Diddy Allegedly Paid $100K to Hotel Staff for Cassie Assault Footage
Hotel Security Details Alleged Assault in Diddy Sex Trafficking Trial
A former hotel security supervisor testified June 3 that Sean “Diddy” Combs paid $100,000 in cash to prevent the release of surveillance footage showing him assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in 2016. The testimony came during Combs’ federal sex trafficking trial, which has drawn intense media attention.
Eddy Garcia, formerly employed at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles, described in court a video depicting Combs, wearing only a towel, violently attacking Ventura. According to Garcia, the assault included kicking, dragging, and throwing objects at Ventura in a hotel hallway. Garcia said his supervisor initially declined to sell the footage, but later agreed for $50,000. Combs ultimately paid $100,000, advising Garcia to avoid making conspicuous purchases.
Garcia stated he received $30,000 of the payment and signed a nondisclosure agreement that carried a $1 million penalty for breaches. The sex trafficking trial continues to unfold with heightened public scrutiny.
Garcia further testified that Combs contacted him on Easter, calling him an “angel” and expressing gratitude, saying, “God put you in my life for a reason.” Combs also inquired whether anyone had asked about the video. Garcia responded in the negative, which Combs acknowledged positively, requesting Garcia to inform him if that changed. The Diddy trial has been closely watched.
The suppressed footage, which later surfaced and was aired by CNN in 2024, is now a critical piece of evidence in the trial. Prosecutors contend that the video supports Ventura’s claims of coercion into participating in sex acts organized by Combs. The defense argues that Ventura consented to these encounters. The Cassie ventura assault is central to the case.
Cassie Ventura has publicly addressed the incident, stating, “Domestic Violence is THE issue.It broke me down to someone I never thought I would become. With a lot of hard work,I am better today,but I will always be recovering from my past.”
Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges including sex trafficking and racketeering. A conviction could result in a life sentence. The trial continues amid significant public and media interest.
What’s next
The trial is expected to continue with further witness testimony and presentation of evidence. The outcome could significantly impact Combs’ career and legacy, as well as influence discussions surrounding sex trafficking and abuse in the entertainment industry.