Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial live updates: Agent testifies about drugs, guns and sex supplies found in Miami home
Combs faces five criminal counts in total, including two of sex trafficking. He denies all the allegations.
What to know about the sex trafficking trial
Sean "Diddy" Combs' trial will today hear from Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Gerard Gannon, who led searches of his properties in Miami. Rapper Kid Cudi was slated to testify today, but his appearance has been postponed.
Yesterday, Gannon walked jurors through the complicated process of executing search warrants at Combs' Miami home on Star Island.
Also taking the stand yesterday was the mother of Cassie Ventura, Combs' former girlfriend who testified that the music mogul 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.
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
1h / 12:14 PM
AUSA: Tomorrow Mr. Mescudi [Kid Cudi
1h / 12:12 PM
Wait there's more
Combs' Agnifilo: The proffered email chain is about Gina and Gina is out of the case, she's not coming.
AUSA: She's in the indictment.
Agnifilo: They could get her here and they're choosing not to. I'll submit a letter by 10 pm
1h / 12:09 PM
Judge: We'll break for the day
1h / 12:07 PM
Kaplan: In Miami Mr. Combs asked me to call a person. He came and gave me a bag of pills. MDMA. I gave him cash. I gave the pills to Mr. Combs.
AUSA: And in LA?
Kaplan: I went out and met the person in Hollywood. I gave money, he gave me a bag.
1h / 12:05 PM
AUSA: Illegal drugs?
Combs' Agnifilo: I object to the term illegal
AUSA: What other drugs?
Kaplan: Advil, ketamine
AUSA: What's he ask for?
Kaplan: I picked up drugs for him: MDMA.
AUSA: Who asked?
Kaplan: Mr. Combs. In LA and Miami
1h / 12:04 PM
AUSA: Explain
Combs' Agnifilo: Objection
Judge: Overruled.
Kaplan: I found hotels would sell photos to newspapers to shame guests
AUSA: Did he reach out to you from the room?
Kaplan: For food, clothes, sometimes drugs. I did it.
AUSA: What drugs?
Kaplan: Dopp kit
1h 12:02 PM
USA: Would you clean up rooms?
Kaplan: Yes. Bottles of baby oil, Gatorade. Once brown crystalized powder on the counter of the bathroom sink.
AUSA: Why did you clean up, not hotel staff?
Kaplan: It was implied, protect his public image. I was keen on doing that
1h / 12:00 PM
AUSA: In what cities did you set up hotel rooms?
Kaplan: LA, NY & Miami. In LA, Mr. C, Belaire, the Inter-Continental.
AUSA: In NY?
Kaplan: Trump. By Columbus Circle. In Miami, the SLS.
AUSA: How was it booked?
Kaplan: Frank Black. Based on Biggie's Frank White
1h / 11:58 AM
AUSA: How did you travel?
Kaplan: On his jet. Or going in advice to make sure it's all set up.
AUSA: How did you set up hotel rooms?
Kaplan: There was a bag. I unpacked it. Clothes, candle, Astroglide, baby oil.
AUSA: Who bought this?
Kaplan: Often me
1h / 11:56 AM
AUSA: Did he threat you?
Kaplan: He threatened my job.
AUSA: How often?
Kaplan: Maybe monthly. He'd say he was only to be surrounded by the best people and that he wasn't. For example, he went me for a one liter water and I bought back 2 half liters. He said, No
1h / 11:55 AM
AUSA: Who was security?
Kaplan: Uncle Paulie, D-Roc and Ruben. Later, licensed security in the second half of 2015.
AUSA: How frequently did you communicate with Mr. Combs?
Kaplan: Multiple times a day. Things could be found in the back. An iPad, drugs, whatever
1h / 11:50 AM
AUSA: How much did you get paid?
Kaplan: $125,000 a year, to start
AUSA: What did you do in the morning?
Kaplan: Make sure everything was in the bathroom, the breakfast cooked. He was recording a mix tape, so we worked late
1h / 11:48 AM
AUSA: What did you do?
Kaplan: Carried his bags, made such things were when he wanted them. As he trusted me more he had me around more. I'd set up hotel rooms.
AUSA: How many hours a week?
Kaplan: 80 to 100 hours a week.
1h / 11:46 AM
AUSA: What was your next position?
Kaplan: Executive assistant to the chairman, Mr. Combs, from September 2014 to September 2015.
AUSA: Who did you report to?
Kaplan: Ms. Khorram, KK. She essentially ran Mr. Combs' life.
AUSA: Where did you report?
Kaplan: LA
1h / 11:44 AM
AUSA: When did you work for Combs Enterprises?
Kaplan: 2013 to 2015.
AUSA: What fell under that holding company?
Kaplan: Clothing, liquor, entertainment. I was executive assistant to the Chief Operating Officer.
AUSA: Where did you work?
Kaplan: 1710 Broadway NYC
1h / 11:41 AM
Combs' Bach: And Mr. Steel decided not to use you, after meeting with you-
Judge: Move on.
Bach: No further questions.
Judge: Next witness?
AUSA: The Government calls George Kaplan.
1h / 11:38 AM
Re-cross
Combs' Bach: Your defense work is almost entirely for victims of domestic violence, right?
Dr. Hughes: I'm not sure that's true.
Bach: You worked with Mr. [Brian] Steel, who was defending a woman charged with reacting to domestic violence, right?
Yes.
1h / 11:36 AM
AUSA Steiner: You are a board certified forensic psychologist, right?
Dr. Hughes: Yes.
AUSA: How many of those are there in New York State?
Dr. Hughes: I think about forty.
1h / 11:22 AM
Judge: Sorry that it wasn't shorter. ... Ms. Steiner?
AUSA Mitzi Steiner: You reviewed some filings to the court in this case - it was all related to the subject of your expert testimony, right?
Dr. Hughes: Correct.
AUSA: In fact, we redacted
Dr. Hughes: You did
1h / 11:11 AM
Combs' Bach: Didn't you help them write briefs?
AUSA: Can we have a sidebar?
Judge: Yes but I'll keep it brief, shorter than the last
[Sidebar - hasn't, in fact, been shorter]
1h / 11:06 AM
[They've back]
Combs' Bach: Did you discuss the topics with the prosecutors?
Dr. Hughes: With all due respect, it was mostly me educating them
Bach: But you know nothing about the case - were you advising them on how to present evidence in domestic violence cases?
1h / 11:00 AM
Combs' Bach: You met with the prosecutors six times to prepare your testimony, right?
Dr. Hughes: Correct.
AUSA: Can we have a sidebar?
Judge: You may
[sidebar]
1h / 10:56 AM
Combs' Bach: You're been retained 100s of times - but you've never come into court and testified in defense of a man accused of a sex crime?
Dr. Hughes: That's correct. I don't evaluate offenders.
1h / 10:52 AM
Combs' Bach: Most of your income comes from court-related work, right?
Dr. Hughes: No. Maybe half.
Bach: You've raised your rate to $600?
Dr. Hughes: It's been the same for some time.
Bach: But you've raised it.
Dr. Hughes: Commensurate with others
1h / 10:47 AM
Witness re-enters, then jury
Combs' Bach: Does this document refresh your recollection?
Dr. Hughes: Let me look at it more closely... Yes.
Bach: The 4th part is about Navigating Cross Examination, right?
Dr. Hughes: Yes.
1h / 10:39 AM
Judge: She can be shown the document, about training domestic violence advocates, and asked if she remembers. But I won't admit it as evidence, until she denied it and it becomes Prior Inconsistent Statement.
1h / 10:32 AM
Judge: Jurors, we're going to send you to the jury room for a bit
All rise!
Jurors leave.
Judge: Yesterday Ms. Shapiro submitted an exhibit ex parte... Now reviewing a document, what should I focus on?
AUSA: It shouldn't show this witness has a bias
1h / 10:25 AM
Combs' Bach: You gave a webinar about giving expert witness testimony, right?
Dr. Hughes: Yes, for battered women.
Bach: Let me show you DX -
Judge: Sidebar
1h / 10:16 AM
Combs' Bach: People might go to a civil lawyer to make a little money, right?
AUSA: Objection!
Judge: Let's more on.
Bach: In civil litigation, you might looks for malingering, right?
1h / 10:13 AM
Combs' Bach: You don't publish data on the patients you have evaluated, do you?
Dr. Hughes: It's confidential.
Bach: So I can't cross check your experience, the basis of what you are saying, right?
1h / 10:11 AM
Combs' Bach: You're testified across the river in EDNY, right?
Dr. Hughes: Right.
Bach: And you say the same thing, even those the cases are different, correct?
Dr. Hughes: It's to help the jurors understand
Bach: But it's their job to consider their case, right?
1h / 10:08 AM
Dr. Hughes: This is a different role.
Combs' Bach: You have not gathered information about this case, right?
Dr. Hughes: I am not rendering an opinion on any individual.
Bach: There someone named Cassie, but you don't know what she said, right?
Dr. Hughes: I don't
1h / 10:05 AM
Judge: We'll pick it up after Doctor Hughes. Please get her back on the stand.
Witness entering; jury entering!
Combs' Bach: You are with the American Psychological Association - which says you should only render an opinion after an examination, right?
A: Where?
1h / 9:54 AM
[They've back]
AUSA: Your Honor, we emailed you the exhibit over the break.
Combs' Agnifilo: We object to it as hearsay. The statement Thank I feel you from Mr. Combs is ambiguous. He could be saying thanks for the advice
1h / 9:23 AM
Judge: Now, break
1h / 9:22 AM
AUSA Comey: The attorney says he's read it.
Judge: I will sign the immunity order.
AUSA: The government will seek to admit GX 69A -
1h / 9:20 AM
Kaplan: Yes.
AUSA Comey: Your Honor, please sign the immunity order.
Judge: Has he read it?
No.
Judge: Read it first...
1h / 9:19 AM
[But wait - during the break, they bring in George Kaplan, "to invoke" [his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination]
Judge Subramanian: Welcome
AUSA: Did you receive a subpoena?
Kaplan: Yes.
AUSA: Do you intend not to answer, on the 5th AM grounds?
1h / 9:16 AM
Judge: Break
1h / 9:15 AM
Combs' Bach: People can fabricate emotional responses, correct?
Dr. Hughes: They can.
Judge: Mr. Bach, should be break here?
Bach: I don't have a good cliff-hanger
1h / 9:12 AM
Combs' Bach: When you do forensic work, you want a lot of sources of information, right?
Dr. Hughes: If it's relevant.
Bach: You look at police reports, witness reports, and the like, correct?
Dr. Hughes: Correct.
Bach: You're familiar with malingering?
A: I am
1h / 9:01 AM
Combs' Bach: People don't fit into boxes, right?
Dr. Hughes: There are categories.
Bach: But you have to listen to particular individuals, right?
Dr. Hughes: I'm not divorced from my training.
1h / 8:59 AM
[Sidebar and then cross examination - it will be by Jonathan Bach, Alexandra Shapiro's husband, only recently brought on as Combs' 10th lawyer]
Combs' Bach: Your clients, you observe them closely, their cognitive style
Dr. Hughes: Yes...
1h / 8:42 AM
AUSA Steiner: What type of language do victims use when they first speak of it?
Dr. Hughes: They minimize, they are piecemeal. They remember the chipping paint on the ceiling, the smell of alcohol on the perpetrator's breath
2h / 8:36 AM
AUSA: What about the power relation?
Dr. Hughes: A person can have power as principal of a school. The victim asks, who is going to believe me?
AUSA: When does the victim finally speak?
Dr. Hughes: In a safe environment. Or after psychological help.
2h / 8:30 AM
AUSA: What is minimization?
Dr. Hughes: The victim says, Maybe they had a bad day at work, maybe they were intoxicated. It's a way to stay in the relationship, but it increases their risk. It's not a long term strategy, it gets from one assaultive episode to next
2h / 8:23 AM
AUSA: Which is the most common coping mechanism?
Dr. Hughes: Trying to work it out, because of the trauma bond. You don't want to lose your partner.
AUSA: Personal coping mechanisms - how does placating or appeasing work?
Dr. Hughes: We're trying to avoid abuse
2h / 8:17 AM
AUSA Steiner: Are you familiar with love bombing?
Dr. Hughes: That honeymoon phase - the abuser showers her with gifts and affection to get her back.
AUSA: Does the attempt to leave happen over time?
Dr. Hughes: Yes, it takes multiple attempts
2h / 8:11 AM
AUSA: What is emotional abuse?
Dr. Hughes: Putting down our partner, feeling like a piece of crap
AUSA: What about financial dependence?
Dr. Hughes: The abuses controls housing and transportation. Taking away her laptop-
Defense: Objection!
Judge: Sustained.
2h / 8:08 AM
AUSA Mitzi Steiner: What can be the role of sexual abuse?
Dr. Hughes: It puts the victim in significant psychological fear.
AUSA: Why does it prevent leaving?
Dr. Hughes: Shame, degradation, they don't want to think about it
2h / 8:05 AM
AUSA: What is psychological violence?
Dr. Hughes: Intimidation. Throwing things. Telling you what you can do and where you can go-
Defense: Objection!
Judge: Hold on... I'm going to strike that last answer.
2h / 8:04 AM
AUSA: Why do victims stay?
Dr. Hughes: There are psychological bonds. And the psychological consequences of the abuse.
AUSA: What are the levels of fear?
Dr. Hughes: It ranges from physical violence to butterflies - violence doesn't have to happen all the time
2h / 7:58 AM
AUSA: What do you anticipate covering?
Dr. Hughes: Why victims stay, memory...
AUSA: Have you been retained by the Government?
Dr. Hughes; Yes.
AUSA: What is your hourly rate?
Dr. Hughes: $600. Six thousands for the day in court
2h / 7:53 AM
AUSA: How many times have you testified in court?
Dr Hughes: 60 or 65, in SDNY, ENDY and the Northern District. Also NJ, PA, CT, VA.
AUSA: We offer Doctor Hughes as an expert.
Defense: No objection.
2h / 7:44 AM
Judge: Re-direct?
AUSA Smyzer: No.
Judge: Next Government witness.
AUSA: The Government calls Doctor Dawn Hughes... What is your profession?
Dr Hughes: Clinical and forensic psychology.... I treated people who were in World War II, which was such an honor
2h / 7:39 AM
Deputy: We may take the sealed exhibit down.
Combs' Geragos: Agent Gannon, you live in Florida - don't many people have guns in their homes there?
AUSA: Objection.
Judge: Rephrase
Geragos: Do you have guns in your home?
Gannon: Yes.
Geragos: No further questions
2h / 7:35 AM
AUSA Smyzer: Cut off the screens.
[Can't see exhibit]
Combs' Teny Geragos: Please don't say the names of the people in this photograph other than my client... Don't talk about it.
AUSA Smyzer: May we confer with counsel?
Judge: You may.
2h / 7:32 AM
Combs' Teny Geragos: The drugs were in this bag, and in the "Puffy" box, right?
Agent Gannon: Yes.
Combs' Geragos: Your Honor, I am going to introduce a sealed exhibit, with the help of I.T.... May I approach the witness?
Judge: Yes.
Deputy: We may proceed. DX 304
3h / 7:29 AM
Combs' Teny Geragos: At HSI you have Mr. Combs' DNA, right?
Agent Gannon: I don't know.
Geragos: When he was arrested, the Government took DNA swab, right?
Gannon: I don't know.
Geragos: Hold up the Gucci bag.
3h / 7:28 AM
Combs' Teny Geragos: Do you agree that handguns, metal, is easier to get fingerprint than maybe another type of device?
Agent Gannon: Can't say if it's easier. But it can be done.
Geragos: Can you get prints off a gun, easier when it's inside?
Gannon: I'd think so
3h / 7:26 AM
Combs' Teny Geragos: The gun was wrapped in a towel, it didn't look like how you displayed it to the jury yesterday, right?
Agent Gannon: Yes ma'am.
Geragos: Did you find any photos of Mr. Combs with these firearms?
Agent Gannon: We did not
3h / 7:16 AM
Combs' Geragos: There was a music studio in the guesthouse, right? DX 305 - do you recognize this?
Agent Gannon: Yes, ma'am. It's the studio.
Geragos: Move to admit.
[Photo of mixing board, keyboards, "love" in jeweled script over it]
3h / 7:13 AM
Combs' Teny Geragos: You found six people, and kept them in handcuffs for an hour?
Agent Gannon: No ma'am. There was one individual who wasn't happy with us and wasn't cooperating, so we kept him in handcuffs longer
Geragos: Because he wasn't happy with cuffs?
3h / 7:06 AM
Combs' Teny Geragos: What type of vehicles did you use?
Agent Gannon: Armored vehicle
Combs' Geragos: And a boat - come in by land and by sea?
Agent Gannon: It's common practice.
Geragos: 80 or 90 agents?
Agent Gannon: Not all at the same time
3h / 7:04 AM
[After sidebar]
Combs' Teny Geragos: In planning the search, you knew that none of the targets of the investigation would be there?
AUSA: Objection!
Judge: Overruled.
Agent Gannon: The plan was to have him not there. But we had contingencies
3h / 7:01 AM
AUSA: Was a gun found in this suitcase?
Gannan: Yes. A .45
AUSA: Hold the bullets up for the jury... No further questions.
Judge: Cross?
Defense: The day of the search, you knew that Mr. Combs was leaving the country with his twin daughters?
Objection; sidebar
3h / 6:47 AM
AUSA: How do you know that this is the Astroglide and the baby oil that you seized? How many bottles of each?
Gannon: 31 Astroglide, 25 baby oil bottles.
AUSA: Any other cell phones found?
Gannon: Yes.
AUSA: BX 1301, page 3, paragraph 11...
3h / 6:40 AM
AUSA: These pills were found with a Tesla imprint on them... These had the active ingredient in Xanax... This hundred dollar bill had residue of cocaine... Mr. Gannon, what's this?
Gannon: A dark wood box with the word "Puffy" on the top.
3h / 6:30 AM
AUSA: What's this?
Gannon: Three cell phones found in one of the boots.
AUSA: Display the Gucci bag for the jury... Pull up GX 10A and the stipulation, zoom in on Paragraph 5... A white plastic bottle, it contained liquid residue of meth and liquid MDMA
4h / 6:19 AM
Judge: Please get the witness, Mr. Gannon, and check on the jury... Welcome back, Mr. Gannon.
Jury entering!
AUSA: Mr. Gannon, let's continue with items you seized [on Star Island] GX 215. What is this?
Gannon: High heels and sex items in the master closet
4h / 6:14 AM
AUSA: Mr. Mescudi will not be testifying today
Judge: Did I miss that?
AUSA: We emailed at 10:45 pm
4h / 6:13 AM
AUSA: We are concerned that Ms. Porter's death may be used to build sympathy for Mr. Combs, and lead jurors to believe that if he is convicted his children may-
Judge: I'll think on it. As to Mr. Mescudi, the defense is concerned about hearsay
6h / 6:11 AM
Judge: What about these texts involving Ms. Ventura and buying drugs in Boston
AUSA: We think it's irrelevant. But if they redacted it, it is not hearsay, that she was in Boston and on her own. I think that's why Mr. Agnifilo wants it in.
Judge: I'll think on it
4h / 6:09 AM
Judge: When Doctor Hughes is on the stand, I'm sure Mr. Bach can raise that in cross
4h / 6:07 AM
[Before the jury is in]
Judge: The defense letter about Doctor Hughes preserves your objections, Ms. Shapiro
4h / 6:05 AM
OK - US v Sean Combs Day 8, Star Island search, expert Dawn Hughes, maybe Kid Cudi
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 NEWS
POSTED TO THEIR WEBSITE
3h ago / 12:25 PM PDT
Court is adjourned for the day, Kid Cudi expected to take the stand tomorrow
Adam Reiss and Gavon Laessig
The jury was excused for the day and court will resume tomorrow with continued questioning of George Kaplan.
A total of five witnesses will be called, including Scott Mescudi, the rap star known as Kid Cudi.
3h ago / 12:25 PM PDT
Cleaning up baby oil and liquor bottles in hotel rooms among job duties, former assistant says
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Kaplan testified that one of his duties was to clean hotel rooms for Combs, saying that photos of checked-out mess could be embarrassing and sold to tabloids.
The former assistant said the rooms would often be littered with liquor bottles and baby oil after Combs stayed in them, and on one occasion he found white powder near a sink.
The witness also said that packing Combs' medicine bag was always a lengthy challenge as various pills — including Advil, Tylenol and ketamine — always needed to be included.
Kaplan recalled once accepting a delivery of MDMA for Combs in Miami.
3h ago / 12:12 PM PDT
Former assistant details difficulty of working for Combs, says his job was repeatedly threatened
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Kaplan claims Combs regularly threatened to fire him, with the rapper saying he only wanted the best employees possible — sometimes in a motivational tone, sometimes in an angry tone.
Combs also had very exact demands that needed to be met when traveling, such as filling out a list of toiletries that needed to be packed for overnight, Kaplan said.
Kaplan was also required to unpack the toiletries and arrange them so they were all facing forward, which would regularly take 30 minutes, the witness said.
3h ago / 11:53 AM PDT
George Kaplan takes the witness stand
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
A former assistant to Combs, George Kaplan, was called to the witness stand by the government.
4h ago / 11:23 AM PDT
Psychologist confirms she doesn't evaluate sex offenders and is paid by prosecutors
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
The forensic psychologist testifying for the government has never before appeared for a criminal defendant, she said.
Defense attorney Jonathan Bach asked Hughes if she's ever represented anyone accused of a sex crime. She said she has not.
"That's correct, I don't evaluate offenders," Hughes said.
Bach also asked Hughes if she is making $600 an hour for her work with prosecutors, which she confirmed.
Moments later, under a prosecutor’s questioning, Hughes recalled that she had been hired once before by defense lawyers — to evaluate a woman who shot her abusive husband. However, the psychologist said she didn’t end up on the witness stand in that matter.
4h ago / 10:29 AM PDT
Psychologist agrees she hasn't done comprehensive evaluation of anyone in this trial
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
The defense wants to minimize Hughes' impact by pointing out that she doesn't have detailed knowledge of this case and allegations made against Combs.
Hughes appeared to agree with Combs' defense that she doesn't have this level of intimate knowledge and hasn't done an evaluation of the alleged abusers and victims — because the witness wasn't asked to do so.
Earlier during direct examination, prosecutors anticipated this line of questioning and asked Hughes why she hasn't interviewed the defendant or witnesses here.
Hughes told the court she wasn't legally allowed to do so.
5h ago / 10:02 AM PDT
Back from lunch and Hughes resumes testimony
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
The forensic psychologist, Hughes, returned to the witness stand to continue her testimony.
The expert on trauma and abuse could be key to prosecutors, who want to show how Combs allegedly victimized and controlled women, even if they didn't leave their toxic relationships with the music mogul.
2h ago / 9:33 AM PDT
Witness George Kaplan granted immunity to testify
Adam Reiss and Marlene Lenthang
Government witness George Kaplan, a former assistant of Combs, entered court after Hughes wrapped up, saying he was there after receiving a subpoena. Earlier in the day, there were concerns over whether he'd plead the Fifth Amendment and not testify.
Prosecutors offered to grant him immunity if he answered questions, but warned that this protection does not cover perjury.
After Kaplan’s attorney reviewed the legal document, the judge executed Kaplan’s immunity, and Kaplan will testify later today.
2h ago / 9:20 AM PDT
Court breaks for lunch
Adam Reiss and Marlene Lenthang
Hughes has wrapped up her testimony as court breaks for lunch until 12:45 p.m. ET.
2h ago / 9:18 AM PDT
Defense mechanism for abuse victims is delayed disclosure, psychologist says
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Abuse victims will sometimes delay disclosing what they've been through, fearing fall out such as shame or not being believed, Hughes said.
That's why abuse will likely first be disclosed to a very close friend or loved one, who'd be viewed by victims as the most trusting ear, according to Hughes.
And the trauma itself can impact a victim's memory, Hughes said, as combat veterans, child-sex victims and others have shown a propensity for failing to recall exact details as stress narrows attention.
2h ago / 8:48 AM PDT
Psychological, sexual and emotional abuse — and financial dependence — used to control victims, expert says
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Domestic violence victims fall prey to psychological, sexual and emotional abuse — as well as financial dependence — making it all the harder for them to fight back or cut themselves loose, Hughes said.
Victims suffering from psychological abuse walk on eggshells and focus on how to stay safe in the moment rather than a big picture solution, such as exiting a toxic relationship, according to Hughes.
Sexual abuse can bring shame and humiliation, which leads victims to worry about keeping this harm private — which again keeps them from seeking an ultimate end to a bad relationship, she said.
The price of emotional abuse leads victims to simply believe they're not worthy of anything more, thus draining them of the energy or motivation to get help, she said.
Hughes described financial dependence as "very important," as it deprives the victim of the material resources needed to leave an abusive relationship. She said, "If you don't have money, you are left with a feeling of 'Where am I going to go?'"
2h ago / 8:18 AM PDT
It's common for domestic violence victims to stay with abusers, psychologist says
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Victims of domestic violence often stay with their abusers as they feel like there are no better options, Hughes said.
These victims who stay in these toxic relationships tend to fall into three categories — because they feel trapped, still feel a bond to their abuser and believe that the act of leaving the relationship is far too complex to achieve, the psychologist testified.
Hughes' testimony could be key in prosecution efforts to fight the defense narrative that women such as Combs' former girlfriend Cassie Ventura could have left their 11-year relationship.
2h ago / 7:46 AM PDT
Hughes is no stranger to high-profile trials
Daniel Arkin
Combs’ trial isn’t the first time Dawn Hughes has played a role in dramatic legal sagas at the nexus of celebrity and power in the post-#MeToo era. In recent years, Hughes has taken the witness stand in other high-profile sexual misconduct trials that drew national attention.
When the NXIVM sex cult leader Keith Raniere went on trial in 2019, Hughes was on hand to explain to jurors how serial sexual abusers “gaslight” their victims. Two years later, Hughes testified at R. Kelly’s federal trial, telling jurors that the R&B singer had subjected victims to “psychological entrapment.”
Raniere was found guilty of racketeering, sex trafficking and possession of child pornography. R. Kelly was convicted in 2021 on one count of racketeering and eight counts of violating the Mann Act, a law that bars transporting people across state lines “for any immoral purpose.”
Hughes reached a new level of national awareness after testifying at the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard defamation trial. Heard ultimately lost the defamation case.
2h ago / 7:42 AM PDT
Dawn Hughes takes the stand
Adam Reiss and Marlene Lenthang
Special Agent Gerard Gannon has wrapped up his testimony and left the stand.
Prosecutors have now called Dawn Hughes, a clinical and forensic psychologist, to the stand. Hughes is dressed in a cream colored suit.
3h ago / 7:35 AM PDT
Defense seeking to minimize gun evidence
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Combs' team suggested that the number of guns, including those with serial numbers removed, found in his Miami home are not that significant or as dangerous as they appear.
Under cross-examination by defense lawyer Teny Geragos, Gannon agreed that many of the firearms were wrapped up in tape, not loaded and thus inoperable.
Gannon also agreed with Geragos that guns without serial numbers could still be linked to owners by fingerprints, DNA, hair and fiber.
3h ago / 7:17 AM PDT
Kid Cudi not testifying today
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Grammy-winning rapper Kid Cudi will not testify today, prosecutors said.
The 41-year-old artist had originally been scheduled to take the witness stand late this afternoon with testimony spilling into tomorrow.
But now it looks like Kid Cudi won't begin his direct examination by federal prosecutors until tomorrow at the earliest.
3h ago / 7:08 AM PDT
Handgun and bullets found in guard area of Miami property
Adam Reiss and Marlene Lenthang
In the guest house of Diddy’s Miami property, a .45 caliber handgun was found in a red suitcase at the entrance to the guard shack area.
A photo of a magazine and bullets in a baggie were displayed in court.
3h ago / 7:01 AM PDT
Bin of baby oil, dozens of bottles of lubricant and rubber duck found in closet of Miami home
Adam Reiss and Marlene Lenthang
Authorities also found a bin containing 25 bottles of baby oil, 31 bottles of Astroglide lubricant and a rubber duck in a closet in a hallway between the master bedroom and master closet of Diddy's Miami home.
A photo of that closet and the items found inside were shown in court.
3h ago / 7:00 AM PDT
Capsules with ingredient linked to shrooms found in bathroom 'Puffy' box
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
A crystal rock-like substance and pills with the main ingredient of magic mushrooms were found in the Combs' Miami home, the witness said.
The crystal rock-like substance was discovered inside a wooden box marked "Puffy," Gannon said.
Investigators in the master bathroom also came upon a plastic bag of pills that would eventually test positive for the main ingredient of hallucinogenic mushrooms.
3h ago / 6:38 AM PDT
Items found in Combs' home: Phones stuffed in a Balenciaga boot and drugs in a Gucci bag
Adam Reiss and Marlene Lenthang
Gerard Gannon is back on the witness stand, and was questioned about items seized from one of the master closets during a raid of Combs’ Miami home last year.
He described seizing a pair of red pump high heels and discovering cellphones stuffed inside a Balenciaga boot.
Inside the closet was also a Gucci bag that contained white residue that tested positive for cocaine and ketamine. That bag also contained smaller bags of different colored pills — including some stamped with a Tesla symbol — that tested positive for MDMA and Xanax.
4h ago / 6:20 AM PDT
Court is in session
Marlene Lenthang
Court is now in session, marking the eighth day of Combs' trial.
4h ago / 6:19 AM PDT
Dawn Hughes arrives at court
Marlene Lenthang
Dawn Hughes, a forensic psychologist expected to testify later today, arrived at court shortly before 9 a.m.
4h ago / 6:07 AM PDT
Who is Kid Cudi?
Marlene Lenthang
Kid Cudi is expected to testify today.
He is a 41-year-old Grammy-winning rapper and singer whose real name is Scott Mescudi. He is known for hits including "Day ’n’ Nite" and "Pursuit of Happiness."
Cassie Ventura testified last week that Combs kicked her in the back at his house after finding out she was cheating on him with Kid Cudi in 2011.
In her lawsuit filed in 2023, Ventura said Combs allegedly told her during Paris Fashion Week in 2012 that he was going to blow up Cudi’s car after finding out about the affair. Around that time, Cudi’s car exploded in his driveway, the suit said.
5h ago / 5:27 AM PDT
Combs' lawyers arrive at court
Marlene Lenthang
Attorneys Xavier Donaldson, Marc Agnifilo, Jason Driscoll, Brian Steel and Alexandra Shapiro, who are part of Combs' defense team, were seen arriving at court after 8 a.m.
5h ago / 5:15 AM PDT
Here’s a recap of yesterday
Daniel Arkin and Marlene Lenthang
Yesterday, prosecutors called four witnesses to the stand: David James, Combs’ former personal assistant; Regina Ventura, the mother of Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura; Sharay Hayes, a male escort who testified to participating in Combs’ “freak offs,” and Homeland Security agent Gerard Gannon.
Their testimonies expanded the jurors' views into Combs' alleged abusive behavior and into the complex relationship he had with singer Cassie.
Regina Ventura, the mother of Cassie, whose real name is Casandra Ventura, said she felt "physically sick" after her daughter told her Combs threatened to release explicit videos when she started dating Kid Cudi. Hayes testified that he was hired up to a dozen times for freak offs, with the first encounter being at the Trump Tower, where he was tipped $1,200.
James testified that he ultimately quit working for Combs after seeing the artist armed himself with three handguns and wanted to possibly confront Suge Knight at a Los Angeles diner in 2008.
5h ago / 4:49 AM PDT
Kid Cudi expected to testify today
David K. Li
Rapper Kid Cudi and forensic psychologist Dawn Hughes are expected to take the witness later today.
The artist, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, was mentioned several times in testimony yesterday.
Combs became infuriated when he learned that his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura had been spending time with Kid Cudi, her mother said. That prompted Combs to demand $20,000 from Ventura’s mother for sex tapes he had of her daughter.
7h ago / 3:35 AM PDT
Cassie Ventura's mother testifies in Combs’ trial
Chloe Melas
Regina Ventura, the mother of Sean Combs’ former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, testified she took pictures of bruises on her daughter. The jury also heard from Combs’ former assistant and an escort who said he participated in so-called “freak offs.”
7h ago / 3:35 AM PDT
Day 8 of testimony in Combs' trial
David K. Li
When jurors take their seats and U.S. District Court Judge Arun Subramanian gavels court back into session this morning, the testimony of a federal agent who organized searches of Sean "Diddy" Combs’ Miami properties will continue.
Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Gerard Gannon, who led searches of Combs’ properties in Miami, was on the witness stand late yesterday afternoon.
He walked jurors through the complicated process of executing search warrants at the music mogul's home to find guns, sex toys, Astroglide, baby oil and condoms.
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