What's happened during the Diddy trial? Day-by-day recap

NEW YORK - The trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs has already cemented itself in pop culture history with its dramatic revelations and high-profile testimonies. As the proceedings unfold in Manhattan federal court, each day brings new insights into the allegations against the former larger-than-life hip-hop mogul, who faces charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. 

JUMP TO: KID CUDI'S TESTIMONY | CASSIE'S TESTIMONY

Here's a day-by-day recap of the trial, with evidence photos and court sketches included:

Day 29 (June 17): Judge addresses leak; ‘freak-off’ video shown

Tensions are rising at the courthouse as both the prosecution and defense face scrutiny from the judge over leaked sealed information. Judge Arun Subramanian expressed frustration over the leak of sealed information from a private meeting, which appeared in an online article. He warned lead counsels Marc Agnifilo for the defense and Maurene Comey for the prosecution that they could face civil or criminal penalties. 

Following the judge's warning, the trial proceeded with testimony from a federal special agent, who presented records of Combs' financial activities related to "freak-offs," including hotel furniture charges and plane tickets.Jurors viewed a video clip of Combs and Cassie during a "freak-off," while the court reviewed text messages between them discussing plans for these events. The casual nature of their planning was likened to typical dinner reservations, highlighting the routine aspect of these gatherings.

Day 28 (June 16): Juror replaced, summary witnesses testify

A juror was dismissed due to conflicting statements about his residence, replaced by an alternate from Westchester. Diddy's defense attorneys attempted to keep a 41-year-old Black man on the jury, submitting a detailed letter to the judge. However, Judge Arun Subramanian dismissed the juror, citing inconsistencies in his statements.

Summary witnesses provided an overview of the evidence, including text messages, cash transactions, and credit card receipts, to illustrate the alleged criminal activities linked to Combs. They described messages from Combs' former chief of staff that suggest involvement in a criminal enterprise, including cash for escorts and drug pickups.

Day 27 (June 13): Kanye shows up to court in support; juror dismissed

Kanye West made a surprise appearance at the trial, expressing support for Combs. West watched some of the testimony from an overflow room before departing after about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the judge dismissed juror number six due to inconsistencies in his statements about his residence, a decision contested by the defense team.

During the trial, a Homeland Security special agent testified about the seizure of 900 bottles of Astroglide lubricant, 200 bottles of baby oil, and various firearms from Sean Combs' LA home last March. This marked the agent's first investigation involving such items. The trial's fifth week concluded with testimony from his former personal assistant, Jonathan Perez.

Perez testified about Combs' habits, including carrying large amounts of money and drugs. He recounted a night when Combs appeared angry and annoyed while visiting his former girlfriend, known as "Jane," who accused Combs of physical violence and coercion. Perez noted that Jane seemed to be a willing participant despite the alleged argument.

Day 26 (June 12): Juror fight continues, 'Jane's' testimony continues

The trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs is heating up, with closed-door debates in the judge's chambers regarding the potential dismissal of juror number 6. The prosecution has requested the juror's removal due to "a lack of candor," though no further explanation has been provided. Public records reveal that juror number 6 is a 41-year-old corrections officer from the Bronx who enjoys 90's hip hop and reggaeton music. The judge postponed his decision on the juror's status.

Diddy's ex-girlfriend, referred to as "Jane" and testifying under immunity, spent most of the day on the stand under cross-examination. She was questioned about her last encounter with Combs before his September 2024 arrest. While detailing abuse, "Jane" also focused on her dissatisfaction with the attention and gifts she received from Combs.

Day 25 (June 11): Juror issue, ‘Jane’ reads Diddy texts

A potential issue has arisen with a juror, as prosecutors request their dismissal due to concerns about honesty. They claim the juror "appeared to have a lack of candor with the court," suggesting that the juror may not have been completely honest about a key factor.

Meanwhile, Diddy's ex-girlfriend, using the pseudonym "Jane," returned to the stand for further cross-examination. During her testimony, "Jane" admitted to enjoying the "freak-offs" they called hotel nights, as well as "movie" nights where they watched sex videos of themselves and porn at her home. Diddy's defense had Jane read her text messages to Diddy to support these claims.

 

Day 24 (June 10): ‘Jane’ back in the hot seat

In court, Diddy's ex-girlfriend, known as "Jane," was back in the hot seat, testifying about her business and sexual relationship with Combs, expressing jealousy over his public relationship with rapper Yung Miami while keeping her hidden.

During cross-examination, Jane revealed her desire for a more public relationship and her envy over Combs buying expensive gifts for other women. Despite a financial arrangement for sex, including $10,000 monthly rent and additional funds for personal expenses, Jane expressed anger and frustration, questioning the value of her body compared to designer bags. Explicit text messages were also presented, highlighting her desire for romance.

Day 23 (June 9): ‘Jane’ on ‘freak-offs’

Witness "Jane" testified about her tumultuous relationship with Diddy, revealing financial ties and dissatisfaction with their "freak-offs," despite Combs paying her $10,000 monthly rent and legal fees.

Jane recounted a violent altercation in June 2024, where she attacked Combs out of jealousy, leading to a physical brawl that escalated with Combs allegedly dragging her back into the house. Following the fight, Jane called a woman she suspected was involved with Combs, who insulted her over speakerphone while Combs listened,

Day 22 (June 6): ‘Jane’ describes her ‘love contract’

A woman identified under the pseudonym Jane continued her testimony about orchestrated hotel encounters with other men, allegedly scripted and recorded by Diddy.

She described dozens of sexual encounters arranged by Combs, involving escorts flown in from various locations for "live pornographic shows." She testified about the physical and mental toll these experiences took on her, including injuries, infections, and exhaustion, while Combs publicly romanced other women.

After a trip to Turks and Caicos led to another group sex night, Jane wanted to leave but instead agreed to a "love contract" with Combs, receiving $10,000 a month to remain in his life. She used the money to rent a home for her and her child, and Combs also paid for furniture and cosmetic dental work.

Day 21 (June 5): Judge reprimands Diddy

The judge reprimanded Sean "Diddy" Combs for staring at jurors and nodding, warning of potential actions including banning him from the courtroom if it continues.

Also, Bryana Bongolan, a Diddy accuser, returned to the witness stand, claiming Combs dangled her over a 17th-floor balcony in Los Angeles and shoved her into furniture. Diddy's attorney, Nicole Westmoreland, conducted a rigorous cross-examination, leading Bongolan to admit she smoked a blunt with Combs after the alleged incident and had a history of drug dealing.

Westmoreland challenged Bongolan's claims by presenting a hotel receipt from Trump International in New York, suggesting Combs was not in Los Angeles during the alleged events. Additionally, testimony from another accuser, known as "Jane," described receiving $10,000 from Combs for a drug-fueled getaway and participating in regular "freak-offs" at hotels, with payments made in cash and wire transfers

Day 20 (June 4): Cassie's main drug dealer takes the stand

Bryana Bongolan faced a challenging day on the witness stand, admitting to being both a friend and main drug dealer to Cassie Ventura, while testifying about Sean "Diddy" Combs allegedly dangling her over a balcony.

In a packed federal courtroom, Bongolan recounted nightmares from the incident where Combs allegedly held her by her armpits over a 17th-floor balcony. Under intense cross-examination by Diddy's lawyer Nicole Westmoreland, Bongolan revealed her role as Cassie's drug dealer, supplying illegal substances and pills like cocaine, ketamine, weed and ecstasy almost daily. She described arranging drug deliveries for Cassie as casually as ordering pizza.

Video forensic analyst Frank Piazza confirmed the authenticity of a video showing Combs kicking and beating Cassie Ventura, stating it had not been altered. Piazza also testified about enhancing 10 sex videos found on Combs' laptops under the username "Frank Black," a pseudonym Cassie said Combs used. 

Day 19 (June 3): Diddy paid $100K for video of hotel beating, security guard says

Eddy Garcia, a security supervisor at the Los Angeles hotel where Combs attacked his then-girlfriend "Cassie," testified today. Garcia testified that Combs paid him $100,000 in cash to him, in an attempt to buy what Combs hoped was the only copy of surveillance footage of the March 2016 assault. Garcia signed a confidentiality and non-disclosure agreement that required him to pay $1 million if breached.

Combs' ex-finance officer, Derek Ferguson, also took the stand today.

Day 18 (June 2): ‘Mia' concludes her testimony

The former assistant "Mia," who accused Diddy of sexual abuse, concluded her testimony. Throughout the day, Mia faced intense cross-examination from Combs' lawyers, who challenged her claims of sexual assault and abuse, highlighting seemingly contradictory statements, such as a birthday video where she expressed admiration and love for Combs. Mia explained that her actions were driven by fear and job obligations, not genuine sentiment.

Combs' attorneys have consistently denied the charges, acknowledging his violent temper and drug issues but asserting that all sexual encounters were consensual. They emphasized Mia's lack of police reports or contact with domestic violence counselors over the years. Mia stated her motivation for speaking out was to set an example for her niece and goddaughters, not for financial gain.

Day 17 (May 30): ‘Mia’s' testimony continues

A former assistant using the pseudonym "Mia" continued her testimony about her alleged sexual assault by Diddy, while defense attorneys presented her social media posts praising Combs as contradictory evidence.

Defense attorney Brian Steel highlighted Mia's social media posts and correspondence with Combs, portraying them as inconsistent with her claims of abuse. Mia explained that her posts were a facade, telling the jury that, "Instagram was a place to show how great your life was, even if it was not true."

Mia testified about the lasting trauma from her experiences, stating she hasn't worked since leaving Diddy's employment due to post-traumatic stress. 

Day 16 (May 29): ‘Mia’ says Diddy raped her

A former assistant, known by the pseudonym "Mia," recounted witnessing violence against Diddy's ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and described her own alleged rape and assault by Combs.

She described an incident where she and Cassie attended a party hosted by Prince, only for Combs to arrive with bodyguards and allegedly beat Cassie, until Prince's security intervened. Mia testified about her challenging work conditions, including a 24-hour first shift and being held captive in Combs' home for five consecutive days, unable to leave.

Earlier in the day, Deonte Nash, former stylist for Combs and Cassie, concluded his testimony with further accounts of Combs' alleged violence towards Cassie, detailing how she used makeup to conceal bruises.

Day 15 (May 28): Learning more about Cudi's firebombing

Day 15 testimony revealed details about the investigations into Kid Cudi's home invasion and car firebombing. An LAPD officer recounted responding to a burglary call at Cudi's home in December 2011, finding luxury items in plain sight but no signs of a gun or theft. An LA Fire Department arson investigator testified about the targeted damage to Cudi's Porsche in January 2012, noting it was less severe than typical Molotov cocktail damage.

In the afternoon, Deonte Nash, Combs' longtime personal stylist and close friend of Cassie, testified about witnessing Combs physically abuse Cassie and being aggressive towards him. Nash described seeing bruises on Cassie's body and mentioned her weekly visits to a hotel with Combs, carrying a black bag of sex toys.

Day 14 (May 27): Former aide Capricorn Clarke testifies

On the stand, former Diddy aide Capricorn Clarke described her dedication to her boss, even as she witnessed him abuse Cassie. She recalled one incident where Diddy threatened to "f*** her up" if she tried to intervene as he kicked Cassie.

Clarke said she was involved in the alleged Kid Cudi home invasion and faced Combs' anger for not disclosing Cassie's relationship with Cudi. 

After being fired by Combs in 2012 following the Kid Cudi incident, Clarke said she experienced significant financial hardship, losing her home, car and income, and was blacklisted from the industry. Under cross-examination by Combs' lawyer, however, Clarke struggled to recall key accusations, such as witnessing Combs with a gun.

Day 13 (May 22): Kid Cudi enters the picture

Rapper Kid Cudi testified that Diddy broke into his home in 2011 after discovering Cudi was dating Cassie, and later suspected Combs was behind the firebombing of his car.

Cudi described meeting Combs to discuss the incident, but Combs denied involvement, though he apologized years later. During cross-examination, Combs' lawyer suggested Cassie was living a "double life," maintaining relationships with both Combs and Cudi.

Additional testimony from Combs' former assistant and a makeup artist detailed instances of Combs' alleged abuse towards Cassie, including physical violence witnessed on a private jet and at a hotel.

Day 12 (May 21): Psychologist, former assistant testify

Testimony on Day 12 of the Diddy trial featured Dr. Dawn Hughes, a clinical and forensic psychologist, explained the complexities of abusive relationships, including love and trauma bonding, coping mechanisms and memory.

Dr. Hughes, paid $6,000 per day for her testimony, highlighted how victims may stay with abusive partners due to emotional bonds and use substances to numb their pain. Dr. Hughes has previously testified in high-profile cases involving Amber Heard, Johnny Depp, R. Kelly and NXIVM founder Keith Raniere.

Later, George Kaplan, Diddy's former assistant, testified about cleaning his hotel rooms, often finding items like baby oil, Astroglide, candles and liquor. He described disposing of empty bottles and a powdery substance to maintain Combs' image and recounted being instructed to purchase drugs twice, using cash provided by Combs.

Day 11 (May 20): ‘The Punisher,’ Cassie's mom on the stand

Regina Ventura testified that she took out a $20,000 home equity loan in 2011 to prevent Combs from releasing a sexually explicit video of Cassie, marking her first awareness of Cassie's abuse. She advised Cassie to document her bruises and injuries.

Male sex worker Sharay Hayes, a prosecution witness, unexpectedly aided the defense by stating he had sex with Cassie eight to 15 times, mostly unprotected, and noted that neither Cassie nor Combs seemed high or drunk. Hayes, also known as "The Punisher," claimed Cassie appeared to enjoy the encounters, though he was not asked back after performance issues.

Homeland Security Special Agent Gerard Gannon provided new insights into the raid on Diddy's Miami Beach mansion, involving 80 to 95 agents. In Combs' main bedroom, they discovered numerous pairs of 7-inch high heels, lingerie and parts for two AR-15 assault rifles.

Day 10 (May 19): Evidence photos released

Testimony continued with two women providing accounts of Diddy's physical violence, supported by incriminating evidence photos from a federal raid on his Manhattan hotel room.

The photos revealed a Louis Vuitton bag nicknamed "The Med Bag," containing drugs, baby oil, pills and pink powder.

Prosecutors also released photos of Cassie's injuries from alleged abuse, including a gash on her eyebrow that had become a permanent scar.

Danity Kane singer Dawn Richard testified about witnessing Combs' abuse of Cassie, saying she once saw Diddy swing a skillet at his former girlfriend. Richard also claimed Diddy threatened her with death, telling her she could "go missing" if she ever told anyone about his abuse.

Cassie's former best friend, Kerry Morgan, also took the stand, recounting being beaten with a wooden hanger and offered $30,000 to sign an NDA. The day concluded with Combs' former personal assistant testifying about his demanding work schedule.

Day 9 (May 16): Cassie's last day, Danity Kane star testifies

Cassie concluded her emotional testimony in Diddy's sex trafficking trial, detailing alleged beatings and rapes during their decade-long relationship.

Using Cassie's texts to Diddy, the defense portrayed her as a willing participant in "freak-off" sex marathons, highlighting texts where she expressed willingness, though Cassie clarified her emotional reluctance.

Cassie also revealed Combs purchased the rights to her book, "The Dark Times," for $20 million, and that she recently reached an estimated $10 million settlement with the Los Angeles hotel where security camera in 2016 shows her being beaten by Diddy.

Dawn Richard, a singer who competed in Diddy's reality show "Making the Band," took the stand and testified about witnessing Diddy hit Cassie "on the head and beat her on the ground" during a 2019 visit to his home recording studio.

Day 8 (May 15): Cassie's cross-examination

During her first day of cross-examination, Cassie testified that both she and Diddy struggled with drug addiction, revealing his 2012 painkiller overdose.

The defense acknowledged Combs' physical abuse but argued it constituted domestic violence rather than sex trafficking, aiming to portray their relationship as toxic and troubled rather than part of a criminal enterprise.

 

Day 7 (May 14): Cassie's 2nd day of testimony

During her second day of testimony, Cassie Ventura alleged that Diddy raped her after she ended their decade-long relationship, and subjected her to physical abuse by threatening to release degrading sexual videos.

Cassie described being forced into "hundreds" of encounters with male sex workers, which Combs controlled, fearing damage to her career and family if the videos were made public.

Prosecutors presented images from these encounters, eliciting shocked reactions from jurors. Cassie had previously sued Combs in 2023 for abuse, settling for $20 million, with numerous similar claims from other women following.

Day 6 (May 13): Cassie takes the stand

On day two of testimony, star witness Cassie Ventura testified that Sean "Diddy" Combs abused and coerced her into participating in "freak offs," elaborate sexual marathons involving male sex workers, during their turbulent relationship. 

The R&B singer described the "freak offs" as drug-fueled, weekly ordeals lasting up to four days, where she would be asked to arrange sex with strangers and engage in degrading acts as Diddy watched.

She described Combs as controlling and violent, recounting a turbulent relationship marked by physical assaults and manipulation. Despite feeling objectified, Cassie said she complied with Combs' demands out of love and fear of repercussions, including threats to leak videos. 

Day 5 (May 12): Jury selected, opening statements, 2 witnesses testify

Once jury selection was finalized, both parties made opening statements. Prosecutors accused Diddy of using violence and threats to coerce women into drug-fueled sexual encounters over 20 years, while Diddy's lawyer argued the case misrepresents consensual relationships as sex trafficking.

In the afternoon, the jury began hearing testimony from witnesses, including allegations of coerced sexual encounters involving his ex-girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie Ventura.

Jurors were shown the now-infamous 2016 video of Diddy kicking and dragging Cassie inside a Los Angeles hotel. The first witness, a hotel security guard, testified about responding to the incident in this video and claimed Combs attempted to silence him with a sack of money.

The second witness, Daniel Phillips, who identified as a male stripper, testified about being paid to have sex with Cassie Ventura in 2013 while Combs allegedly watched and masturbated. He described being hired under the guise of performing at a bachelorette party, only to find Cassie in red lingerie. He testified about multiple encounters directed by Combs, who allegedly concealed his identity but was recognized by his voice. Diddy's three daughters left the courtroom during Phillips' graphic testimony.

Day 4 (May 9): Jury selection delayed

Judge Subramanian ruled that Diddy was not treated differently due to his race in the racketeering and sex trafficking charges against him, rejecting a request to dismiss some charges and suppress evidence. The judge emphasized the severity of Combs' alleged criminal conduct from 2004 to 2024, rather than racial bias, as the basis for the prosecution. 

At the hearing, Subramanian cancelled plans to finish picking the jury for the trial, saying he was worried that some jurors might get "cold feet" and back out of the case by Monday if they had the weekend to think about it.
 

Day 3 (May 7): Jury selection continues

Two jurors were removed from Sean "Diddy" Combs' jury pool despite expressing a strong desire to serve, due to conflicts of interest. One juror had seen a security video of Combs and initially assumed his guilt but claimed it wouldn't bias her judgment. Another juror was an HBO employee, and the defense noted the "Downfall of Diddy" documentary, which portrays Combs negatively, might be referenced during the trial. By the end of the day, 45 jurors remained in the pool.

Day 2 (May 6): Jury selection continues

By the end of Day 2, Judge Arun Subramanian assembled a pool of 35 potential jurors, 10 short of the needed 45 for the Diddy trial. Several jurors were disqualified for perceived biases and conflicts, including one man who doubted he could refrain from smoking marijuana during the trial. Combs actively engaged in the process, rising from his chair as jurors entered or exited. Despite media exposure to the infamous video of Diddy beating Cassie at an LA hotel, some jurors with strong impressions were not dismissed from the pool.

Day 1 (May 5): Jury selection begins

Diddy's sex trafficking trial kicking off with jury selection. Judge Arun Subramanian briefed prospective jurors on the charges, emphasizing Combs' presumption of innocence. He told them the trial is expected to last about eight weeks, with court sessions scheduled Monday through Friday, excluding certain holidays. 

Prospective jurors were questioned individually about potential biases, including views on law enforcement and hip-hop artists, and were asked to review a list of names potentially involved in the trial: Michael B. Jordan, Kanye West, Michelle Williams, Kid Cudi, Dallas Austin, Laurieann Gibson, Lauren London, Aubrey O'Day, Don Richard and Cassie Ventura.

By the end of the day, 19 of 32 prospective jurors advanced, with many acknowledging prior exposure to the infamous video of Diddy beating Cassie but  asserting it wouldn't affect their judgment.

Diddy Trial