Hotel security officer testifies Diddy paid $100K to suppress assault video
Share this @internewscast.com

This article is complimentary for Diddy on Trial newsletter subscribers. Subscribe now to enjoy detailed coverage and insights during Sean Combs’ federal trial.

Today’s proceedings largely focused on revisiting the March 2016 incident involving Diddy’s assault on Casandra Ventura at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles. The incident, which was captured by security cameras, was presented to the jury at the trial’s commencement. Eddy Garcia, the head of the hotel’s security, testified that Diddy and his entourage were determined to retrieve the exclusive copy of the footage and ensure it remained confidential. According to Garcia, he accepted a $100,000 bribe, shared with the hotel’s security personnel, in return for signing a nondisclosure agreement promising his silence and the elimination of the video evidence.

Here’s what else to know about today’s testimony:

  • Garcia testified that he was so “nervous” about the NDA that he didn’t read it all before he signed it. Diddy presented stacks of cash in a brown paper bag, added Garcia, who said he bought a used car with his $30,000 share.
  • Garcia also said he wasn’t initially truthful to police when he was asked about the assault. On cross-examination, the defense pointed out the NDA didn’t stop Garcia from speaking about it in legal proceedings, a line of questioning presumably intended to undermine the government’s potential claim of obstruction of justice.
  • After Garcia, Derek Ferguson, the former chief financial officer of Bad Boy Entertainment, took the stand to discuss the structure of Diddy’s businesses and how money flowed.

🔎 The view from inside

By am Reiss and Jing Feng

The courtroom’s atmosphere was disturbed for the first time this trial when a spectator caused a disruption, leading U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian to instruct court marshals to “escort her out immediately.”

The uproar began before the jury was seated and Garcia took the stand. At first, both prosecutors and the defense team were discussing with Subramanian exhibits in the trial and whether to offer evidence of Diddy’s jail calls. Prosecutors also complained to Subramanian that a person who had been in the courtroom Monday broadcast on YouTube the real identity of a government witness, who went by the pseudonym “Mia” when she testified.

A courtroom sketch of a shouting woman is escorted from the courthouse by marshals
Marshals escort a shouting woman from the courthouse on Tuesday.Jane Rosenberg / Reuters

Suddenly, a woman in the courtroom began shouting in defense of Diddy, including that “it’s not right what they’re doing to him” and “Diddy’s innocent.” She was quickly removed.

Prosecutors later told Subramanian that the true name and identity of “Mia” were being reported and asked for him to ban the outlet that made them public from the court. He said he would consider such a court order.


🗓️ What’s next

Tomorrow: Frank Piazza, a forensic video expert, and Bryana Bangolan, who alleges that Diddy dangled her over an apartment balcony, may testify.

PSA: Every night during Diddy’s trial, NBC’s “Dateline” will drop special episodes of the “True Crime Weekly” podcast to get you up to speed. “Dateline” correspondent Andrea Canning chats with NBC News’ Chloe Melas and special guests — right in front of the courthouse. Listen here. 🎧

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Iran’s Fiery Warning: US Ground Troops Face Dire Threats in Escalating Tensions

In a bold and fiery statement, Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf,…

NASA’s Artemis Program Redefines Space Exploration: Expanding Opportunities Beyond Apollo Era

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla – Before the roar of rockets and the…

Honoring Heroes: Join the American Legion’s Vietnam Veterans Day Ceremony This Sunday

On Sunday afternoon, the Kings Mountain Post 24 of the American Legion…

Viral Pro-Iran Memes Challenge Trump in Online Propaganda Battle

The ongoing conflict with Iran is proving to be unprecedented in terms…

Pope Leo XIV Honors Pope Francis’ Legacy During Holy Week’s Palm Sunday Observance

In a momentous gathering at St. Peter’s Square in Rome, Pope Leo…

Adventurous Kangaroo Chesney Escapes Zoo and Roams Free for Three Days

How does a kangaroo break out of a petting zoo? No, it’s…

Johnson City Animal Shelter Hosts Inaugural ‘Cruising For A Cause’ Car Show with Over 100 Vehicles in Washington County

The Washington County Johnson City Animal Shelter in Tennessee revved up excitement…

Rebranding César Chavez Day: A Passionate and Urgent Movement Gains Momentum Nationwide

Across the United States, from California to Minnesota, elected officials and civil…

Derby Car Collision: Man Arrested After Vehicle Injures Seven Pedestrians in UK

Forensic investigators work on the scene in Friar Gate, Derby, Sunday March…