Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is said to have become “extremely creative” when allegedly on drugs.
The 55-year-old rapper is continuing to stand trial in New York on federal charges including sex trafficking and racketeering, and Friday’s (20.06.25) hearing was told by Brendan Paul, 26, the former Syracuse University basketball player who became Combs’ personal assistant, the mogul would change if he was on illegal substances.
Brendan, who worked for Combs from late 2022 until March 2024, testified under immunity after being arrested that same month at Miami’s Opa‑Locka airport – with cocaine he said belonged to Comb – in a seizure that coincided with FBI raids on Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami Beach.
The former assistant to the rapper detailed how he was tasked with buying drugs for Combs between five and 10 times, spending up to $500 on cocaine, ketamine, ecstasy and marijuana.
He recalled one occasion when Combs asked him to try “tusi”, or pink cocaine, to evaluate its quality. Brendan said: “I wanted to prove my loyalty” – adding: “We continued on with our night.”
Under cross‑examination by defence attorney Brian Steel, Brendan also affirmed: “Absolutely not” when asked if he had been a drug mule for Combs.
He said the rapper only asked him to carry small amounts of drugs, and text messages seen by jurors confirmed requests for Xanax and ketamine, while procurement of marijuana strains such as ‘King Louis’ and ‘Sunset Sherbet’ was repeatedly made.
Brendan described helping set up drug‑fuelled sex parties – dubbed “wild king nights” or ‘Freak‑Offs’ – in hotel rooms and private homes, preparing lubricants, baby oil, liquor and drug‑filled Gucci pouches for the events.
He told the court that during these episodes, he would clean up afterwards wearing gloves to avoid hotel damage charges.
Brendan also said he once went three days with only brief naps while working for Combs, relying on Adderall and cocaine to sustain himself.
And he said Combs frequently fired and rehired him – including for forgetting a Lululemon fanny pack on a walk – before being welcomed back into his staff.
When probed on his feelings toward Combs, Brendan replied: “It’s complicated”
Prosecutors, having called six weeks’ worth of witnesses including ex‑girlfriends, employees and rap artist Kid Cudi, are expected to close their case by Monday. (24.06.25)
Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to charges including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, remains detained in Brooklyn and faces a potential life sentence if convicted on all counts – which he has denied.
