The federal trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs has entered its eighth day of testimony in New York, as key evidence continues to unfold in this high-profile case. Combs, 55, faces multiple serious charges including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He was arrested in September and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
On Wednesday, the court heard from Gerard Gannon, an agent with Homeland Security Investigations. Gannon resumed his testimony regarding the federal raid conducted on Combs’s Miami property in March 2024. Earlier in the week, he detailed disturbing findings from the search, including parts of an AR-15 rifle, high heels, sex toys, lubricants, baby oil, and lingerie, all discovered in the main bedroom closet of Combs’s Miami Beach home.
During Wednesday's testimony, Gannon revealed that agents also located a Gucci bag containing an assortment of pills, including MDMA tablets, along with white residue that tested positive for cocaine and ketamine. Additional evidence included over 20 bottles of baby oil and lubricant found in a hallway closet. Gannon testified that a loaded .45 caliber handgun was also discovered inside a suitcase located in the guesthouse on the property. Under cross-examination, Gannon clarified that the AR-15-style guns found in Combs’s home were disassembled and therefore inoperable.
The prosecution then called Dr. Dawn Hughes, a forensic and clinical psychologist specializing in trauma, to the stand. Dr. Hughes, who previously testified in the defamation case involving actors Amber Heard and Johnny Depp, shared valuable insights about the psychological effects of abusive relationships. She explained that victims often remain trapped in such situations due to feelings of shame and humiliation, making it difficult for them to disclose their experiences.
“They don’t want to talk about it,” Hughes stated. “They don’t even want to think about it in their own brain.” She highlighted the emotional complexities of abusive relationships, noting that there is often “almost always love” present, which creates a strong psychological bond between the victim and the abuser. Hughes elaborated on the cycle of abuse, explaining that victims frequently experience a pattern of returning and reconciling with their abuser before ultimately attempting to leave.
Hughes disclosed that she charges $600 per hour for her expert witness services and $6,000 for a full day of testimony. During cross-examination, defense attorneys attempted to challenge her credibility, suggesting she was biased due to her previous testimonies. However, Hughes maintained that she has never testified in favor of someone accused of a sex crime, emphasizing that her role is to evaluate victims, not offenders.
Following Dr. Hughes, the government called George Kaplan, a former assistant to Combs, to testify. Kaplan, who began working for Combs Enterprises in 2013, described a work environment characterized by intimidation and fear. He recounted how Combs frequently threatened to fire him and insisted on only hiring the best employees. Kaplan testified that he communicated with Combs daily and was responsible for preparing hotel rooms for him, which included stocking rooms with clothes, candles, lubricants, and baby oil.
Kaplan emphasized the importance of protecting Combs’s public image, which he claimed was a priority for Combs. The court adjourned around 3 PM ET, with Kaplan set to continue his testimony on Thursday morning. Earlier in the week, the jury heard from various witnesses, including a male escort and Cassie Ventura’s mother, who accused Combs of blackmail and assaulting her daughter.
The trial has revealed a series of troubling allegations against Combs, with witnesses describing years of physical and emotional abuse endured by Cassie Ventura during their 11-year on-and-off relationship. Ventura alleged that Combs orchestrated drug-fueled sexual performances involving male sex workers and coerced her participation through blackmail. She further claimed that Combs raped her in 2018 after their breakup.
Prosecutors aim to portray Combs as a controlling and abusive figure, exerting power over nearly every aspect of Ventura’s life. In contrast, Combs’s legal team has sought to undermine Ventura’s credibility, suggesting she was a willing participant in the alleged activities. The trial is expected to last for seven more weeks, and if convicted, Sean Combs could face a lifetime in prison.
