Hotel security officer testifies Diddy paid $100K to suppress assault video
Share and Follow

This is a free article for Diddy on Trial newsletter subscribers. Sign up to get exclusive reporting and analysis throughout Sean Combs’ federal trial.

Much of today’s testimony was spent revisiting Diddy’s March 2016 assault on Casandra Ventura, an incident at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles that was captured on security video and shown to jurors at the start of his trial. Eddy Garcia, the hotel’s security supervisor, testified that Diddy and his team desperately wanted to get the sole copy of the video and prevent it from getting out. In exchange for $100,000 divided among members of the hotel’s security team, Garcia said, he signed a nondisclosure agreement that called for his silence and the destruction of evidence.

Here’s what else to know about today’s testimony:

  • Garcia testified that he was so “nervous” about the NDA that he didn’t read it all before he signed it. Diddy presented stacks of cash in a brown paper bag, added Garcia, who said he bought a used car with his $30,000 share.
  • Garcia also said he wasn’t initially truthful to police when he was asked about the assault. On cross-examination, the defense pointed out the NDA didn’t stop Garcia from speaking about it in legal proceedings, a line of questioning presumably intended to undermine the government’s potential claim of obstruction of justice.
  • After Garcia, Derek Ferguson, the former chief financial officer of Bad Boy Entertainment, took the stand to discuss the structure of Diddy’s businesses and how money flowed.

🔎 The view from inside

By am Reiss and Jing Feng

For the first time during the trial, a spectator disrupted the courtroom decorum, prompting U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian to order court marshals to “escort her out right now.”

The uproar began before the jury was seated and Garcia took the stand. At first, both prosecutors and the defense team were discussing with Subramanian exhibits in the trial and whether to offer evidence of Diddy’s jail calls. Prosecutors also complained to Subramanian that a person who had been in the courtroom Monday broadcast on YouTube the real identity of a government witness, who went by the pseudonym “Mia” when she testified.

A courtroom sketch of a shouting woman is escorted from the courthouse by marshals
Marshals escort a shouting woman from the courthouse on Tuesday.Jane Rosenberg / Reuters

Suddenly, a woman in the courtroom began shouting in defense of Diddy, including that “it’s not right what they’re doing to him” and “Diddy’s innocent.” She was quickly removed.

Prosecutors later told Subramanian that the true name and identity of “Mia” were being reported and asked for him to ban the outlet that made them public from the court. He said he would consider such a court order.


🗓️ What’s next

Tomorrow: Frank Piazza, a forensic video expert, and Bryana Bangolan, who alleges that Diddy dangled her over an apartment balcony, may testify.

PSA: Every night during Diddy’s trial, NBC’s “Dateline” will drop special episodes of the “True Crime Weekly” podcast to get you up to speed. “Dateline” correspondent Andrea Canning chats with NBC News’ Chloe Melas and special guests — right in front of the courthouse. Listen here. 🎧

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Iran’s ‘distinctive’ drone deployment sees death toll soar amid violent protests

Iran’s Drone Strategy Escalates Violence: Death Toll Rises Amid Intensified Protests

Iran’s stringent measures against widespread protests intensified on Sunday, with emerging reports…
Exclusive | Slow release of security video in Christmas Day slay of Long Island CVS worker prompts proposed law

Exclusive: New Legislation Proposed After Delayed Release of Security Footage in Long Island CVS Christmas Day Tragedy

Police on Long Island have expressed frustration over CVS’s delayed release of…
Mississippi synagogue burned in arson attack, suspect in custody

Breaking News: Suspect Arrested After Arson Attack Devastates Historic Mississippi Synagogue

A suspect has been detained following an alleged arson attack that engulfed…
FDA upgrades nationwide cheese recall to highest danger level after listeria-causing bacteria found

FDA Escalates Cheese Recall to High Alert Due to Listeria Contamination Risk

The reclassification comes after identifying Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacterium known for…
Wild video shows federal agents detaining 2 men at Minnesota gas station as agitators gather

Federal Agents Detain Two Individuals at Minnesota Gas Station Amidst Growing Crowd

In a series of intense videos, federal Border Patrol agents are seen…
Leonardo DiCaprio dominates Golden Globes 2026 viral moments

Leonardo DiCaprio Steals the Spotlight: Unforgettable Viral Moments from the 2026 Golden Globes

The 2026 Golden Globes offered a spectacle that the internet simply couldn’t…
Kelly Clarkson gives rare update after ex Brandon Blackstock's death

Kelly Clarkson Shares Heartfelt Update Following Ex Brandon Blackstock’s Passing

Kelly Clarkson recently shared a rare glimpse into her children’s lives, marking…
Our Chicago: The 2026 Great Chicago Blood Drive

Mark Your Calendars: The Great Chicago Blood Drive Returns in 2026!

The Great Chicago Blood Drive is scheduled for January 14th and 15th,…