Sean Combs

Trial 12025 Federal TrialMay 5, 2025 – Jul 2, 2025

Sean Combs was the defendant in a trial centered on competing accounts of coercion, sexual encounters, alleged enterprise activity, and the charged federal offenses. The government sought convictions on all five counts, while the defense disputed that the evidence proved the charges.

Jury Selection Day 1

May 5, 2025

ProceduralPretrial Evidentiary Rulings and Notice ProtocolMentioned

Summary

The court set a notice procedure for proposed questioning and limited the scope of two proposed defense experts.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

ProceduralJuror-Privacy Sidebar ProcedureMentioned

Summary

The court set a confidential-sidebar procedure for sensitive juror questioning, and the defense agreed to forgo Mr. Combs's live transcript feed to preserve that confidentiality.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Jury Selection Day 2

May 6, 2025

ProceduralLocal Rule 23.1 Admonishment of Defense CounselMentioned

Summary

The court admonished defense counsel about public comments during jury selection and warned that further similar remarks could prompt additional relief.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Jury Selection Day 4

May 9, 2025

ProceduralPretrial Evidentiary RulingsMentioned

Summary

The court denied a pseudonym request for victim 5, excluded 3Q-105 under Rule 403, and allowed B-105 after argument over its context and potential prejudice.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

ProceduralRule 106 Completeness ArgumentMentioned

Summary

The court said Rule 106 disputes over text-message threads would be handled case by case, not by admitting entire threads wholesale.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

ProceduralVictim 1 Cross-Examination Admissibility ArgumentMentioned

Summary

The court deferred ruling on proposed cross-examination of victim number 1 about prior incidents, invited further briefing, and resolved the parties' agreement on specified InterContinental Hotel videos.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 5

May 12, 2025

OpeningGovernment Opening StatementEmily A. JohnsonMentioned

Summary

The government previewed its alleged enterprise and coercion theory and the evidence it said would support the charges.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

ProceduralRuling on Hotel Incident ReportsMentioned

Summary

The court conditionally allowed one hotel incident report, excluded a version with added video-based commentary, and admitted four agreed stipulations.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectIsrael Florez — DirectIsrael FlorezMary C. SlavikMentioned

Summary

Hotel security official Israel Florez described responding to the 2016 sixth-floor incident, Ms. Cassie's wish to leave, a reported cash offer, and the incident report and videos admitted through him.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossIsrael Florez — CrossIsrael FlorezBrian SteelMentioned

Summary

Defense counsel used Florez’s 2016 incident report to question details in his later testimony; Florez said some omissions were not significant or had been communicated to hotel management.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RedirectIsrael Florez — RedirectIsrael FlorezMary C. SlavikMentioned

Summary

Florez said incident reports did not include every detail and described the cash-offer statement and video footage he said showed Combs dragging Cassie toward the room.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectDaniel Phillip — DirectDaniel PhillipMaurene R. ComeyMentioned

Summary

Daniel Phillip described paid sexual encounters involving Casandra Ventura and Sean Combs, alleged directions and recording by Combs, and alleged violence against Ventura.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossDaniel Phillip — CrossDaniel PhillipXavier R. DonaldsonMentioned

Summary

Defense counsel tested Daniel Phillip's account of the first Cassie Ventura encounter and a prior law-enforcement interview; the court barred outside consultation while his testimony continued.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 6

May 13, 2025

ProceduralVentura Evidence Admissibility RulingMentioned

Summary

The court allowed limited use of a reported bar-fight incident in a text-message exchange while excluding the other proposed incidents.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

ProceduralPrior Consistent Statements RulingMentioned

Summary

The court allowed B-315 and B-316 as prior consistent statements but reserved B-332 and B-329 for possible rebuttal.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossDaniel Phillip — CrossDaniel PhillipXavier R. DonaldsonMentioned

Summary

Daniel Phillip resisted parts of the defense's consent and credibility questioning, reaffirmed an alleged assault, and did not recall prior statements about jealousy.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RedirectDaniel Phillip — RedirectDaniel PhillipMaurene R. ComeyMentioned

Summary

Phillip clarified his account of Combs's alleged directions during sexual activity and gave further testimony about an incident involving Cassie; the court struck part of one answer.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RedirectDaniel Phillip — RedirectDaniel PhillipMaurene R. ComeyMentioned

Summary

Phillip explained his purpose in sending a text message, and the court deferred a Rule 615 dispute over Alex Fine's presence until the jury briefly left.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

ProceduralRule 615 Witness-Exclusion HearingMentioned

Summary

The court set a Rule 615 process for Ventura's husband, ordered advance notice for future exclusion requests, and directed counsel to seek a sidebar before the 2018 questioning.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectCasandra Ventura — DirectCasandra VenturaEmily A. JohnsonMentioned

Summary

Ventura described alleged abuse, control, and freak-offs involving escorts, drugs, hotels, and Combs's staff; the court admitted multiple related exhibits.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectCasandra Ventura Direct — Return to Open CourtCasandra VenturaEmily A. JohnsonMentioned

Summary

Ventura described alleged control of freak-offs, escort arrangements, drugs, recordings, and a Century City hotel incident; the court provisionally restricted press access to video exhibits.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 7

May 14, 2025

DirectCasandra Ventura — DirectCasandra VenturaEmily A. JohnsonMentioned

Summary

Ventura testified about the InterContinental incident, escort arrangements, alleged threats involving recorded sexual material, alleged violence, and related exhibits.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectCasandra Ventura — Direct (Resumed)Casandra VenturaEmily A. JohnsonMentioned

Summary

Ventura testified about alleged assaults, injuries, staff and security involvement, threats involving recorded sexual material, and exhibits including photographs, messages, and sealed video stills.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectCasandra Ventura — Direct (Resumed)Casandra VenturaEmily A. JohnsonMentioned

Summary

Ventura described alleged 2018 rape, drug dependency, texts, treatment, and a $20 million civil settlement; the court addressed Rule 412 issues before cross.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

ProceduralRule 412 Cross-Examination HearingMentioned

Summary

The court set an expedited process to review disputed cross-examination exhibits and determine whether any Rule 412 sealed hearing was needed.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 8

May 15, 2025

ProceduralRule 412 Evidentiary Ruling and Exhibit DisclosuresMentioned

Summary

The court excluded challenged text-message content under Rule 412, while allowing other relationship questioning and possible redactions; it also pressed the parties to resolve defense-exhibit disclosure disputes.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossCasandra Ventura — CrossCasandra VenturaAnna M. EstevaoMentioned

Summary

Ventura was cross-examined with admitted messages about her relationship with Combs and freak-offs; she qualified the defense's characterizations, denied wanting recordings, and described keeping the encounters secret.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossCasandra Ventura — Cross ResumesCasandra VenturaAnna M. EstevaoMentioned

Summary

Defense cross-examined Ventura with messages about freak-offs, drug use, and relationship conflicts; she gave several qualified answers and the court set limits for completing the cross.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 9

May 16, 2025

ProceduralPre-Cross Exhibit Admissibility ConferenceMentioned

Summary

The court resolved several exhibit-handling issues before cross-examination resumed and deferred argument over a disputed text message.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossCasandra Ventura — CrossCasandra VenturaAnna M. EstevaoMentioned

Summary

Defense cross-examined Casandra Ventura with messages and recordings about the relationship, alleged 2018 rape chronology, later contact with Mr. Combs, and exhibit procedures.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossCasandra Ventura — CrossCasandra VenturaAnna M. EstevaoMentioned

Summary

Defense counsel examined Ventura on post-relationship messages, treatment, the 2023 settlement and canceled tour, and a 2012 message about a freak-off.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RedirectCasandra Ventura — RedirectCasandra VenturaEmily A. JohnsonMentioned

Summary

Ventura said freak-offs and Sean's moods affected her career and sense of self, reaffirmed key allegations of violence and rape, and described why she said she did not feel able to refuse freak-offs.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RecrossCasandra Ventura — RecrossCasandra VenturaAnna M. EstevaoMentioned

Summary

Defense recrossed Casandra Ventura on messages, freak-off videos, Combs's drug use, her career, and an anticipated InterContinental settlement.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RecrossCasandra Ventura — RecrossCasandra VenturaAnna M. EstevaoMentioned

Summary

Ventura confirmed the timing of an InterContinental settlement, and the court clarified the scope of anticipated Dawn Richard testimony.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectYasin Binda — DirectYasin BindaMadison R. SmyserMentioned

Summary

HSI Agent Yasin Binda described the Park Hyatt search, evidence documentation, and items recovered from room 2115.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossYasin Binda — CrossYasin BindaTeny R. GeragosMentioned

Summary

Defense questioned Binda about the Park Hyatt search and the basis for treating $9,000 as bulk cash; the court allowed limited inquiry.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectDawn Richard — DirectDawn RichardMitzi SteinerMentioned

Summary

Dawn Richard described an alleged 2009 assault on Cassie at Sean Combs's Los Angeles home and a later conversation she said left her afraid to speak.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

ProceduralHearing on Admissibility of Dawn Richard Threat TestimonyMentioned

Summary

The court reserved a relevance and prejudice objection to anticipated Dawn Richard testimony and ordered weekend disclosure of the following week's expected witnesses.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 10

May 19, 2025

ProceduralPretrial Evidentiary RulingsMentioned

Summary

The court made evidentiary rulings on proposed testimony from Dawn Richard, Kerry Morgan, and David James, excluding several statements while permitting others subject to foundation.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectDawn Richard — DirectDawn RichardMitzi SteinerMentioned

Summary

Dawn Richard described alleged violence against Cassie, threats to employees, drug deliveries, and firearms during her direct examination.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossDawn Richard — CrossDawn RichardNicole WestmorelandMentioned

Summary

Defense cross-examined Dawn Richard on prior interview accounts, her civil lawsuit, and later contact with Sean Combs, while the court required further foundation before a text-message exhibit could be used for impeachment.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

sidebarRedirect Scope on Lawsuit ReasonsMentioned

Summary

The sidebar addressed the permissible scope of redirect after cross-examination challenged the witness's credibility and motives for communicating with and suing the defendant.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RedirectDawn Richard — RedirectDawn RichardMitzi SteinerMentioned

Summary

Dawn Richard addressed memory and prior-account challenges, reaffirmed allegations of violence against Cassie and threats to keep quiet, and faced several sustained objections.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RecrossDawn Richard — RecrossDawn RichardNicole WestmorelandMentioned

Summary

Dawn Richard confirmed prior contact about restarting Dirty Money and said her civil lawsuit sought to make her whole, including payment for work with Sean Combs.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectKerry Morgan — DirectKerry MorganMeredith FosterMentioned

Summary

Kerry Morgan testified about alleged assaults involving Casandra Ventura and herself, alleged control over Ventura, and a later $30,000 payment.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

ProceduralHearing on Further Direct ExaminationMentioned

Summary

The court excluded proposed Morgan testimony about Ms. Ventura's statement and conditionally allowed proposed James testimony subject to foundation.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossKerry Morgan — CrossKerry MorganMarc A. AgnifiloMentioned

Summary

Defense questioned Kerry Morgan about her relationship with Cassie, the alleged incidents, a $30,000 settlement, medical-treatment recollections, and defense exhibits.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RedirectKerry Morgan — RedirectKerry MorganMeredith FosterMentioned

Summary

Kerry Morgan restated alleged assaults in Los Angeles and Jamaica and said she did not recall or hear jealousy arguments immediately beforehand.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectDavid James — DirectDavid JamesMary C. SlavikMentioned

Summary

David James described his work as Combs's personal assistant, the surrounding staff, and conversations involving Cassie.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 11

May 20, 2025

ProceduralAdmissibility of Regina Ventura's $20,000 Payment TestimonyMentioned

Summary

The court deferred a final ruling on proposed testimony about a $20,000 payment, directing the government to lay its foundation before the defense renewed its objection.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

ProceduralAdmissibility of David James's Mel's Diner TestimonyMentioned

Summary

The court overruled a defense objection and allowed anticipated Mel's Diner testimony as alleged enterprise evidence.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectDavid James — DirectDavid JamesMary C. SlavikMentioned

Summary

David James described hotel-room logistics, drug-related tasks, security practices, and an armed return to Mel's Diner after a reported encounter involving Suge Knight.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossDavid James — CrossDavid JamesMarc A. AgnifiloMentioned

Summary

The defense challenged David James's memory and prior accounts while eliciting admissions about his work conduct, unrecorded purchases, and a cocaine purchase.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RedirectDavid James — RedirectDavid JamesMary C. SlavikMentioned

Summary

David James said he declined to file a police report he believed would be false after an incident involving Chef Jordan.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RecrossDavid James — RecrossDavid JamesMarc A. AgnifiloMentioned

Summary

James acknowledged he never told Combs that he had not filed the police report; the court sustained a later objection.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectRegina Ventura — DirectRegina VenturaEmily A. JohnsonMentioned

Summary

Regina Ventura described a 2011 email, a $20,000 wire transfer, photographs of Casandra's bruising, and a 2016 dispute involving Sean Combs.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectSharay Dashawn Hayes — DirectSharay Dashawn HayesMeredith FosterMentioned

Summary

Sharay Dashawn Hayes described repeated paid hotel encounters involving Ms. Ventura and Mr. Sean Combs, then qualified details in his later book account.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossSharay Dashawn Hayes — CrossSharay Dashawn HayesXavier R. DonaldsonMentioned

Summary

Hayes denied developing feelings for Cassie and described his limited personal observations of the encounters, including no perceived discomfort, drug impairment, filming, or violence.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RedirectSharay Dashawn Hayes — RedirectSharay Dashawn HayesMeredith FosterMentioned

Summary

Hayes qualified his assumption that Ventura enjoyed one encounter and described her attention to Combs's directions during the encounters.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RecrossSharay Dashawn Hayes — RecrossSharay Dashawn HayesXavier R. DonaldsonMentioned

Summary

Hayes qualified his interpretation of Ventura's engagement during one encounter, and the court resolved that upcoming physical evidence would be displayed rather than passed among jurors.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectGerard Gannon — DirectGerard GannonMadison R. SmyserMentioned

Summary

HSI agent Gerard Gannon described the 2 Star Island search, evidence-handling procedures, and firearm-related items recovered from a closet; the court admitted numerous search exhibits.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 12

May 21, 2025

ProceduralEvidentiary Hearing on Witness Testimony and ExhibitsMentioned

Summary

The court set limits for Dr. Hughes's expert testimony, preserved the defense objection, and deferred rulings on disputed exhibits.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossGerard Gannon — CrossGerard GannonTeny R. GeragosMentioned

Summary

Gannon's cross-examination examined the planning and documentation of the 2 Star Island search, including firearms-related photographs and the limits of the agent's knowledge.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectGeorge Kaplan — DirectGeorge KaplanMaurene R. ComeyMentioned

Summary

Kaplan described hotel setups, cleanup, and two drug pickups he said he performed while working as Combs's assistant.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 13

May 22, 2025

ProceduralPretestimony Evidentiary RulingsMentioned

Summary

The court set limits on anticipated Mescudi testimony, deferred a text-message ruling pending foundation, and resolved several defense-exhibit issues.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectGeorge Kaplan — DirectGeorge KaplanMaurene R. ComeyMentioned

Summary

Kaplan described cash-handling duties, alleged violence involving Cassie and Gina, and why he later left Combs Enterprises.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossGeorge Kaplan — CrossGeorge KaplanMarc A. AgnifiloMentioned

Summary

Kaplan described his complicated view of working for Mr. Combs, qualified several prior observations, and said he testified only after being subpoenaed.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RedirectGeorge Kaplan — RedirectGeorge KaplanMaurene R. ComeyMentioned

Summary

Kaplan explained why two incidents shook him, described reporting them to Kristina Khorram, and said he left because he would not stand by the behavior.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectScott Mescudi — DirectScott MescudiEmily A. JohnsonMentioned

Summary

Scott Mescudi described his 2011 relationship with Cassie Ventura, a reported break-in at his home, fire damage to his Porsche, and later meetings with Sean Combs.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossScott Mescudi — CrossScott MescudiBrian SteelMentioned

Summary

Scott Mescudi's cross-examination addressed the Porsche fire investigation, his relationship with Ms. Ventura, and the limits of his personal knowledge about the alleged incidents.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RedirectScott Mescudi — RedirectScott MescudiEmily A. JohnsonMentioned

Summary

Mescudi reinforced his account of Ventura's reported fear and abuse allegations; the court later struck a Rule 412 question and ruled on disputed defense photographs.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectMylah Morales — DirectMylah MoralesMaurene R. ComeyMentioned

Summary

Morales testified that she heard yelling behind a hotel-room door in 2010 and later saw Ventura injured; she said fear kept her from calling police.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectFrederic Zemmour — DirectFrederic ZemmourMadison R. SmyserMentioned

Summary

Hotel manager Frederic Zemmour authenticated L'Ermitage records and explained profile changes, reservation data, and guest notes associated with Sean Combs.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectJoshua Croft — DirectJoshua CroftEmily A. JohnsonMentioned

Summary

HSI forensic agent Joshua Croft described extracting and verifying data from three laptops associated with Cassie Ventura, including recovery limits and how chat data could appear in forensic reports.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RedirectJoshua Croft — RedirectJoshua CroftEmily A. JohnsonMentioned

Summary

Croft said a separate user partition on B-200 was preserved but not searched until a warrant was obtained; the court then addressed scheduling and defense-access requests.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 14

May 27, 2025

ProceduralPretrial Evidentiary RulingsMentioned

Summary

The court resolved and deferred several evidentiary disputes before Capricorn Clark testified.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectCapricorn Clark — DirectCapricorn ClarkMitzi SteinerMentioned

Summary

Capricorn Clark described her employment under Combs, alleged threats and confinement, and December 2011 events involving Mescudi and Ventura.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossCapricorn Clark — CrossCapricorn ClarkMarc A. AgnifiloMentioned

Summary

Defense cross-examined Capricorn Clark about her relationship with Mr. Combs, Cassie's career, and records used to challenge her account of the December 2011 events.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RedirectCapricorn Clark — RedirectCapricorn ClarkMitzi SteinerMentioned

Summary

Clark explained her employment-related decisions, reaffirmed her account of an armed 2011 incident, and testified about Combs' approval over Ventura's career.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 15

May 28, 2025

ProceduralPre-Testimony Evidentiary RulingsMentioned

Summary

The court resolved pre-testimony evidentiary disputes, including proposed statements by Ms. Ventura, defense exhibits, and future questioning limits.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

ProceduralFingerprint-Card Evidence HearingMentioned

Summary

The court struck fingerprint-card testimony, denied a defense mistrial motion, and ordered a curative instruction.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectDeonte Nash — DirectDeonte NashMaurene R. ComeyMentioned

Summary

Deonte Nash described alleged threats and control directed at Cassie, an alleged confrontation with Puff at a Vanity Fair party, and decisions affecting Cassie's appearance and music releases.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

ProceduralNash State-of-Mind Evidence HearingMentioned

Summary

The court limited proposed state-of-mind testimony, admitted two exhibits subject to foundation, provisionally excluded a third, and approved protections for Mia's pseudonym.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectDeonte Nash — Direct ResumesDeonte NashMaurene R. ComeyMentioned

Summary

Nash described alleged assaults, threats, and efforts by Cassie to hide, then faced initial cross-examination about his relationships and work history.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 16

May 29, 2025

ProceduralMia Testimony Evidentiary RulingsMentioned

Summary

The court denied the motion to strike Dr. Hughes, set privacy measures for Mia's testimony, and ruled on proposed defense exhibits, including the scrapbook and text messages.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossDeonte Nash — CrossDeonte NashXavier R. DonaldsonMentioned

Summary

Defense counsel used prior interviews, texts, and photographs to test Nash's account, his knowledge of Cassie's private life, and his continuing relationships with Cassie and Mr. Combs.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RedirectDeonte Nash — RedirectDeonte NashMaurene R. ComeyMentioned

Summary

Nash reaffirmed his account of alleged violence and testified that Cassie said she did not want to go to a hotel on her 29th birthday.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectMia — DirectMiaMadison R. SmyserMentioned

Summary

Mia described her employment under Sean Combs, alleged violence and control affecting her and Casandra Ventura, hotel-night duties, drug use, and alleged sexual assaults.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 17

May 30, 2025

ProceduralCounsel Access and Summary-Exhibit RulingsMentioned

Summary

The court set additional counsel-access arrangements for Mr. Combs and ruled on revisions and permitted uses of proposed summary exhibits.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectMia — DirectMiaMadison R. SmyserMentioned

Summary

Mia described alleged threats, workplace control, suspension, an attempt to leave a St. Barts trip, later contacts from D-Roc and Mr. Combs, and her reported difficulty working after leaving.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossMia — CrossMiaBrian SteelMentioned

Summary

Defense cross-examined Mia with years of favorable social-media posts about Sean Combs; Mia said the posts presented a positive public image and did not reflect her private fear and misery.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

ProceduralMidday Evidentiary HearingMentioned

Summary

The court excluded a late-produced defense video of Mia, set limits on related cross-examination, and resolved objections involving two other defense exhibits.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossMia — CrossMiaBrian SteelMentioned

Summary

Defense used Mia's favorable posts and birthday gifts to challenge her account; Mia said they reflected public high points, workplace expectations, and an abusive relationship she found difficult to leave.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 18

Jun 2, 2025

CrossMia — CrossMiaBrian SteelMentioned

Summary

Defense used Mia's later affectionate messages and a video to challenge her account; Mia said fear, loyalty, and psychological confusion explained the communications, while the court limited portions of the impeachment effort.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossMia — Cross ResumesMiaBrian SteelMentioned

Summary

Defense challenged Mia's disclosure timeline, prior mediation, later communications, and lack of corroborating records; Mia described fear, control, shame, and difficulty disclosing, while the court repeatedly limited question form.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossMia — Cross ResumesMiaBrian SteelMentioned

Summary

Defense challenged Mia's disclosure timeline, corroboration, and employment account; Mia maintained she felt unable to leave, and the court barred further therapist-related questioning and instructed jurors to disregard related testimony.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RedirectMia — RedirectMiaMadison R. SmyserMentioned

Summary

Mia said favorable social-media posts were part of her work and did not reflect her private fear; the court overruled several objections and admitted additional exhibits.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectSylvia Oken — DirectSylvia OkenMeredith FosterMentioned

Summary

Oken authenticated Beverly Hills Hotel records and testified that the Phillip Pines profile identified Sean Combs as the actual guest.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 19

Jun 3, 2025

ProceduralVideo Compilation Admissibility HearingMentioned

Summary

The court deferred a ruling on admitting a surveillance-video compilation until after testimony and cross-examination about its sequence, timestamps, and edits.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectEddy Garcia — DirectEddy GarciaMitzi SteinerMentioned

Summary

Garcia testified about requests for InterContinental footage, a USB transfer, $100,000 in cash, and his later admissions about deleted messages and initial dishonesty.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossEddy Garcia — CrossEddy GarciaBrian SteelMentioned

Summary

Defense questioned Garcia about the $100,000 payment, his later request for security work, and the nondisclosure agreement's disclosure exceptions.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RedirectEddy Garcia — RedirectEddy GarciaMitzi SteinerMentioned

Summary

The court limited redirect about Garcia's understanding of the nondisclosure agreement, and Garcia clarified that he spoke with federal law enforcement in 2024, not March 2016.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

ProceduralGX A-905-A Redaction HearingMentioned

Summary

The court addressed proposed hearsay redactions, adjusted witness order for video-compilation revisions, and admitted a digital-device extract and stipulated bank records.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectDerek Ferguson — DirectDerek FergusonMary C. SlavikMentioned

Summary

Former Bad Boy CFO Derek Ferguson identified Combs-controlled accounts, internal transfers to a property account, and a December 2011 wire directed to Casandra Ventura.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossDerek Ferguson — CrossDerek FergusonMarc A. AgnifiloMentioned

Summary

Ferguson described corporate and financial controls at Combs-related businesses as the defense introduced organizational charts; the court limited indictment-based questioning before Ferguson denied seeing company personnel commit or assist crimes.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RedirectDerek Ferguson — RedirectDerek FergusonMary C. SlavikMentioned

Summary

Ferguson clarified the limits of his workplace observations and identified Combs and other personnel roles on a defense organizational chart.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

ProceduralJane Testimony Privacy MeasuresMentioned

Summary

The court set privacy measures for Jane's testimony, preserved a video-compilation dispute, clarified two defense exhibits' admission, and granted same-day courtroom access for defense review.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 20

Jun 4, 2025

ProceduralEvidentiary Rulings Before Bryana BongolanMentioned

Summary

The court resolved exhibit and cross-examination disputes before Bryana Bongolan's testimony and set a deadline for briefing on proposed Dr. Hughes testimony.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectBryana Bongolan — DirectBryana BongolanMadison R. SmyserMentioned

Summary

Bryana Bongolan described the alleged balcony incident, identified injury photographs, and addressed discrepancies in later civil-litigation materials; the court excluded proposed settlement-call testimony after a hearsay dispute.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossBryana Bongolan — CrossBryana BongolanNicole WestmorelandMentioned

Summary

Defense counsel challenged Bongolan's recollection and prior accounts of the balcony incident through government-interview materials and civil filings; the court repeatedly required clearer questioning before continuing the cross the next day.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 21

Jun 5, 2025

ProceduralBalcony-Incident Text Exhibit RulingMentioned

Summary

The Court ruled that the government may admit a text-message exhibit concerning the balcony incident, over defense hearsay objections.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossBryana Bongolan — CrossBryana BongolanNicole WestmorelandMentioned

Summary

Defense challenged Bongolan's injury timeline and later contact with Cassie and Combs through texts, photographs, and records; Bongolan maintained Combs caused her injuries while acknowledging inaccuracies in a former lawyer's demand letter.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RedirectBryana Bongolan — RedirectBryana BongolanMadison R. SmyserMentioned

Summary

Bongolan addressed meeting notes and civil-litigation discrepancies, acknowledged uncertainty about the incident's exact date, and reaffirmed her alleged balcony account.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RecrossBryana Bongolan — RecrossBryana BongolanNicole WestmorelandMentioned

Summary

Bongolan rejected a financial-motive challenge during recross; the Court admitted exhibits, denied a Rule 106 text-message request, and warned against further jury interaction.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectJane — DirectJaneMaurene R. ComeyMentioned

Summary

Jane described recurring hotel nights with other men, drug use, travel, and financial support that she said contributed to feeling obligated.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 22

Jun 6, 2025

ProceduralPretestimony Evidentiary RulingsMentioned

Summary

The Court ruled on Jane-related notes and assistant communications, reserved on proposed summary exhibits, and admitted a group of sealed government exhibits.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectJane — DirectJaneMaurene R. ComeyMentioned

Summary

Jane described condom requests, drug use, travel and payments connected to hotel nights, and her stated fear of losing housing if she refused.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 23

Jun 9, 2025

DirectJane — DirectJaneMaurene R. ComeyMentioned

Summary

Jane testified through messages, notes, recordings, and later events about hotel nights, rent, alleged tape threats, and her relationship with Sean from 2023 into 2024.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

ProceduralPrivilege and Video-Testimony Scope RulingMentioned

Summary

The court struck video-related testimony over potential privilege concerns, instructed the jury to disregard it, and allowed a narrower later inquiry if it avoided privileged information.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectJane — Direct ResumedJaneMaurene R. ComeyMentioned

Summary

Jane described alleged violence during a June 2024 argument, a later sexual encounter involving Antoine, injury and door-damage exhibits, and continuing financial support from Sean.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 24

Jun 10, 2025

ProceduralMistrial and Evidentiary Motions RulingsMentioned

Summary

The court denied the mistrial and evidentiary motions, declined to recall Dr. Hughes, and received defense preservation requests concerning alleged false testimony, a juror, and later Rule 29 issues.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossJane — CrossJaneTeny R. GeragosMentioned

Summary

Jane's cross-examination examined her relationship with Combs, government preparation, alleged pressure, financial support, and defense exhibits.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossJane — Cross ResumedJaneTeny R. GeragosMentioned

Summary

Defense used messages, recordings, and exhibits to test Jane's account of hotel nights and relationship pressure; Jane said she often acted from love and a desire to please Mr. Combs while maintaining that the dynamic harmed her.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 25

Jun 11, 2025

ProceduralPrior-Consistent-Statement Admissibility HearingMentioned

Summary

The parties disputed whether Jane's notes could rebut an alleged immunity-related motive to shape her testimony; the court reserved ruling until the next morning.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 26

Jun 12, 2025

ProceduralEvidentiary Hearings Before Jane's Cross-ExaminationMentioned

Summary

The court set evidentiary boundaries for Jane's cross-examination, excluding specified audio statements and reserving on a proposed Notes app excerpt.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossJane — CrossJaneTeny R. GeragosMentioned

Summary

Jane's cross-examination examined the June 2024 confrontation, alleged coercion involving Antoine, continued relationship contact, and contested evidentiary issues.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RedirectJane — RedirectJaneMaurene R. ComeyMentioned

Summary

Jane testified that she felt pressured into hotel nights, linked rent support to a sense of obligation, and described the June 2024 encounter involving Antoine.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RecrossJane — RecrossJaneTeny R. GeragosMentioned

Summary

Defense recross tested Jane's account of the June 2024 encounter, her indirect expressions of reluctance during hotel nights, financial support, and her recollection of earlier events.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RedirectJane — RedirectJaneMaurene R. ComeyMentioned

Summary

Jane testified that Sean had slapped and punched her before directing her to admit Antoine; the Court then ruled on several exhibit objections and set a process for summary-chart disputes.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 27

Jun 13, 2025

ProceduralPretrial Evidentiary RulingsMentioned

Summary

The court limited planned cross-examination about the search and directed foundational context for firearms testimony.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectAndre LaMon — DirectAndre LaMonMeredith FosterMentioned

Summary

HSI agent Andre LaMon described the Mapleton search, recovered drugs, devices, personal products, and firearms; the court overruled a firearms-photo objection.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossAndre LaMon — CrossAndre LaMonMarc A. AgnifiloMentioned

Summary

LaMon said all recovered firearms were in the security office but could not establish the door's lock status or the guns' original placement before the SRT entry.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectJonathan Perez — DirectJonathan PerezMadison R. SmyserMentioned

Summary

Former assistant Jonathan Perez described king-night logistics, related texts and recordings, drug and cash requests, and June 2024 communications involving Jane.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossJonathan Perez — CrossJonathan PerezBrian SteelMentioned

Summary

Perez characterized king-night and drug-related tasks as personal, addressed security and firearms, and identified messages with Jane after the court admitted Exhibit 3D-126.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RedirectJonathan Perez — RedirectJonathan PerezMadison R. SmyserMentioned

Summary

The prosecution clarified that Perez's requests, king-night setup, and personal purchases for Mr. Combs were part of his personal-assistant job.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

ProceduralEvidentiary Hearing on Khorram Communications and Victim 3 EvidenceMentioned

Summary

The court issued a series of exhibit rulings, admitting some Khorram and assistant communications while excluding or narrowing others, including alleged Victim 3 and Mia-related messages.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 28

Jun 16, 2025

ProceduralNapue Instruction RulingMentioned

Summary

The Court denied the requested Napue instruction concerning Ms. Bongolan's testimony and began further discussion of juror No. 6.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectAnanya Sankar — DirectAnanya SankarMeredith FosterMentioned

Summary

Ananya Sankar authenticated two government summary charts of selected communications and digital records; the Court admitted the sealed originals and redacted versions.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossAnanya Sankar — CrossAnanya SankarTeny R. GeragosMentioned

Summary

Defense counsel examined gaps and omissions in the communications charts; redirect clarified the source devices and chat participants for material used on cross.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectDeLeassa Penland — DirectDeLeassa PenlandEmily A. JohnsonMentioned

Summary

Penland authenticated summary charts and underlying 2009 communications and travel records; the Court limited characterizations of what the records established.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

ProceduralMr. Paul Issue HearingMentioned

Summary

The Court limited Agent Penland's summary-chart testimony to factual record descriptions and chart construction, reserving inferences for closing argument.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectDeLeassa Penland — Direct ResumedDeLeassa PenlandEmily A. JohnsonMentioned

Summary

Penland reviewed summary-chart sources including travel, hotel, card, message, and video records; a sidebar led the Court to require a stipulation for device-user identification.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 29

Jun 17, 2025

ProceduralSealing-Order Violation and Immunity ProceedingsMentioned

Summary

The court warned of sanctions over an apparent sealed-proceeding disclosure and entered an immunity order for Brendan Paul.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectDeLeassa Penland — DirectDeLeassa PenlandEmily A. JohnsonMentioned

Summary

Penland authenticated financial-record charts and a March 2016 communications timeline, which the Court allowed as a demonstrative.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossDeLeassa Penland — CrossDeLeassa PenlandTeny R. GeragosMentioned

Summary

Penland said she verified cited chart items rather than adding records as the defense challenged the chart's scope with messages and video clips.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossDeLeassa Penland — Cross (Resumed)DeLeassa PenlandTeny R. GeragosMentioned

Summary

Penland said the trial team selected the March 2016 timeline's contents and that she had not reviewed police or incident reports for it.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RedirectDeLeassa Penland — RedirectDeLeassa PenlandEmily A. JohnsonMentioned

Summary

Penland’s redirect revisited chart sources and March 2016 messages, clarified the limits of her review, and ended with corrected exhibit admissions and a sealed courtroom matter.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 31

Jun 20, 2025

ProceduralCourt Rulings and Trial AdministrationMentioned

Summary

The court denied a juror-related defense application, admitted disputed text-message exhibits, addressed jury-charge revisions, and admitted exhibit lists from both sides.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectBrendan Paul — DirectBrendan PaulMary C. SlavikMentioned

Summary

Former assistant Brendan Paul described drug-related tasks, staff coordination, and the setup and cleanup of wild king nights.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossBrendan Paul — CrossBrendan PaulBrian SteelMentioned

Summary

Paul described his observations of drug use and wild king nights; the court allowed limited redirect on what he did not know about cash brought to those nights.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RedirectBrendan Paul — RedirectBrendan PaulMary C. SlavikMentioned9lines spoken

Summary

Paul clarified the limits of his knowledge of wild king nights and described assistant duties; the court later allowed completing text messages to be read to the jury.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectJoseph Cerciello — DirectJoseph CercielloMaurene R. ComeyMentioned

Summary

Agent Cerciello authenticated chart exhibits and used selected records to explain a chronology involving Jane, travel, hotels, communications, and financial entries.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 32

Jun 23, 2025

DirectJoseph Cerciello — DirectJoseph CercielloMaurene R. ComeyMentioned

Summary

Agent Cerciello used selected charts and underlying records to trace communications, travel, hotel stays, payments, and media involving Jane and Combs; he said the principal chart reflected material chosen by the prosecution team.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossJoseph Cerciello — CrossJoseph CercielloTeny R. GeragosMentioned

Summary

Defense counsel used additional records and messages to question omissions from government charts involving Jane; the court also set the anticipated schedule for the defense case, charge conference, and closings.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 33

Jun 24, 2025

ProceduralEvidentiary Objections and RulingsMentioned

Summary

The court resolved objections to several proposed defense exhibits, excluding some messages, allowing others, and admitting a redacted Exhibit 1417A.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossJoseph Cerciello — CrossJoseph CercielloTeny R. GeragosMentioned

Summary

Defense used additional records and videos to challenge the completeness of government charts; redirect emphasized that the charts reflected only records provided to the agent.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RedirectJoseph Cerciello — RedirectJoseph CercielloMaurene R. ComeyMentioned

Summary

Agent Cerciello said the reviewed records contained no sexual, loving, or affectionate messages between Jane and Combs.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

ProceduralDefense Rule 29 Motion for Judgment of AcquittalMentioned

Summary

Defense sought acquittal on all counts for insufficient evidence; the government opposed, and the court reserved decision.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

ProceduralRight-to-Testify ColloquyMentioned

Summary

Mr. Combs confirmed that, after consulting counsel, he voluntarily chose not to testify.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 35

Jun 26, 2025

ClosingGovernment Closing ArgumentMary C. Slavik2highlightsMentioned

Summary

The government argued that the evidence proved all five counts through an alleged enterprise that used coercion, violence, staff assistance, and concealment.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Highlights (2)

procedural actionThe government opened by framing its case as an alleged criminal enterprise led by Sean Combs and previewed its theory on all five counts.Open in transcript →

otherThe government concluded by asking jurors to find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt on all counts.Open in transcript →

Day 36

Jun 27, 2025

ClosingDefense closing argumentMarc A. Agnifilo1highlightMentioned

Summary

The defense argued that admitted domestic violence did not prove the charged racketeering, trafficking, and predicate offenses.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Highlights (1)

impeachmentThe defense argued that the Porsche-fire investigation left fingerprints and partial DNA unresolved and did not identify Sean Combs as the arsonist.Open in transcript →

ClosingDefense closing argument resumedMarc A. AgnifiloMentioned

Summary

The defense disputed the forced-labor, drug-distribution, and sex-trafficking theories and argued that the InterContinental video showed a phone-related domestic-violence incident, not sex trafficking.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

ClosingDefense closing argument resumedMarc A. AgnifiloMentioned

Summary

The defense completed its summation by disputing coercion, prostitution, racketeering, and the reliability of the government’s proof, then requested acquittal on all counts.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

ProceduralClosing-argument objection and instruction rulingMentioned

Summary

The court ordered an immediate curative instruction after finding that alleged government targeting was not a proper subject for jury deliberations.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RebuttalGovernment rebuttal closing argumentMaurene R. ComeyMentioned

Summary

The government rebutted the defense’s theories on commercial sex, racketeering, coercion, and witness credibility before the court set jury instructions and deliberations for Monday.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 37

Jun 30, 2025

Jury InstructionFinal Jury Instructions and Verdict SheetMentioned

Summary

Jurors received final instructions on all five counts, the burden of proof, deliberations, and the verdict sheet before retiring to deliberate.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 38

Jul 1, 2025

ProceduralJury Request for Testimony ExcerptsMentioned

Summary

The Court resolved disputes over testimony excerpts requested by the jury, including material concerning Ventura, Phillip, and the InterContinental Hotel incident.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 39

Jul 2, 2025

ProceduralPost-Verdict Bail ApplicationMentioned

Summary

Defense sought Combs' release pending sentencing; the government opposed it, and the court ordered same-day written submissions before ruling.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

ProceduralBail Denial and Sentencing ScheduleMentioned

Summary

The court denied Combs's post-verdict bail request and directed the parties to work with probation on an expedited sentencing schedule.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Sean Combs

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Key Points

Trial Record (169)

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