: Where do you work?
Agent Gannon: HSI in Miami in the National Security group.
AUSA: In March 2024?
Agent Gannon: The HSI Human Trafficking group, sex and labor in Miami
5h / 11:09 AM
AUSA: No further questions.
Judge: Anything, Mr. Donaldson?
Donaldson: What do you mean by steamy?
Sharay Hayes: I felt it was enjoyable for Ms. Ventura and Mr. Combs.
5h / 11:03 AM
Combs' Donaldson: Mr. Hayes, I wish you success with your book.
Sharay Hayes: Thank you.
Judge: Re-direct.
AUSA: What made you think Ms. Ventura was enjoying herself?
Sharay Hayes: It was the first time unprotected-
AUSA: Without the details.
Donaldson: Objection!
5h / 11:00 AM
Combs' Donaldson: Was Mr. Combs' request that you penetrate
Sharay Hayes: It was a demand. A strong suggestion.
Donaldson: Cassie paid you even when she canceled, right?
Sharay Hayes: Yes, five hundred dollars.
6h / 10:52 AM
Combs' Donaldson: You wouldn't try to dry hump someone who didn't want to be dry humped, correct?
Sharay Hayes: Yes it is important to read the room.
Donaldson: So you read the room with Cassie and she wanted -
AUSA: Objection!
Judge: Sustained.
6h / 10:50 AM
Combs' Donaldson: The Government's notes say you developed feelings for her.
Sharay Hayes: That may have been taken out of context.
Combs' Donaldson: You used your 25 years experience-
Sharay Hayes: This was a different scene. Usually I aim for humor
6h / 10:47 AM
Combs' Donaldson: But you thought she was only doing this with you?
Sharay Hayes: That is correct. She'd said it was a special occasion.
Donaldson: You did develop feelings for her?
Sharay Hayes: That's not correct.
Donaldson: You told the Government....
6h / 10:46 AM
Combs' Donaldson: She asked to be able to call you?
Sharay Hayes: Just to set the sessions up. We were never asked to talk.
Donaldson: She was comfortable with you?
Sharay Hayes: She said so.
Donaldson: You had feelings for her?
Sharay Hayes: Incorrect.
6h / 10:44 AM
Combs' Donaldson: You dance with them?
Sharay Hayes: A professional dry-hump.
Donaldson: For 30 years... Thousands of ladies. You try to not develop feeling for them, right?
Sharay Hayes: You try not to. It's a job.
Donaldson: But you talked with Cassie
A: Cordial
6h / 10:42 AM
Combs' Donaldson: You have a website?
Sharay Hayes: Yes. Now I'm a co-owner. All the male dancers are independent contractors.
Donaldson: You've been doing this for 25 years?
Sharay Hayes: 30 years - coming up on a big anniversary.
6h / 10:38 AM
AUSA: No further questions.
Judge: Mr. Donaldson?
Combs' Xavier Donaldson: I'll try to make this as harmless as possible. Congratulations on your book. What's it called?
Sharay Hayes: In Search of Freezer Meat. What's harder than that?
Donaldson: Good title.
6h / 10:37 AM
AUSA: In you book, do you write about your time with Mr. Combs and Ms. Ventura?
Sharay Hayes: Yes. I call them a married, wealthy couple.
AUSA: How long is it?
Sharay Hayes: Six pages out of 186... I sensationalize it. I wanted it to be enjoyable. Highs & lows
6h / 10:33 AM
AUSA: What did you think would happen next?
Sharay Hayes: I was worried I would not be used again. I hadn't done my job. He has said, I want to see you f*ck her. And I couldn't.
AUSA: Are you writing a book?
Sharay Hayes: Yes. Self-help about my e.d. It's advice
6h / 10:32 AM
Judge: Overruled.
Sharay Hayes: I wasn't sure how they calculated it. One time Mr. Combs threw condoms on the couch next to us. I struggled. It was a failure.
AUSA: What happened?
Sharay Hayes: They went out, I finished. She came back and thanked me for privacy
6h / 10:29 AM
AUSA: Did you use drugs?
Sharay Hayes: I am not a marijuana smoker but I did pull a Bill Clinton, I was handed a joint...
AUSA: Did you have performance issues?
Sharay Hayes: Having the woman's partner there, yes.
AUSA: Did the issues effect your pay?
Objection!
6h / 10:25 AM
AUSA: Then what?
Sharay Harris: She would leave with Mr. Combs, ten or fifteen minutes. She'd return in a bathrobe and pay me, two thousands or 1200 dollars, cash.
AUSA: Did you think Ms. Ventura was enjoying herself?
Combs' Xavier Donaldson: Objection!
Sustained
6h / 10:18 AM
AUSA: How much baby oil did you use?
Sharay Hayes: A lot. We were supposed to be glistening. As much as possible.
AUSA: How long would they last?
Sharay Hayes: Four hours, a lot of waiting, maybe 40 minutes or so. I was supposed to finish in a specific spot
6h / 10:16 AM
AUSA: How did the direction work?
Sharay Hayes: Mr. Combs might say, sit forward. Move the camera. Or what would happen sexually... you know... One time during sex he dropped a stack of money. He said, I like this sh*t
6h / 10:14 AM
We're back
AUSA: How were these session scheduled?
Sharay Hayes: I'd be reached out to at 5 or 7 pm, for later. They'd ask for a sexy scene but I knew it would be more.
AUSA: How would it start?
Sharay Hayes: Baby oil. A sexy atmosphere. Mr. Combs would direct
7h / 9:29 AM
Judge: Break.
7h / 9:27 AM
AUSA: How did you end up recognizing her?
Sharay Hayes: I was a fan of Mr. Combs and followed him on Instagram. I saw her on it.
AUSA: This would be a good place to break.
7h / 9:26 AM
AUSA: How did it end?
Sharay Hayes: She went into the other room with him. When she came back she asked if I wanted to finish. I said no, if they were happy, I was happy. She gave me more money.
AUSA: Did you do it again?
Sharay Hayes: Yes. 8 or 12 times
7h / 9:23 AM
AUSA: Did he come out?
Sharay Hayes: Yes. He was naked but I could not see his face - it was like what a Muslim woman wears, you see only the eyes. He had a bottle of Astroglide.
AUSA: How did you recognize it?
Sharay Hayes: I use it. The purple top
7h / 9:21 AM
AUSA: What did she hand to you?
Sharay Hayes: Eight hundred dollars
AUSA: How was the room?
Sharay Hayes: Dimly lit. Electric candles. Bowls of water with bottles of baby oil in them. She told me not to acknowledge her husband, not to look at him when he came out
7h / 9:18 AM
AUSA: When you got there, how did Ms. Ventura appear?
Sharay Hayes: In a bathroom with nothing underneath, and a wig. I was expecting a crowd but there was no one else. She told me she and her husband wanted to create a sexual scene with baby oil
7h / 9 :16 AM
AUSA: Why were you called The Punisher?
Sharay Hayes: Playing basketball on West 4th Street.
AUSA: The woman who called you, what time did she book you for?
Sharay Hayes: Midnight at Trump Tower, Central Park West. Striptease for a small group of friends.
7h / 9:14 AM
AUSA: Do you recognize these two?
Sharay Hayes: I do. Mr. Sean Combs and Cassie Ventura. I was hired in 2012 to create a sexy erotic scene for them
7h / 9:12 AM
Judge: Next witness.
AUSA: The Government calls Mr. Sharay Hayes.. Where are you from?
Sharay Hayes: Harlem, New York.
AUSA: What was your work?
Sharay Hayes: Male exotic dancer. I was known as The Punisher.
7h / 9:06 AM
AUSA: Who else was there?
Regina Ventura: D-Roc.
AUSA: Is Damian Butler his government name?
Regina Ventura: He was standing between us. I tried to hit him. Sean Combs took Casandra's car, a Jaguar.
AUSA: No further questions
Judge: Cross
Defense: No questions
7h / 9:04 AM
AUSA: While in LA, did you call the police?
Regina Ventura: Yes. Sean Combs stole Cassie's, Casandra's, phone. They had a bitter argument outside her apartment building. She lived on the 17th floor. They argued at the roundabout.
7h / 9:01 AM
AUSA: Do you know Mia?
Regina Ventura: She was an employee of Sean Combs.
AUSA: What happened?
Regina Ventura: We were in his kitchen, laughing - Sean asked her why she was laughing. She stopped and looked plane
AUSA: Now to August 2016, we're done with the binder
8h / 8:57 AM
AUSA: Why did you take a loan to pay Sean Combs?
Regina Ventura: For the safety of my daughter.
AUSA: Look in the binder next to you.
Regina Ventura: These are the photos I took of my daughter's bruises, from Sean Combs.
8h / 8:51 AM
Regina Ventura: She said Sean Combs threatened to release a sex tape and go after her and Mr. Mescudi.
AUSA: How did you react?
Regina Ventura: It made me sick. Sean Combs demanded $20,000, he said to recoup losses due to Mr. Mescudi, from my husband and myself
8h / 8:49 AM
AUSA: When did you meet Sean Combs?
Regina Ventura: 2006. My daughter signed with his Bad Boy Records. He was her boss. Then they started dating. They moved to LA.
AUSA: Read this message from December 2011.
Regina Ventura: Casandra wrote to me
8h / 8:45 AM
AUSA: Where do you live?
Regina Ventura: New London, Connecticut.
AUSA: How many children do you have?
Regina Ventura: Two, Rodrick and Casandra.
AUSA: Who is this?
Regina Ventura: Sean Combs. He dated my daughter
8h / 8:44 AM
[They're back]
Judge: Jurors, I'm going to try to get the temperature turned up in here. I'm told it's complicated. But I'm freezing right along with you
[some laughter]
AUSA: The Government calls Regina Ventura
8h / 8:26 AM
Judge: Break.
8h / 8 :24 AM
AUSA: What have we asked you to do?
David James: Tell the truth.
AUSA: Nothing further.
Re-cross
Combs' Agnifilo: You lied to Mr. Combs about filing the police report?
David James: Yes
Agnfilo: Nothing further. Could we have a break?
8h / 8:23 AM
Judge: Re-direct?
AUSA Slavik: What about the incident in Alpine, New Jersey?
David James: To file a police report and say that Chef Jourdan had been the aggressor. But I didn't file it. I drove around and told him I'd made the report.
8h / 8:21 AM
Judge: Overruled.
David James: She asked for $200. I called Bonds, and asked, what the hell. She asked to take a shower. I said, that's $200
[laughter]
Combs' Agnifilo: On that note, no further questions
8h / 8:20 AM
David James: He said, If you're man enough to smoke, you're man enough to tell me. I said, OK, I'm smoking. He said if I did it again he'd fire me.
Combs' Agnifilo: How about when you picked up two prostitutes and had sex with one?
AUSA: Objection! 403!
8h / 8:19 AM
David James: I didn't smoke when working, with Mr. Combs.
Agnifilo: But he caught you smoking once?
David James: I thought he was in for the light. I lit up; he came out. He said, What are you doing. I said, nothing.
8h / 8:16 AM
Combs' Agnifilo: You were in a car with Mr. Combs and who?
David James: Chris Lighty...
Agnifilo: You have taken Ecstasy?
David James: I'd party, sure.
Agnifilo: What were things like in the studio - drugs?
David James: Yes. It's a creative environment
8h / 8:13 AM
David James: Mr. Combs told me, You can't be putting your hands on women. He told me to give her a gift.
Combs' Agnifilo: What did you give her?
David James: I rolled up a blunt and gave it to her.
Agnifilo: Did she like it?
David James: It appeared she did
8h / 8:12 AM
Combs' Agnifilo: Tell me what happened.
David James: We were on Star Island. She told me where to take him - I grabbed her 2 wrists & said, Stay in your f*cking lane
Agnifilo: Was there fall-out?
David James: It was reported to corporate HQ. Mr. Combs called me in
8h / 8:10 AM
Combs' Agnifilo: Was it fun?
David James: I enjoyed it from time to time.
Agnifilo: What was your relationship with Chef Jourdan?
David James: Professional.
Agnifilo: Did you choke her?
David James: No.
AUSA: Objection
Judge: Sidebar
8h / 8:07 AM
Combs' Agnifilo: Tell me about your relationship with Roger Bonds
David James: We talked about Bad Boy as a family
Agnifilo: What do you mean?
David James: Mama Combs called me her son, many times.
Agnifilo: What was the mission?
David James: Make sure he's happy
8h / 8:04 AM
David James: I was told he didn't want to run them through the company. He didn't want a record of them.
Combs' Agnifilo: When you bought the 8-ball of coke on St Tropez [pronounced San Tro-PEZ] you didn't tell Mr. Combs, did you?
David James: He was asleep
9h / 7:57 AM
Combs' Agnifilo: Did you know he put apple sauce on cheeseburgers?
David James: No but I knew he likes apple sauce.
Agnifilo: He liked Astroglide, condoms and baby oil - but you didn't expense it through the business?
David James: Usually not
9h / 7:56 AM
Combs' Agnifilo: You said he'd stay in the studio until 3 or 4 am and you'd stay with him?
David James: Yes, it was common.
Agnifilo: What sort of things would he want to always have with him?
David James: Ketchup, for example.
9h / 7:47 AM
Combs' Agnifilo: He had security because people wanted to touch him, right?
David James: Yes. In the airport. In McDonald's.
Agnifilo: Was he gracious?
David James: I don't think gracious is a word I'd use for Sean Combs.
Agnifilo: Did he sign autographs?
A: No
9h / 7:42 AM
Combs' Agnifilo: It was important that he be prepared for these meeting, right?
David James: Yes.
Agnifilo: It was important that he be on time-
David James: No. We'd change meetings to fit his schedule all the time, when he didn't want show up at a certain time
9h / 7:41 AM
Combs' Agnifilo: What were you hired as?
David James: Personal liaison. But I was a personal assistant.
Agnifilo: He met a high level roster of people
David James: Second understatement of the day
Agnifilo: Why?
David James: He met with a who's who
9h / 7:35 AM
Combs' Agnifilo: I have a few more mundane questions.
David James: I love mundane questions.
Agnifilo: Where did you travel with Mr. Combs?
David James: Ibiza, London, St. Tropez
Agnifilo: Were these vacations?
David James: Business oriented
9h / 7:27 AM
Combs' Agnifilo: Did the Mel's Diner incident come up?
David James: Not that I recall
Agnifilo: It's this morning. What did you talk about?
David James: Your style
[some laughter]
Agnifilo: I'm dying to ask what they said, but I won't
9h / 7:25 AM
Combs' Agnifilo: You didn't tell anyone about this?
David James: Only my wife.
Agnifilo: Did you meet with the Government this morning?
David James: Yes, briefly. About what might come up in cross.
9h / 7:24 AM
Agnifilo: This is a radical departure from your job description, is that an understatement?
David James: It's the understatement of the day. So far.
Agnifilo: Do you have immunity?
David James: Ask my lawyer. I have some kind of offer agreement.
Agnifilo: Proffer
9h / 7:23 AM
Combs' Agnifilo: You knew how to get to Mel's Diner, right?
David James: I frequent there all the time.
Agnifilo: You've never seen guns before, right?
David James: No.
9h / 7:21 AM
Combs' Agnifilo: What exacted did you do before you got this job?
David James: I was a door to door salesman, then personal assistant.
Agnifilo: Now you were going with guns to confront someone?
David James: It was not ideal.
9h / 7:20 AM
Agnifilo: You don't know where Mr. Combs got the guns, do you?
David James: I didn't know we had guns, until then.
Agnifilo: Have you ever been in a situation like that?
David James: No.
Agnifilo: You didn't say, I don't want to drive to Suge Knight with guns?
No
9h / 7:15 AM
Combs' Agnifilo: Didn't you leave D-Roc at the diner?
David James: That makes no sense.
Agnifilo: I'm not asking what makes sense - I'm asking, Did you?
David James: No.
Agnifilo: You saw you saw Cassie and Mr. Combs?
David James: Yes. Mr. Combs told me to drive
9h / 7:13 AM
David James: D-Roc says, I'm Biggie's boy and then Suge recognizes him, gives him a dab.
Combs' Agnifilo: What's a dab?
David James: Handshake.
Agnifilo: Did you leave D-Roc at the diner? Why are you smiling?
David James: 'Cuz that's a crazy question. Why would I?
9h / 7:10 AM
Combs' Agnifilo: Were you drinking or smoking pot?
David James: No sir.
Agnifilo: Your mind was clear?
David James: As clear as it could be, working 20 hours a week, at 4 am.
Agnifilo: D-Roc opens the door - Suge Knight is a few cars over?
David James: Window open
9h / 7:08 AM
David James: They told me to stop, to not say anything that would incriminate me
Agnifilo: Look at the notes from your interview - read it to yourself then look up at me.
David James: OK
Agnifilo: How'd you recognize Suge Knight?
David James: I listened to hip hop
9h / 7:04 AM
AUSA Slavik: What did you decide?
David James: To leave the company. They offered me other positions. But I just wanted to leave - my life was at risk.
AUSA Slavik: No further questions.
Judge: Mr. Agnifilo?
Combs' Agnifilo: You didn't tell all this the first time
9h / 7:02 AM
David James: I felt calm because we'd been in a silver vehicle, now a black one - they wouldn't see us coming
AUSA Slavik: What did you find at Mel Diner's?
David James: Suge Knight had left. Mr. Combs said, Drive around he block
9h / 7:01 AM
David James: I saw someone hand Suge Knight a gun. D-Roc said, We gotta get out of here. We drove back to the house.
AUSA Slavik: What did you find there?
David James: Cassie was crying. Mr. Combs got in the vehicle. I saw three guns on his lap.
10h / 6:59 AM
David James: D-Roc said, That's motherf*cking Suge Knight. He went over and said, What's up? Suge didn't recognize him. D-Roc said, I'm Biggie's boy
AUSA Slavik: What happened next?
David James: We noticed four black SUVs to different sides of the parking lot
10h / 6:58 AM
David James: Once Capricorn Clark had to take a lie detector to prove she wasn't part of a heist of Mr. Combs' jewelry.
AUSA Slavik: Was there an incident at Mel's Diner with Suge Knight?
David James: Yes. I drove the silver Navigator to get cheeseburgers there
10h / 6:56 AM
AUSA Slavik: Did this happen again?
David James: Yes when Mr. Combs said a watch of his had been stolen.
AUSA: What was the result?
David James: The gentleman told me I seemed nervous. I said sure I am...
10h / 6:52 AM
AUSA Slavik: Did you ever had to take a lie detector test?
David James: Yes.
AUSA: Who was present?
David James: Just me and this gentleman. It was very intimidating. They put monitors on my head, my chest and my hand.
AUSA: Could you refuse?
A: Not to keep my job
10h / 6:50 AM
AUSA Slavik: Did anything ever go missing?
David James: They said a bracelet was missing. Uncle Paulie came to my hotel room and searched my belonging and those of my girlfriend at the time
AUSA: Could you have said no?
Agnifilo: Objection
Judge: Move on
10h / 6:48 AM
David James: We had a videographer who filmed the parties. He asked me, Hey Playboy, was that you dancing around at the party? I said yes and he said, I'm going to keep the video in case I ever need it.
AUSA: Meaning?
David James: That I'd be embarrassed
10h / 6:47 AM
AUSA Slavik: Did you ever take Ecstasy?
David James: Yes. I was drinking Ciroc, I took Ecstasy, I was Diddy-bopping
AUSA: What do you mean?
David James: I was vibing.
AUSA: Did you speak with Mr. Combs about it?
David James: He was reviewing footage of the party
10h / 6:41 AM
AUSA Slavik: Did you ever pick up drugs for Mr. Combs?
David James: Yes, Percocets at a pharmacy, sometimes in my name.
AUSA: Did you give him permission to use your name?
David James: I don't recall that.
AUSA: Was there a drug dealer?
David James: Yes, One Stop
10h / 6:40 AM
AUSA Slavik: What about the other person?
David James: He was about 5'8'' with long hair and a large endowment. He scurried away.
AUSA: Did you ask anything?
David James: I wasn't hired to ask about their personal affairs
10h / 6:38 AM
David James: There was an other person, who sort of scurried away. And the shower was on, I thought Mr. Combs was in there.
AUSA: How was she sleeping?
David James: On her back
Combs' Agnifilo: Objection
Judge: Sustained.
10h / 6:37 AM
AUSA Slavik: Did anything strange every happen?
David James: Yes, in Miami. He asked for an iPod from his house on Star Island. I drove it to his hotel & knocked - no answer. I had the key, I'd set up the room
AUSA: What did you see?
David James: Cassie on the bed
10h / 6:36 AM
AUSA Slavik: Who paid you back?
David James: Usually Bonds.
AUSA: Did Mr. Combs ever stay alone in a hotel?
David James: Never. Usually Cassie, sometimes other women.
AUSA: Did he ask you for things during a stay?
David James: He'd text me for an iPod or food
10h / 6:32 AM
David James: I'd set up the medicine bag in the personal LV bag.
AUSA Slavik: What was in it.
David James: A Viagra, Ecstasy, percs-
AUSA: How did you go about replenishing these supplies?
David James: I'd use my personal credit card, Bad Boy paid me back
10h / 6:30 AM
AUSA Slavik: What did you do for Mr. Combs in NY?
David James: I'd bring him apple sauce, jello, Fiji water. His toiletry bag with ointments, Just for Men, we bought 40 items so he wouldn't call us later. I'd get a key, like at the Trump International
10h / 6:27 AM
AUSA: Did Mr. Combs give you instructions about Cassie?
David James: To bring her food at the London Hotel - some Roscoe's
AUSA: What is Roscoe's?
David James: Some delicious fried chicken in Los Angeles
10h / 6:25 AM
AUSA Slavik: What did Mr. Combs say?
David James: That someone was lying on him, saying he hit Cassie at the club. He went through my browser history. No one had ever done that to me.
10h / 6:23 AM
[OK, jurors have belatedly arrived]
AUSA Slavik: What about physical violence between Mr. Combs and Cassie - did you personally observe it?
David James: No, I did not.
AUSA: Do you remember a blog post-
David James: Yes. I was in LA when he came back from a club
10h / 6:05 AM
Judge: OK, we'll reconvene
10h / 6:03 AM
[Witness / personal assistant David James takes the stand]
Judge Subramanian: Good morning. Welcome back.
[Then]
Courtroom deputy: We are missing four jurors. It may be the subways.
11h / 5:59 AM
[Before jurors come in]
Combs' Agnifilo: We oppose David James testifying about the incident with Suge Knight. He's going to mention D-Roc, say he was a friend of Biggie Smalls - that's decades ago, not relevant.
Judge: Seems you are previewing your cross
11h / 5:56 AM
OK - US v Sean Combs Day 7, from personal assistant through exotic dancer to Cassie's mother and a chef
DAY: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
AND NOW THE VERSION NBC
POSTED TO THEIR WEBSITE
5h ago / 12:16 PM PDT
Guns seized from Combs in Miami had serial numbers scratched off
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Some guns seized from Combs by federal agents in Miami had their serial numbers scratched off, making it more difficult for authorities to trace a weapon's history, a federal agent said.
The government presented pictures of seized goods to Special Agent Gerard Gannon, who led the searches in Miami of Combs' properties.
Prosecutors also showed Gannon pictures of weapons, bullets and magazines, as well as sex-related items.
5h ago / 12:14 PM PDT
Kid Cudi expected to take the stand
Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
Scott Mescudi, also known as Kid Cudi, is expected to take the witness stand this week.
If he does not testify tomorrow, he may take the stand Thursday.
5h ago / 12:14 PM PDT
Court has adjourned for the day
Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
Court has adjourned for the day and will reconvene tomorrow morning.
5h ago / 11:53 AM PDT
Agent walks jury through Combs' Miami property raid
Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
Prosecutors brought up photos of Combs' Star Island home as Special Agent Gerard Gannon explained how agents executed search warrants on the Miami property.
He told the court the property's extensive size required dozens of people to search the 20,000-square-foot home. He noted that agents cleared the house and were assigned in teams of two to search each room.
Photographers were taking photos of items before they were bagged with a description of each item and where it was found. Gannon said it was his job to compile an itemized list and that he went through every piece of evidence to break it down into categories.
5h ago / 11:26 AM PDT
Federal agent who raided Combs' Miami home takes witness stand
Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
Special Agent Gerard Gannon, the government's 10th witness to date, has taken the stand.
Gannon worked for Homeland Security Investigations and was responsible for the overall planning of the raid on Combs' Miami home on Star Island.
6h ago / 11:20 AM PDT
Prosecutors push back on Ventura's emotions during sex scenes
Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
In a brief redirect, Hayes was asked more about Ventura's time during their sex scenes with Combs.
Prosecutor Meredith Foster asked about the one time Ventura appeared to enjoy herself but also asked Hayes about the other times where she would apparently wince and sigh. Foster asked whether Ventura's focus was on Combs.
Hayes said that there was a consistent awareness to Combs and his perception and his desires of the moment.
Hayes then left the witness stand.
6h ago / 11:11 AM PDT
Ventura appeared to be a willing player in sex scenes, stripper says
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
In a dozen or so sexual performances, Hayes never had the sense Ventura was uncomfortable with it all, he testified.
The sex worker agreed with defense attorney Xavier Donaldson's leading questions that Ventura wasn't in any "discomfort" while performing in front of Combs.
He said it seemed like it was consensual, agreeing with Donaldson's description of Combs as a director of the scenes.
6h ago / 10:35 AM PDT
Police called over Combs' chef being fired in 2008, records show
Maite Amorebieta
David James, Combs' former personal assistant, testified earlier today that the mogul once asked him to file a police report alleging Combs' personal chef assaulted him.
James told the court he didn't do it because he didn't want to make a "false report." The incident occurred in Alpine, New Jersey, according to James, but a date was not given.
Records of 911 calls to Combs' former Alpine residence obtained by NBC News show that police were called March 22, 2008, over an issue with Combs' personal chef. It's unclear if this was the same incident James was referring to when he didn't file a report.
A man named David James told police the chef was fired and left upset but "stated that there were no threats" made by her, according to the report. Police advised Combs and James that it was a civil matter.
"Mr. Combs was satisfied and just wanted to make this a matter of record due to his celebrity status," the report said.
7h ago / 9:54 AM PDT
'The Punisher' says he was hired up to a dozen times
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
The first encounter with Ventura and Combs led to a healthy tip and more gigs, Hayes said.
She said thank you and was handed more money, which he counted in the elevator and realized it was $1,200," Hayes said of that first encounter at Trump Tower, adding that he now knows one of his clients was Sean Combs.
In total, Hayes estimated he performed for the couple from eight to a dozen times.
He said he was called to the first rendezvous by a woman who called herself "Janet," but it didn't take long for him to realize who his clients were — one of the biggest names in the music industry and his well-known girlfriend.
Hayes said he eventually saw Combs' face and that Combs wore a baseball cap, adding that he is a fan of the rapper and follows him on Instagram.
Hayes said he got the nickname “The Punisher” as a teenager because of his prowess on the basketball court.
7h ago / 9:42 AM PDT
Cassie's parents depart Manhattan federal court
7h ago / 9:35 AM PDT
Court adjourns for lunch break
Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
Judge Arun Subramanian adjourned the courtroom for its daily lunch break.
7h ago / 9:35 AM PDT
Male stripper chronicles first sexual encounter with Ventura, Combs
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
The male stripper nicknamed "The Punisher" said he was paid $800 to create a "sexy scene" for Combs and Ventura, all while keeping eyes off the music mogul.
Hayes said he was called to a Trump Tower hotel suite in the fall of 2012, and was greeted at the door by Cassie "wearing a bathrobe and nothing on underneath and she had a wig."
He was handed a "sack of money" with $800 inside as Ventura told him to "create a sexy scene of me and her applying baby oil on each other and create a sexy environment that her husband would come up on," the witness said.
She told Hayes not to acknowledge Combs, try not to look at him and have no communication with him, he said.
8h ago / 9:14 AM PDT
Male exotic dancer, nicknamed 'The Punisher,' takes the stand
Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
The government's next witness is a man named Sharay Hayes.
Hayes, 51, works as an exotic dancer who goes by the name "The Punisher."
8h ago / 9:13 AM PDT
Defense declines to cross-examine Regina Ventura
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Defense attorneys chose not to cross-examine Cassie Ventura's mother, Regina Ventura, allowing her damaging testimony to stand uncontested.
Defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo said, "I do not have any questions for you."
Regina Ventura's testimony about Combs threatening her daughter over a sex tape and abuse was left uncontested.
8h ago / 9:11 AM PDT
Cassie's mom called police after Combs took her daughter's phone, she says
Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
Regina Ventura once called the police on Combs after her daughter, Cassie, told her that Combs had taken her phone.
Ventura testified that she had a bitter argument outside her daughter's apartment building as she tried to get the phone back. Ventura was inside her apartment at the time, she said.
She said she was trying to hit Combs but was unsuccessful.
Eventually, Regina Ventura said Combs gave the phone back and took her daughter's car as he left.
8h ago / 9:05 AM PDT
Ventura's mother says she documented her daughter's injuries
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Regina Ventura said she took photos of her bruised daughter in late 2011 to make a record of the alleged beatings at the hands of Combs, Cassie Ventura's boyfriend at the time.
The mother said her daughter was bruised, and the photos were taken that December.
8h ago / 9:00 AM PDT
Ventura's mom says Combs wanted $20K for her daughter's sex tape
Adam Reiss, Chloe Melas and Doha Madani
Prosecutors revisited an email Ventura sent to her mother in December 2011 that said Combs threatened to release explicit videos of Ventura after he learned she was dating Kid Cudi.
Regina Ventura said she was physically sick and didn't understand what was going on but Combs was trying to hurt her daughter.
She testified that Combs wanted $20,000 for the video. She said Combs was angry that he had spent money on Cassie Ventura and that she was with another person.
Regina Ventura said she took out a home equity loan to pay for it.
The money was returned to her several days later, she told the court.
8h ago / 8:41 AM PDT
Ventura's mom, Regina Ventura, takes the stand
Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
Combs' former personal assistant is finished testifying, and the government has called its next witness, Regina Ventura.
Ventura's mom has been sworn in and prosecutor Emily Johnson will begin the questioning.
8h ago / 8:39 AM PDT
James said he did not follow Combs' order to report chef to police
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Combs didn't always get along with his former personal chef Jourdan Atkinson, James said.
After one physical confrontation between Combs and Atkinson in Alpine, New Jersey, Combs asked James to report Atkinson to police, James said.
But James said he didn't file it because he didn't want to make a false report, yet he told Combs that he did it.
9h ago / 8:32 AM PDT
Defense pushes James on altercation with Combs' personal chef
Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
David James testified to an argument that turned physical between himself and Combs' chef, after which Combs' told James couldn't put his hands on a woman.
James told the court he was in Miami in Combs' kitchen when the chef told him how to do his job. The former assistant admitted to grabbing her wrists and telling her to stay in her lane.
James said Combs heard about it and called him into his room. He said he told Combs what happened, and Combs told James he couldn't put his hands on a woman.
It was one of two occasions when Combs warned James that he could be fired, James testified. The other time was when James smoked marijuana, he said.
9h ago / 8:19 AM PDT
Witness testifies with protection, though no crime is apparent
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
James disclosed he was testifying under an agreement with prosecutors, though there's been no evidence so far that he would need legal protection.
The defense has been pushing James to disclose any deals he might have made with prosecutors to testify, particularly about the "Mel's Diner incident" when Combs and his team allegedly armed themselves to look for rapper Suge Knight.
James said he had signed a proffer, a legal agreement that generally protects witnesses from prosecution for what they say on the witness stand.
But so far, there's been no evidence any crime was committed against Knight by Combs' team on the early morning trip to Mel's Diner in Los Angeles that would indicate James needs protection from prosecutors.
9h ago / 8:07 AM PDT
Security worried Combs would be shot, James says
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Combs' security detail often included a second car when the rap mogul was traveling, David James said, as his team was "suspicious" of anyone "pulling up on him to shoot him."
James testified that people often would try to touch Combs or ask for his autograph, which his former boss wouldn't sign. He said staff would sign items and send them out on Combs' behalf.
He said he didn't think "gracious" was a word he would use to describe Combs.
The security detail would also tell James something to the effect of, "You know what rhymes with tired? Fired." Though James said he admitted to Combs he was tired once after running a red light, but James did not get fired for it.
9h ago / 7:44 AM PDT
The 'mundane' is appreciated in this courtroom
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
In a trial filled with lurid and disturbing details of sexual abuse, the promise of "mundane" questions was welcomed in the courtroom.
In his cross-examination of James, defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo told the witness that he had few more mundane questions.
James answered that he likes mundane questions, drawing laughter from the gallery.
James recalled how much he admired Combs and his desire to work for him.
James said he wore Combs clothing line Sean John, and when he was studying in London in 2004, people would come up to him and ask where he got his clothing. He said that made him understand Combs' global reach and his brand and made him want to work for him because Combs was successful and self-made, and he admired Combs' marketing skills.
10h ago / 7:22 AM PDT
Cross-examination pushes deeper into Suge Knight incident
Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
Diddy's defense attorney, Marc Agnifilo, took over David James' cross-examination. He started by asking James why he didn't provide more details on the Suge Knight incident.
James responded that the story stopped because he was instructed not to say anything that would incriminate himself. Agnifilo asked about a prior statement in which James said he was inside the diner, but James said he didn't remember it.
10h ago / 7:21 AM PDT
Suge Knight incident prompted assistant to quit
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
James said he was "shook" after seeing the desire by Combs' team to grab guns and confront Suge Knight at a Los Angeles diner in 2008.
The witness recalled an incident when the team was out getting a late snack at Mel’s Drive-In when Combs' confidante D-Roc spotted the Death Row Records chief there and said, "That's mother f------ Suge Knight."
James said that Combs' team met up with the music mogul back at his house and he armed himself with three handguns to go and possibly confront Knight. The incident, James testified, is what prompted him to quit.
James said he was shaken and that it was the first time as his assistant that he realized his life was in danger. He said he told Combs' team that he wanted to leave his job, but he would give them six months notice so he could train the next assistant.
10h ago / 7:03 AM PDT
Combs kept video of assistant dancing at New Year’s Eve party
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
James recalled how he once got high on ecstasy at a New Year's Eve party, and Combs allegedly kept a video of James dancing at the party.
James said Combs told him he would keep it in case Combs needed it in the future because it would embarrass James.
This minor detail could help prosecutors build their greater narrative that Combs allegedly used his business to control people in his sphere.
10h ago / 6:58 AM PDT
Combs brought in FBI lie detector specialist to question assistant, James said
Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
Combs brought in a lie detector test and conducted it on James at least twice while James worked as his assistant.
James told the court that in his first year working for Combs, some money went missing and Combs had a former FBI agent who specialized in polygraphs to interview him.
He said it was intimidating because he had never taken a lie detector test before.
He added that the second time he took a lie detector test was after a watch went missing. James also testified that Combs' security searched his clothes and drawers when a Cartier bracelet went missing.
10h ago / 6:54 AM PDT
Former assistant saw Ventura in hotel bed and a stranger while Combs showered
Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
David James testified that he walked into a hotel room to deliver items for Combs when he saw Ventura in a hotel bed with a man he did not know in the room.
The former assistant said he was in Miami in 2008 when Combs requested James bring his iPad to the couple's hotel room. When no one answered, James testified that he used his key to let himself in.
James said he saw Ventura apparently sleeping with a comforter pulled up to her neck while Combs was in the shower. He testified he saw a man with long hair walk across the room.
James said he never spoke to Ventura or Combs about it and that he never had conversations with them about their personal affairs.
10h ago / 6:44 AM PDT
Standard overnight bag in Combs world: $10,000 cash and Viagra
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
James told jurors that Combs didn't travel light and had a long laundry list of items to be packed in his overnight bags.
The music mogul's Louis Vuitton regularly carried $10,000 in cash "and sometimes much more," James said.
Combs' medicine bag included 25 to 30 undisclosed pill bottles along with Advil, Tylenol, Viagra, "pills to increase sperm count," and water pills, James said. He later added that Percocet and ecstasy were in the medicine bag and that he witnessed Combs taking them.
The witness also said he was instructed to buy baby oil, Astroglide and condoms for trips in cash so that Combs could reimburse him, personally, off the company books.
11h ago / 6:37 AM PDT
James said Combs searched his computer history for a blog post on Ventura abuse
Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
David James said he didn't witness any physical violence between Combs and his former girlfriend, but testified that he did see a blog post alleging that Combs hit Ventura at a club.
Combs allegedly searched James' computer history and became upset, telling James that someone was lying. The former assistant called it "jarring" because Combs had never searched his computer history before.
James looked for the post, he said, because Ventura had been staying at the London hotel for a week and he was tasked with bringing her food. But Combs' personal staff was the one answering the door.
He said he was surprised because he was expecting to see Cassie, who usually answered the door.
Ventura testified last week that Combs put her up in the London hotel after allegedly attacking her in the back of a car while leaving an event. She told the court that she didn't feel as if she could leave and that Combs' security was present.
11h ago / 6:24 AM PDT
David James returns to witness stand
Adam Reiss and Marlene Lenthang
David James returned to the witness stand for his second day of testimony. He appeared to be wearing the same blue suit and white shirt as yesterday.
11h ago / 6:23 AM PDT
Court is now in session
Adam Reiss and Marlene Lenthang
Court is officially in session, kicking off day seven of Combs' trial.
11h ago / 5:57 AM PDT
David James and attorneys arrive at court
Marlene Lenthang and Brittany Kubicko
David James, Combs’ former personal assistant who will testify today, was seen arriving at court shortly after 8 a.m.
Other arrivals this morning include attorneys for Combs: Anna Estevao, Xavier Donaldson, Alexandra Shapiro, Teny Geragos, and Brian Steel.
12h ago / 5:40 AM PDT
Combs in court
Adam Reiss and Marlene Lenthang
Combs arrived in court this morning wearing a sweater over a white shirt.
13h ago / 4:26 AM PDT
Here’s a recap of yesterday's testimony
Erik Ortiz and Marlene Lenthang
Three witnesses testified yesterday on how Combs appeared to control Cassie.
The witnesses were: Dawn Richard, a singer in Combs’ former girl group Danity Kane, Ventura’s former best friend Kerry Morgan, and David James, a personal assistant who worked for Combs from 2007 to 2009.
Richard recalled how Combs would allegedly punch and choke Cassie. Morgan testified that she witnessed Combs assault Cassie twice, once in Jamaica and once in Los Angeles. Morgan also testified that Combs assaulted her in Cassie's home, leading to a falling out between Morgan and Cassie. James testified that Ventura told him Combs controlled her career and money.
14h ago / 3:32 AM PDT
David James’ testimony to continue this morning
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
The seventh day of testimony in Sean Combs’ trial should start with continued questioning for his former personal assistant, David James.
James gave compelling testimony yesterday, vividly recalling details of his two-year stint at Combs’ side.
The witness was emotional at times, shedding tears as he described some of the better days and more rocky times Combs and Cassie enjoyed.
14h ago / 3:32 AM PDT
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Sharing their front-row seat to Combs and Cassie's life
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Jurors will get a more insider’s look at the luxurious — and often tumultuous — lifestyle Combs led with Cassie Ventura.
After James’ testimony, the government is expected to call three witnesses today: Sharay Hayes, Regina Ventura and Jourdan Atkinson.
Hayes is an exotic dancer known as “The Punisher,” while Regina Ventura is Ventura’s mother, and Atkinson once worked as a personal chef for Combs.
Last week, Cassie described how Combs directed her to hire male sex workers to take part in “freak offs,” often long and drug-fueled orgies choreographed by the defendant who watched in the same room.
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