The high-profile sex trafficking case involving Sean Combs continues to dominate headlines as proceedings unfold in New York courtrooms.
The music industry executive was taken into custody last September, facing charges that include racketeering and sex trafficking through force, fraud, or coercion, alongside additional allegations.
Combs has consistently maintained his innocence and entered a not guilty plea to all charges brought against him.
Multiple witnesses have provided testimony against the entertainment mogul throughout the past three weeks, including his former romantic partner Cassie Ventura, her mother Regina, previous employees, and hospitality staff from establishments where the producer frequently stayed.
Ventura, who recently gave birth shortly after completing her testimony, underwent extensive questioning regarding Combs, claiming she endured physical violence and sexual assault, including rape, at his hands.
The previous week brought testimony from Capricorn Clark, a former employee who alleged that the music executive monitored both her and Ventura’s mobile devices and even tracked his former partner’s vehicle movements.
Tuesday’s proceedings featured testimony from a former hospitality industry worker who took the witness stand.
A security guard named Eddy Garcia testified about Combs’ attempts to secure surveillance footage showing him attacking Ventura during their relationship.
Garcia was employed at the InterContinental Hotel in Century City during the March 2016 incident, which Ventura claims occurred following one of the producer’s notorious private parties.
Ventura has testified that Combs coerced her into sexual encounters with male escorts during these events, though the defense maintains she participated willingly.
Surveillance footage from that evening, previously presented to jurors, shows Combs dressed only in a towel and socks as he physically assaults Ventura, pushing her down, kicking her, and dragging her through the hotel corridor.
This footage became public in late 2023 after Ventura filed a lawsuit alleging years of physical abuse during their intermittent relationship spanning 2007 to 2018. Although the case settled within a day, the video’s viral spread reignited public scrutiny, leading to Combs issuing a public apology on social media before his arrest.
Garcia testified that Combs contacted him on the hotel’s security line shortly after the incident, claiming he had consumed too much alcohol and suggesting that conflicts occur in relationships.
The music executive later reached Garcia on his personal phone, reportedly saying he seemed trustworthy while warning that such incidents could destroy his career.
Initially, Garcia told Combs the video was inaccessible. However, he later contacted him again, explaining that his supervisor would delete the footage for $50,000.
Garcia described Combs as thrilled, allegedly responding with gratitude and relief at the proposed solution.
The following day, Garcia received instructions from his supervisor, Madrano, to modify timestamps on his work records. He then traveled to a Los Angeles high-rise building, where he met Combs and provided a USB drive containing the footage, confirming it was the sole copy.
Before completing the transaction, Garcia expressed concern about potential police inquiries if Ventura filed a complaint.
Combs allegedly arranged for Garcia to speak with a woman he believed was Ventura, who mentioned having an upcoming film release and wanted the video eliminated.
Garcia subsequently signed confidentiality agreements confirming the footage’s destruction and his silence regarding the arrangement.
He testified that Combs also requested photographs of his driver’s license and identification from two other security personnel to ensure everyone understood the agreement.
After signing the contracts and transferring the footage, Combs returned with a brown paper bag and cash-counting equipment.
He counted $100,000 in cash, gave it to Garcia, and advised against making conspicuous purchases.
Garcia retained $30,000 for a used vehicle, distributed $20,000 to another involved guard, and gave $50,000 to his supervisor.
While Combs acknowledges making the payment, his legal team argues it was intended to prevent negative publicity.
During cross-examination, prosecutors questioned Garcia about his nervousness during the transaction with Combs.
Garcia began describing his fear of the influential mogul, but defense attorneys objected, ending that line of testimony.
An escort identified as Shawn Dearing, professionally known as “Skyler,” has spoken publicly after being named in court proceedings.
Ventura had mentioned him as one of ten men hired by Combs for the private parties.
In a media interview, Dearing claims he was hired more than a dozen times for sexual encounters involving Ventura and Combs after meeting the couple around 2015.
He expressed reluctance to discuss the matter publicly, stating he avoided seeking attention or exploiting the experience for personal gain.
Dearing alleged that while he never witnessed physical violence against Ventura, he observed psychological manipulation and believed she appeared to be under Combs’ control.
He described the encounters as occurring under Combs’ direction, with a constant atmosphere of performance pressure and potential consequences.
The 37-year-old praised Ventura’s testimony, describing her as respectful, genuine, and courageous throughout the ordeal.
Dearing supported Ventura’s claims, stating that Combs never touched him but directed the sexual activities between him and Ventura.
He suggested Ventura seemed unwilling to participate in the encounters, which occurred at a Beverly Hills hotel and a private Los Angeles condominium, noting her demeanor changed when situations became more disturbing.
He described observing what appeared to be her spirit leaving her body during these encounters.
Combs’ legal representative previously stated their disappointment with the prosecution’s decision, describing it as unjust.
The attorney characterized Combs as a music icon, entrepreneur, family man, and philanthropist who built his empire over three decades while supporting his children and the Black community.
The defense emphasized Combs’ cooperation with the investigation and his voluntary relocation to New York in anticipation of the charges, describing these actions as those of an innocent person.
The trial is expected to continue for approximately eight weeks. If convicted, Combs could face life imprisonment.