“Diddy” Defense Team Minimizes Guns Found on His Property, Says Expert Witnesses Are “Dangerous”

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On Wednesday, three new witnesses provided diverse testimonies in the racketeering and sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs. These witnesses included an officer who conducted a search at his Miami residence, a psychologist who has testified in numerous high-profile cases recently, as well as one of the rap entrepreneur’s former personal assistants.

Back in September, I found myself slapped with a five-count indictment by the feds, who’ve been accusing me for two decades of mistreating women, exploiting sex workers, and essentially transforming my music and fashion empire into a criminal stronghold. As my trial, now in its third week, unfolds, they claim that my transgressions encompass manipulation, coercive control, blackmail, drug abuse, marathon-length intimate encounters, and trafficking. I’ve pleaded not guilty to numerous counts outlined in the federal indictment related to sex trafficking and racketeering; I continue to maintain my innocence against all charges brought against me.

On the following Wednesday morning, Homeland Security Investigations Agent Gerard Gannon resumed his testimony in court, picking up where he left off on the previous day, which was Tuesday. He had initially started describing the March 2024 search at Combs’ Miami mansion. Agent Gannon explained to the court that during the raid, approximately 80-90 agents discovered assault rifles with their serial numbers removed, loaded magazines, and sex toys among the items they seized.

On Wednesday, Gannon provided additional insights about the raid, describing how agents uncovered a cellphone hidden within a Balenciaga boot and a Gucci bag containing a white residue. Subsequent testing revealed that this residue was positive for cocaine and ketamine. The bag also held smaller bags of pills in various colors, which tested positive for MDMA and Xanax. Some of the MDMA pills bore the Tesla logo, as the jury discovered. Inside a box labeled “Puffy,” Gannon stated that a white, rock-like substance was found.

In cross-examination, defense attorney Teny Geragos argued that the guns found during the raid were not immediately usable because they were taped up. He also mentioned that there are alternative methods for identifying a gun’s user besides the serial number, which was missing. The prosecution’s witness, Gannon, conceded to these points and left the stand.

The upcoming witness for the prosecution was Dawn Hughes, a clinical and forensic psychologist who has provided expert testimony in high-profile cases, such as those involving famous personalities or sensational headlines. During Keith Raniere’s 2019 trial for the NXIVM sex cult, she discussed the idea of gaslighting. She also spoke about sexual entrapment during R. Kelly’s racketeering trial and multiple charges related to sexual abuse and exploitation in 2019. Last year, many tuned in to watch her testimony at the defamation trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard.

Hughes explained to the jury why some victims might choose not to leave their abuser, citing that over a decade-long period, Combs allegedly controlled, manipulated, and abused Cassie Ventura, who testified extensively last week about their tumultuous relationship. Hughes suggested that at times, a victim can feel stuck in the situation, may still have feelings for their abuser, and might view leaving as an overwhelming task. She pointed out that various aspects such as psychological, sexual, emotional, and financial manipulation could be reasons why a person remains with an abuser.

Yes, I don’t evaluate offenders,” Hughes confirmed. Additionally, it was disclosed that the prosecution compensated Hughes at a rate of $600 per hour for her contributions to their case.

At some stage, Bach labeled Hughes and other esteemed witnesses as “potentially harmful,” given their confident demeanor and an air of expertise surrounding them.

On Wednesday, the last witness of the day was another assistant to Combs. This individual, George Kaplan, who worked as Combs’ personal assistant from 2015-2016, testified about his job duties. These tasks involved cleaning up hotel rooms following the wild parties that Combs would host in them. In New York, Miami, and L.A., liquor bottles and baby oil were frequently left behind after Combs checked out, according to Kaplan’s account to the court. He also revealed that at one point, he discovered a small pile of white powder near a sink in one of these rooms.

On Wednesday, it was anticipated that musician Kid Cudi would discuss his past interactions with Ventura and a car explosion incident over a decade old. However, the court ended proceedings for the day without him being present. It’s expected that he will appear in court the following day (Thursday) to provide testimony.

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2025-05-22 01:33