Xavier R. Donaldson

Xavier R. Donaldson acted as defense trial counsel and conducted cross-examinations focused on firsthand observation, consistency with earlier accounts, and communications surrounding disputed events. On Days 5 and 6, he questioned Daniel Phillip about his description of the first encounter involving Casandra Ventura, statements made during a prior law-enforcement interview, the date and sequence of an alleged assault, and messages exchanged afterward. Phillip rejected parts of the defense framing and reaffirmed his account of the alleged assault.

On Day 11, Donaldson questioned Sharay Dashawn Hayes about what Hayes personally observed during paid hotel encounters. Hayes said he had not perceived discomfort, drug impairment, filming, or violence, but later qualified his interpretation of Ventura's engagement. On Day 16, Donaldson used prior interviews, messages, and photographs to test Deonte Nash's account, his knowledge of Ventura's private life, and his continuing relationships with Ventura and Combs.

Donaldson also participated in evidentiary arguments. On Day 15, he opposed using statements attributed to Ventura to treat her state of mind as proof of coercion and later argued that the government's position concerning 2013 sexual activity remained unclear. The court separately limited proposed state-of-mind testimony, admitted two exhibits subject to foundation, and provisionally excluded another.

On Day 27, Donaldson objected to removing Juror No. 7. He argued that renewed questions about residence and employment might chill the juror and that removal would reduce jury diversity. The court nevertheless found material inconsistencies in the juror's residence statements and ordered his removal.