Sean “Diddy” Combs allegedly paid a hotel security officer for surveillance footage showing the hip-hop mogul violently attacking his then-girlfriend, Casandra Ventura, in a hallway, the officer testified on Tuesday during Combs’ sex trafficking trial.
Eddy Garcia, a former employee at an Intercontinental hotel, told jurors that Combs contacted him shortly after the incident and requested the footage, promising to “take care” of Garcia if he complied.
Garcia testified, “He was concerned that this video would get out and ruin his career.” He was granted immunity from prosecution to provide his testimony.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to five counts, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.
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Federal prosecutors in Manhattan allege that over the past two decades, Combs coerced women, including Ventura, into participating in drug-fueled sexual performances with male sex workers known as “Freak Offs.”
The trial is currently in its fourth week.
Jurors have previously viewed a March 2016 surveillance video from the Los Angeles Intercontinental hotel, which shows Combs, clad only in a towel, throwing Ventura to the ground, kicking her, and dragging her away.
Ventura stated that the incident occurred after Combs had given her a black eye during a “Freak Off.”
Garcia testified that he relayed Combs’ request for the video to his boss, who agreed to provide it in exchange for $50,000.
The following day, Garcia observed his boss entering the room housing the surveillance camera servers. He said the boss handed him a USB drive, which he then gave to Combs. Later, Combs returned with a brown bag and a money counter.
Garcia testified that Combs ran cash from the bag through the counter, which displayed $100,000, before returning the money to the bag and handing it to him.
Combs’ lawyers have acknowledged that he was at times abusive in domestic relationships, but they argue that the women involved in “Freak Offs” did so consensually.
Prosecutors contend that bribery is among the racketeering acts committed by Combs or his employees to facilitate “Freak Offs” and suppress information about his alleged abuse.
If convicted on all counts, Combs could face life in prison. Prosecutors have indicated that they may conclude their case next week, allowing the defense to present its argument.
SOURCE: gbcghanaonline
