Introduction to the Case
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.
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.
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.
Trial Developments
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 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.
Witness Testimony
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.
“We continued on with our night,” he told Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavic.
Paul said that prior to his arrest, he had forgotten about the cocaine after collecting it while “sweeping” Combs’ room that morning and had accidentally left it in a bag he carried as he prepared to go on vacation with Combs and other aides. The charges were dismissed after Paul completed a pretrial diversion program.
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.
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 is ongoing, with the prosecution expected to rest their case by Monday. A defense presentation is expected to last from two to five days. The outcome of the trial remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the testimony of Brendan Paul has shed new light on the inner workings of Combs’ operation and the culture of obedience and loyalty that existed among his employees.
FAQs
Q: What is Sean "Diddy" Combs on trial for?
A: Combs is on trial for sex trafficking and racketeering charges.
Q: Who is Brendan Paul and what is his connection to Combs?
A: Brendan Paul is a former Syracuse University basketball player who worked as a personal assistant for Combs for a year and a half.
Q: What did Paul testify about during the trial?
A: Paul testified about buying drugs for Combs and doing drugs with him on one occasion. He also described Combs as "extremely creative" when he was on drugs.
Q: What is the expected outcome of the trial?
A: The outcome of the trial is uncertain, but the prosecution is expected to rest their case by Monday and the defense will present their case over the next two to five days.
