the Assistant’s Account: Cleaning Up After “Sex Marathons”

George Kaplan, a former personal assistant to Sean “Diddy” Combs, testified that his duties included cleaning up hotel rooms following what he described as the hip-hop mogul’s “sex marathons.” Kaplan stated that he was responsible for disposing of empty alcohol bottles, baby oil, and drugs, as well as tidying pillows to create the appearance that “nothing had happened.”

Kaplan, who worked for Combs from 2013 to 2015, told jurors at Combs’ federal sex trafficking trial that an implied part of the job was that “protecting him and protecting his public image were meaningful to him,” adding, “That’s what I was keen on doing.”

Kaplan also testified that Combs would summon him to deliver a “medicine kit,” which contained prescription pills and over-the-counter pain medications. He further stated that combs directed him to purchase drugs, including MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy.

Immunity and Allegations of Coercion

Kaplan, 34, was granted immunity to testify after initially invoking his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.Prosecutors allege that Combs leveraged his influence and resources within his music and fashion empire to facilitate and conceal his behavior, sometimes resorting to threats to ensure compliance and silence.

According to Kaplan,Combs frequently threatened his job,even berating him over minor issues such as buying the wrong size bottled water. R&B singer Cassie, Combs’ former girlfriend, testified that Kaplan resigned after witnessing Combs physically assault her.

Upcoming Testimony: Kid Cudi and a Firebombed Car

Kaplan’s testimony is set to continue, followed by that of rapper and actor Kid Cudi, whose legal name is Scott Mescudi.Cudi is expected to provide details about his brief relationship with Cassie in 2011.

Prosecutors contend that Combs was so enraged by the relationship that he orchestrated the firebombing of Cudi’s convertible.

Evidence from Miami Raid: guns and Drugs

A federal agent presented jurors with two handguns discovered during a March 2024 raid on Combs’ Miami-area residence. The agent also displayed photographs of ammunition and a wooden box labeled “Puffy,” one of Combs’ nicknames, which allegedly contained psilocybin, MDMA, and other drugs.

Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Gerard gannon testified that investigators also found numerous bottles of baby oil and lubricant, which prosecutors described as hallmarks of “freak-offs.”

Combs’ lawyer,Teny Geragos,argued that the search,involving a large number of agents and an armored vehicle,was excessive. combs’ Los Angeles mansion was also searched.

The Lawsuit and Settlement

Gannon confirmed that the federal examination commenced the day after Cassie filed a lawsuit in November 2023, alleging years of abuse and forced participation in “freak-offs” with Combs and male sex workers.The lawsuit was quickly settled for $20 million, according to Cassie.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges that he exploited his fame and wealth to control Cassie and others through threats and violence. His legal team maintains that the evidence points to domestic violence, not racketeering or sex trafficking.

Expert Testimony: The dynamics of Abusive Relationships

Jurors also heard from psychologist Dawn hughes, who discussed the complexities of abusive relationships. Hughes explained that victims frequently enough suffer from a low sense of self and tend to remain with abusers due to a yearning for the love and compassion experienced during the relationship’s initial “honeymoon phase.”

Hughes also noted that a victim’s memory can become distorted, retaining awareness of abuse but mixing up details. while Hughes did not examine or mention Cassie or Combs, her testimony mirrored aspects of Cassie’s account of her experiences with Combs.

Cassie’s Testimony: cudi, Jealousy, and Threats

Cassie testified that she began dating Cudi in late 2011. Despite breaking up with Combs, they continued to engage in “freak-offs.” During one such encounter, Combs discovered her relationship with Cudi by looking at her phone, Cassie said.

Cassie’s mother, Regina Ventura, testified that Cassie emailed her in December 2011, stating that Combs was furious about the relationship and planned to release explicit videos of her and harm Cassie and cudi. Regina Ventura said Combs also demanded $20,000.Fearing for her daughter’s safety, she sent combs the money, which he returned days later.

Cassie testified that she ended her relationship with Cudi before the end of the year, stating, “It was just too much. Too much danger, too much uncertainty of, like, what could happen if we continued to see each other.”

After Cassie reunited with Combs, he allegedly told her that cudi’s car would be blown up and that he wanted Cudi’s friends to witness it, Cassie said.