Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is currently facing a trial in which his former personal assistant, David James, has testified against him. James, who was employed by Combs from 2007 to 2009, recounted a harrowing experience with Suge Knight that convinced him to resign.
During the trial, James described an encounter at Mel’s Diner in Hollywood where he and one of Combs’ security guards, D-Roc, ran into Suge Knight while picking up food. Suge Knight, known for his role in co-founding Death Row Records, is serving a 28-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter related to a 2015 incident.
Death Row Records, under Knight, was a key player in the notorious East Coast-West Coast hip-hop rivalry, often linked to the deaths of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls.
In court, Cassie Ventura, who was dating Combs at the time, recalled crying and pleading with him not to act recklessly during what she termed one of his “freak offs.”
Prosecutor Christy Slavik asked James, “Was there an incident at Mel’s Diner with Suge Knight?” James confirmed and recounted how D-Roc identified Suge Knight, leading to a tense situation with multiple black SUVs in the vicinity.
James described how someone handed Suge Knight a gun, prompting D-Roc to insist they leave quickly. They returned to Combs’ residence, where Cassie was visibly upset, and Combs joined them with several guns in his possession.
Upon returning to the diner, Suge Knight and his entourage had left, but Combs insisted they continue searching the area. James testified that this incident led to his decision to leave his job, fearing for his safety.
Combs is facing charges including racketeering and sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, which he denies. The indictment claims Combs exploited his position to intimidate and coerce women into relationships under false pretenses, often involving them in “freak offs” with male sex workers.
For those affected by similar issues, The National Sexual Assault Hotline is available at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or online at online.rainn.org.