Diddy Trial: Cassie Hotel Video Focus – NBC New York
Security Guard Testifies Diddy Offered $100K to Hide Cassie Assault Video
Updated June 03, 2025
Sean “Diddy” Combs, facing a sex trafficking trial, allegedly paid a security guard $100,000 to conceal surveillance footage of him assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassie, in 2016. Eddy Garcia, the former security guard, testified Thursday that Combs feared the video’s release would destroy his career and “Puff Daddy” image.
Garcia stated that Combs repeatedly expressed concern about the video’s potential impact. Prosecutors in Manhattan are using the intercontinental Hotel footage, which depicts Combs kicking and dragging Cassie, as key evidence in their federal case. they argue it supports claims from Cassie and two other women who accuse Combs of sexual and physical abuse over two decades. The sex trafficking and racketeering charges against Combs,55,have been met with a not guilty plea.
According to Garcia, he spoke with Combs’ chief-of-staff, Kristina Khorram, after the assault. He told her the video was “bad.” During a subsequent call, Khorram put Combs on the phone. Garcia testified that Combs sounded “very nervous” and admitted to drinking too much. Combs allegedly said that “with women, one thing leads to another” and that the video’s release would ruin him.
Garcia said Khorram later contacted him on his personal cell phone,which made him nervous. combs then allegedly told Garcia he seemed like a “good guy” and reiterated that the situation could ruin him. When Garcia said he lacked access to the video, Combs reportedly insisted Garcia could make it happen and that “he would take care of me,” which Garcia interpreted as a financial offer.
Garcia then consulted his boss, who agreed to sell the video to Combs for $50,000. Combs, upon hearing this, “sounded excited” and called Garcia “Eddy my angel,” adding, “I knew you could help. I knew you could do it.”
Within two days, Garcia provided Combs with the footage on a storage device in exchange for $100,000 in cash. Combs reportedly counted the money using a machine and placed it in a brown paper bag. Garcia signed a confidentiality agreement, which stipulated a $1 million penalty for any breach. At the time, Garcia earned $10.50 per hour as a hotel security guard.
Garcia stated he signed a declaration affirming that no other copies of the video existed. He said he felt nervous and rushed during the signing, which took place in an office with Combs’ bodyguard and Khorram present.After signing, Combs allegedly advised Garcia against making any large purchases that might attract attention. Garcia gave $50,000 to his boss,$20,000 to another security officer,and kept $30,000,using some to buy a used car. He avoided depositing the money in a bank to prevent a paper trail.
Weeks later,Combs allegedly called Garcia,asking if anyone had inquired about the video. When Garcia said no, Combs reportedly responded, “Happy Easter. Eddy,my angel. God is good. God put you in my way for a reason.” Garcia then inquired about future work opportunities, but Combs never responded to his subsequent inquiries. The Sean “Diddy” Combs Cassie assault video later surfaced via CNN.
What’s next
The sex trafficking trial against Sean “Diddy” Combs continues, with further testimonies expected in the coming weeks. The outcome of the trial could significantly impact combs’ career and legacy.