Sean “Diddy” Combs’s ex-assistant George Kaplan testified today in the music mogul’s New York sex trafficking trial.
After Diddy's hotel room stays — which could span from 12 hours to days — Kaplan said he was asked to grab the rapper's belongings from the room and ensure it was in a "polished state." This usually included picking up empty bottles of Gatorade, liquor and baby oil, he testified.
It was "implied" that he was asked to complete this task to "protect Mr. Combs," because hotels would frequently sell videos and images of celebrities to embarrass them, Kaplan said.
Rapper Kid Cudi, who dated Cassie Ventura in 2011, is expected to take the stand Thursday.
Earlier today, forensic psychologist Dawn Hughes testified as an expert witness on sexual abuse. Homeland Security Investigations special agent Gerard Gannon also testified about the 2024 raid on Combs’s 20,000-square-foot Miami home. He said agents found AR-15 rifle parts, a handgun, 25 bottles of baby oil and MDMA on the property.
Combs is facing sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy charges. Combs was arrested in September 2024 as federal authorities alleged he threatened, abused, and coerced victims “to fulfill his sexual desires” between 2004 and 2024. Combs has denied any accusations of wrongdoing.
Key points
- Kid Cudi set to testify Thursday
- Ex-assistant describes cleaning up hotel rooms for Diddy
- Day eight recap: Ex-assistant and Homeland Security agent testifed
Day eight recap: Homeland Security agent, Diddy's ex-assistant testify
20:31 , Katie Hawkinson, Kelly RissmanCourt began today with continued testimony from Homeland Security Investigations special agent Gerard Gannon.
Gannon recounted the 2024 raid on Combs’s Florida mansion. He described finding a loaded handgun, AR-15 rifle parts, MDMA, baby oil, lubricant and other items inside a bedroom closet. Gannon showed some of these items to the jury.
Next up was forensic psychologist Dawn Hughes. She testified as a “blind witness,” meaning she has never treated or interviewed anyone involved in the case. She also testified she does not know the details of the case, but does know someone named “Cassie” is involved.
Hughes told the jury about victims of sexual abuse, including that they can take “months, even years” to report what happened to them. At times, there appeared to be tension between Hughes and the defense attorney who cross-examined her.
The day ended with testimony from Combs’s ex-assistant, George Kaplan. He described working up to 100 hours a week. He said Combs often requested drugs and threatened to fire him monthly.
Kaplan’s testimony will continue tomorrow.
Kid Cudi expected to take stand today
10:18 , James LiddellScott Mescudi, better known as the rapper Kid Cudi, is set to testify in Sean “Diddy” Combs’s New York sex trafficking trial later this week.
In 2011, Mescudi dated Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, Combs’s on-and-off girlfriend for over a decade. Now, the Day ‘N’ Nite singer will be testifying in Manhattan federal court on Wednesday or Thursday.
Last week, Ventura testified that Combs abused her after learning about her relationship with Mescudi. The prosecution’s star witness told jurors that Combs lunged at her with a wine bottle after he found emails between her and Mescudi during a “freak off.”
Katie Hawkinson has outlined what witnesses have said about Mescudi so far:
Kid Cudi set to take the stand and testify against Diddy. Here’s what’s we know
Recap: What happened in yesterday’s hearing?
10:25 , James Liddell, Katie HawkinsonSean “Diddy” Combs’s sex trafficking trial entered its seventh day of Testimony Thursday and began with his former assistant, David James, returning to the stand.
James, who worked for Combs between 2007 and 2009, recounted feeling afraid for his life while driving with Combs to a diner where he had spotted his rival, Suge Knight. Combs had three handguns with him as he rode in the backseat, James testified.
Cassie Ventura’s mother, Regina Ventura, testified next.
Regina said that Combs became angry when he discovered her daughter was dating rapper Kid Cudi in 2011. Combs then wanted to “recoup” the money he spent on Cassie and demanded $20,000 from her family, or else he’d release explicit footage of her, Regina testified.
The elder Ventura said she took out a home equity loan to make the payment. The money ended up back in Regina’s account a few days later, but Combs never spoke to her about it, she testified.
Sharay Hayes, a male exotic dancer known as “The Punisher,” then testified about his “freak-offs” with Combs and Cassie. Hayes said he never sensed any discomfort from Cassie, adding that he never saw Combs film her or hurt her.
The day ended with testimony from special agent Gerard Gannon, who was involved in the raid on Combs’s Florida mansion last year. Gannon testified that officials found AR-15 rifle parts, bottles of baby oil, sex toys and platform high heels inside a bedroom closet.
Diddy 'brought three handguns' to confront Suge Knight at LA diner
10:32 , James LiddellSean “Diddy” Combs brought three handguns to a famous diner after learning that his record executive rival Suge Knight would be there, the music mogul’s former personal assistant testified Tuesday.
David James, who worked for Diddy from May 2007 through May 2009, told a New York federal court Tuesday about an incident from November 2008 at Mel’s Drive-in, a famous diner chain in Los Angeles.
On the November 2008 night, James and D-Roc, Diddy’s security guard, drove to get their boss cheeseburgers around 3 a.m. one morning. When they arrived at the diner’s parking lot, D-Roc noticed just three parking spots away was Knight, then-CEO of Death Row Records and one of Diddy’s “competitors,” James testified.
Kelly Rissman, who was at Tuesday’s hearing, has the details:
Diddy’s assistant says rapper brought three handguns to confront Suge Knight at diner
Cassie's mom took the stand yesterday. But who are the Venturas?
10:36 , James LiddellRegina Ventura, the mother of Sean Combs’s ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, delivered testimony Tuesday.
During her quarter of an hour at the witness stand, the elder Ventura testified that Combs became angry when he discovered her daughter was dating rapper Kid Cudi in 2011.
Cassie has been supported by loved ones throughout the trial, including her husband, Alex Fine, who was a mainstay in the courtroom while she testified last week.
Reporting from New York, Isabel Keane details what we know about the star witness’s family:
What to know about Cassie Ventura’s family life as her mom takes the stand
Diddy 'took Obama-shaped ecstasy pills'
10:40 , James LiddellSean “Diddy” Combs’s daily drug cocktail included ecstasy pills in the shape of former president Barack Obama’s head, according to the disgraced mogul’s former personal assistant.
David James testified about his ex-boss’ alleged drugs of choice on Tuesday.
“There were various pills, but one was in the form of a former president’s face,” James told prosecutor Christy Slavik.
“Which former president?” Slavik probed, before James responded: “President Obama.”
Erin Keller has more:
How has Diddy reacted to witness testimony?
10:50 , James LiddellAs the seventh day of testimony in Sean “Diddy” Combs’s trial drew to a close, it’s clear the music mogul is keeping a close eye on what’s happening, writes Kelly Rissman, who attended Tuesday’s hearing.
Combs wore a light blue sweater with a white collared shirt underneath. He spoke constantly with his attorneys and passed them notes on colorful post-its. He often shifted his gaze between the attorney and the witness testifying.
Combs has also formed a habit of hugging his attorneys whenever he leaves or enters for the courtroom.
Homeland Security agent to continue reviewing evidence from Diddy mansion raid this morning
11:04 , James LiddellInvestigations Special Agent Gerard Gannon is set to continue his testimony this morning.
Gannon helped plan the raid on Sean “Diddy” Combs’s Florida home in March last year, before the hip-hop mogul was arrested six months later.
Gannon said 80 to 90 law enforcement officers were dispatched to search Combs’s 20,000-square-foot Miami mansion. Agents found parts of AR-15 rifles, bottles of baby oil, sex toys and platform high heels inside a bedroom close, he testified.
He is due to continue reviewing the evidence recovered from the mansion. Rapper Kid Cudi is expected to take the stand after Gannon.
In sketches: 'Freak off' escort and Cassie's mother testify
11:40 , James Liddell
Why was Combs 'angry' with Kid Cudi?
12:12 , James LiddellScott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi and Cassandra “Cassie” Venutura dated in 2011, while she was still involved with Combs.
Ventura, the prosecution’s star witness, testified last week about how Combs discovered her relationship with Mescudi. The 55-year-old music mogul allegedly found emails between Ventura and Mescudi’s staff on her phone during a “freak off.”
Combs then lunged at her with a wine bottle opener, according to her testimony.
When Ventura went home for Christmas that year, her family took photos of bruises she says Combs inflicted after she visited him to talk about Mescudi.
Ventura also testified that she used a burner phone to contact Mescudi because it would be “too dangerous” for Combs to find out they were talking.
She testified that Combs told her he would blow up Mescudi’s car: “Sean wanted Scott’s friends to see Scott’s car get blown up.”
Mescudi’s car was scorched between December 2011 and 2012. Combs denies the allegations and any wrongdoing.
Forensic psychologist who testified in Weinstein and R Kelly trials set to take stand
13:07 , James LiddellA clinical and forensic psychologist who specializes in sex trauma is expected to be called to the stand by prosecutors Wednesday.
Dawn Hughes has served as an expert witness in a spate of high-profile cases, including in the trials of disgraced movie producer Harvey Weinstein, R&B artist R Kelly, actors Johnny Depp and Amber Heard and NXIVM sex cult leader Keith Raniere.
Combs’s former assistant George Kaplan and Kid Cudi are also expected to deliver testimony.
Combs's defense arrives at Manhattan federal court
13:30 , James LiddellAttorneys Xavier Donaldson, Marc Agnifilo, Jason Driscoll, Brian Steel, and Alexandra Shapiro of Sean Combs’s defense team arrived in court at about 8 a.m. – an hour before proceedings are expected to get underway.
Judge at bench but no sight of Diddy
13:50 , James LiddellJudge Arun Subramanian has returned to the bench. Sean Combs, however, has not yet been brought into the courtroom, according to CNN.
Combs arrives in court
14:03 , James LiddellSean Combs has now been escorted into the courtroom. The jury is yet to be seen.
Attorneys from both the defense and prosecution are speaking with the judge.
Kid Cudi will not take the stand today
14:18 , Katie HawkinsonProsecutors have revealed they will not call Scott Mescudi, also known as rapper Kid Cudi, to the witness stand today.
Prosecutors said they emailed the judge late last night with the news.
Forensic psychologist expected to testify today arrives in court
14:21 , Katie HawkinsonDawn Hughes, a forensic psychologist, has arrived in court.
She’s expected to testify later today.
Court resumes with testimony from Homeland Security Investigations agent
14:24 , Katie HawkinsonCourt has resumed, with Homeland Security Investigations special agent Gerard Gannon on the stand again.
Gannon helped plan the 2024 raid on Sean “Diddy” Combs’s Florida home. Yesterday, he said agents found AR-15 rifle parts, baby oil, sex toys and other items inside one of Combs’s bedroom closets.
Court resumes with Homeland Security agent's testimony
14:25 , Katie HawkinsonCourt has resumed with Homeland Security Investigations special agent Gerard Gannon on the stand again.
Gannon helped plan the 2024 raid on Sean “Diddy” Combs’s Florida home. Yesterday, he said agents found AR-15 rifle parts, baby oil, sex toys and other items inside one of Combs’s bedroom closets.
Investigators found drugs inside Gucci bag at Combs's home, special agent testifies
14:44 , Katie HawkinsonInvestigators found drugs inside a Gucci bag when searching Sean “Diddy” Combs’s Florida mansion last year, according to Homeland Security Investigations special agent Gerard Gannon.
A white residue inside the bag tested positive for cocaine and ketamine, Gannon said. There were also several MDMA and Xanax pills inside the bag, some of which were stamped with the Tesla logo, he testified.
More than two dozen bottles of baby oil recovered from closet, agent says
14:59 , Katie HawkinsonSpecial agent Gerard Gannon said investigators recovered 25 bottles of baby oil and 31 bottles of lubricant from a bedroom closet inside Sean “Diddy” Combs’s Miami mansion.
Gannon said agents also discovered cellphones stuffed inside a Balenciaga boot.
Diddy had a 'guard shack' inside guesthouse, agent testifies
15:00 , Katie HawkinsonSean “Diddy” Combs had a “guard shack” inside the guesthouse on his property, special agent Gerard Gannon testified.
Inside, agents found a loaded handgun, Gannon said. Yesterday, Gannon said agents also found AR-15 rifle parts inside Combs’s bedroom closet.
Music producer and five others inside Florida mansion when search began, special agent says
15:22 , Katie HawkinsonSpecial agent Gerard Gannon said six people, including an unnamed music producer and a property manager, were inside Sean “Diddy” Combs’s mansion when the 2024 raid began.
Agents searched them and did not find any weapons or paraphernalia.
Defense questions special agent on AR-15 parts
15:43 , Katie HawkinsonThe defense questioned special agent Gerard Gannon about the AR-15 rifle parts investigators found in Sean “Diddy” Combs’s home.
Gannon confirmed the rifles were dismantled and therefore inoperable when they were found.
Forensic psychologist Dawn Hughes takes the stand
15:45Prosecutors have called forensic psychologist Dawn Hughes to the stand.
Hughes specializes in “interpersonal violence” and “traumatic stress,” according to her website.
She has testified in several high-profile trials, including the defamation case between Amber Heard and Johnny Depp in 2022.
What can Dawn Hughes testify about today?
16:07 , Katie HawkinsonForensic psychologist Dawn Hughes is now on the stand.
Hughes is expected to testify generally about why victims remain in abusive relationships, how victims cope in these relationships and how trauma affects memory, according to CNN.
Judge Arun Subramanian previously told prosecutors she can’t testify about the credibility of accusers in this case, or the topic of coercive control.
Hughes has testified in about 60 trials over her career, she told the jury today.
Dawn Hughes says victims often stay in abusive relationships
16:13 , Katie HawkinsonForensic psychologist Dawn Hughes is testifying generally about abusive relationships and how trauma affects memory.
Hughes is a “blind witness” and has not evaluated or interviewed anyone involved in the case.
She told the jury that it is common for victims to stay in abusive relationships. Abusers often use methods beyond physical violence to make victims feel they can’t leave, she added.
“It’s about the power and control that the abuser has over the victim,” Hughes testified.
Dawn Hughes testifies about sexual abuse and trauma bonds
16:29 , Katie HawkinsonDawn Hughes, a forensic psychologist who has not treated or interviewed anyone in the case, is explaining sexual abuse and trauma bonds to the jury.
Hughes called sexual abuse a “private harm.”
“They experience a tremendous amount of shame, humiliation, degradation,” she testified. “They don’t want to talk about it. They don’t even want to think about it in their own brain.”
Hughes explained that abuse victims often have a “trauma bond” with their partner, which is an attachment that forms despite violence and abuse.
Abusive relationships tend to have loving and kind moments, too, Hughes said.
“The victim wants that, they want that back. So when that is shown to the victim, that’s very reinforcing,” she testified.
A lack of financial independence can also keep victims trapped in abusive relationships, she added.
Forensic psychologist says it can take 'months' or 'years' for victims to disclose abuse
16:49 , Katie HawkinsonForensic psychologist Dawn Hughes said it’s common for victims to wait “months, even years” before disclosing abuse.
They’re more likely to disclose the abuse if it comes from a stranger rather than a partner, she testified.
“The closer the relationship to the perpetrator, the less likely you’re going to be to disclose,” she said.
Forensic psychologists explains why victims may have trouble remembering all the details of their abuse
17:09 , Katie HawkinsonForensic psychologist Dawn Hughes told the jury that many victims have trouble remembering all the details of their abuse, according to CNN.
That’s because trauma impacts memory, she explained. Victims will usually remember the “core gist” of traumatic events, but the details may be unclear.
“That’s a very unique thing for each person and each situation they’re in,” she explained.
Hughes added that abuse can become routine for many victims, which makes it stand out less in their memory.
Hughes said victims often say something along the lines of: “I know I got punched a bunch of times, but can’t tell you when that was.”
Court on lunch break
17:21 , Katie HawkinsonJudge Arun Subramanian has called a lunch break.
Forensic psychologist Dawn Hughes’s testimony will continue afterward.
Dawn Hughes confirms she doesn't know specifics of this case
18:22 , Katie HawkinsonForensic psychologist Dawn Hughes is being cross-examined by Sean “Diddy” Combs’s attorney.
She has confirmed she hasn’t read up on the specific details of this case.
“I’m not rendering any opinions about a specific individual,” she added.
Hughes did confirm she knows that a woman named “Cassie” is involved in the trial. But Hughes said she didn’t review her testimony.
Next witness granted immunity to testify
18:33 , Katie HawkinsonGeorge Kaplan, another one of Sean “Diddy” Combs’s former assistants, has been granted immunity to testify, according to NBC News. He will take the stand later today.
Yesterday, ex-assistant David James testified about his time working for Combs.
Kaplan can’t be prosecuted for the answers he gives today. However, he’s not immune from perjury.
Jury sent out as attorneys debate testimony
18:50 , Katie HawkinsonJudge Arun Subramanian has asked the jury to leave the courtroom for a few minutes, CNN reports.
The defense wants to ask forensic psychologist Dawn Hughes about a 2015 webinar she gave about preparing for testifying in court.
The prosecution says this doesn’t reveal that Hughes has any bias. The defense says Hughes was training advocates for women who were abused.
Subramanian said the defense can ask about the training.
Defense asks Dawn Hughes about teaching victim advocates
19:05 , Katie HawkinsonDawn Hughes told Sean “Diddy” Combs’s defense attorney she once taught a webinar preparing victim advocates to testify in court.
Combs’s attorney asked Hughes if she had ever testified in defense of a man who was accused of a sex crime.
Hughes confirmed she had not, adding that she does not “evaluate offenders.”
Hughes is an expert in “interpersonal violence” and “traumatic stress,” according to her website.
Cross-examination of Dawn Hughes ends
19:32 , Katie HawkinsonThe defense has ended their cross-examination of forensic psychologist Dawn Hughes.
Dawn Hughes is off the stand
19:43 , Katie HawkinsonDawn Hughes has finished testifying.
George Kaplan, Sean “Diddy” Combs’s former assistant, has now been called to the stand.
Diddy's ex-assistant says he worked up to 100 hours a week
19:59 , Katie HawkinsonGeorge Kaplan, Sean “Diddy” Combs’s former assistant, told the jury he worked up to 100 hours a week and was paid $125,000 by the music mogul.
Kaplan helped prepare Combs’s chef and housekeeping staff each day. He also made sure Combs’s bathroom was stocked with his toiletries and medications.
Kaplan was granted immunity to testify today, NBC News reports. However, immunity does not protect him from perjury.
Kaplan says Diddy requested drugs often
20:06 , Katie HawkinsonGeorge Kaplan said his former boss, Sean “Diddy” Combs, often asked him to get drugs and other items while he was his assistant.
Combs would request “clothing or potentially food from somewhere or drugs or liquor or an iPad or a speaker,” Kaplan testified.
Kaplan said Combs threatened to fire him at least once a month.
Kaplan describes setting up hotel rooms for Diddy
20:10 , Katie HawkinsonGeorge Kaplan said one of his duties as Sean “Diddy” Combs’s assistant was setting up hotel rooms.
The first time he set up a hotel room, Kaplan said Combs handed him a bag and told him to unpack it. Inside were clothes, a speaker, baby oil, lubricant and a speaker, he testified.
Kaplan says it was his job to help protect Diddy's image
20:13 , Katie HawkinsonGeorge Kaplan said it was his job to protect Sean “Diddy” Combs’s image while working as his assistant.
“Protecting him and protecting his public image was very important and that was something I was very keen on doing,” Kaplan testified.
Jury dismissed
20:14 , Katie HawkinsonJudge Arun Subramanian has dismissed the jury for today.
George Kaplan’s testimony will resume tomorrow morning.
Who will testify tomorrow?
20:35 , Katie HawkinsonGeorge Kaplan, Sean “Diddy” Combs’s ex-assistant, will continue testifying tomorrow.
Afterward, Scott Mescudi — better known as the rapper Kid Cudi — will take the stand. He dated Cassie Ventura in 2011.
Mila Morales, a makeup artist who worked for Ventura and Combs, is also likely to testify.
Ex-assistant describes cleaning up hotel rooms for Diddy
21:21 , Katie HawkinsonGeorge Kaplan recounted cleaning up hotel rooms for Sean “Diddy” Combs while working as his assistant.
Kaplan said he was often asked to grab Combs’s belongings from the room and ensure it was in a "polished state." This usually included picking up empty bottles of Gatorade, liquor and baby oil, he testified.
It was "implied" that he was asked to complete this task to "protect Mr. Combs," because hotels would frequently sell videos and images of celebrities to embarrass them, Kaplan said.
Kaplan also said it was his job to protect Combs’s image.
“Protecting him and protecting his public image was very important and that was something I was very keen on doing,” Kaplan testified.
