Introduction to the Trial
A former Syracuse University basketball player who worked recently for Sean “Diddy” Combs as a personal assistant testified at the music mogul’s sex trafficking trial on Friday that Combs got “extremely creative” when he was on drugs.
Background on the Witness
Brendan Paul, 26, was arrested last year at a Miami airport with cocaine he says belonged to Combs, and he testified with immunity about what it was like working for the hip-hop entrepreneur for a year and a half. Paul was arrested in March 2024 — the same day federal agents conducted multiple searches related to the Combs’ investigation.
The Prosecution’s Case
Prosecutors are winding down their case after six weeks of testimony from an array of witnesses ranging from ex-girlfriends and former employees to male sex workers and the rapper Kid Cudi. Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, even made a surprise appearance at the courthouse. The prosecution seeks to convince the jury that Combs oversaw a sprawling racketeering enterprise for two decades that relied on obedience by employees willing to do anything for him, including buying drugs when necessary.
Analysis of the Trial
Sean "Diddy" Combs’ sex trafficking trial has been underway for weeks, but that doesn’t mean it’s close to wrapping. Trial attorney and legal analyst Misty Marris breaks down the trial’s most explosive developments and how she believes the prosecution and defense are faring thus far, including which witness testimony she thinks "fell apart" during cross-examination.
Defense Perspective
Defense lawyers say Combs did not commit federal crimes, although they acknowledge that prosecutors have exposed domestic violence during the trial. After pleading not guilty following his September arrest at a Manhattan hotel, Combs has been held without bail at a federal lockup in Brooklyn.
Expected Outcome
Prosecutors were expected to rest their case by Monday. A defense presentation is expected to last from two to five days.
Testimony Details
Paul said he bought drugs for Combs between five and 10 times, spending up to $500 for drugs including cocaine, ketamine, ecstasy and marijuana. He said he only did drugs with Combs once, when Combs asked him to try “tusi,” also known as pink cocaine, to see if it was good. Paul said he did so because he “wanted to prove my loyalty” and said he thought it was good.
Cross-Examination
Under questioning by defense attorney Brian Steel, Paul said his “heart dropped” when he realized that there was cocaine in a travel bag after telling officers at the airport that everything in the bag belonged to him. Steel asked Paul if Combs was generally happy and didn’t hurt anyone when he was on drugs. “He got extremely creative,” Paul responded.
Witness’s Feelings Towards Combs
At another point, Steel asked the witness: “You would not work for a criminal, would you?” “Absolutely not,” Paul responded. Slavic, though, elicited Paul’s mixed feelings about Combs when the prosecutor asked him just before he finished his testimony: “Sitting here today, how do you feel about Mr. Combs?” “It’s complicated,” he answered.
Conclusion
The trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs continues with intense scrutiny on the music mogul’s activities and the testimonies of those closest to him. As the prosecution and defense present their cases, the jury will have to weigh the evidence and decide on Combs’ involvement in the alleged sex trafficking and racketeering enterprise.
FAQs
- Q: What is Sean "Diddy" Combs being charged with?
A: Combs is being charged with sex trafficking and racketeering. - Q: Who is Brendan Paul and what is his relation to Combs?
A: Brendan Paul is a former Syracuse University basketball player who worked as a personal assistant to Sean "Diddy" Combs. - Q: What did Paul testify about Combs’ behavior on drugs?
A: Paul testified that Combs got "extremely creative" when he was on drugs. - Q: How long is the defense presentation expected to last?
A: The defense presentation is expected to last from two to five days.
