Diddy paid $100K to hotel staff to bury Cassie Ventura assault footage, security guard testifies in court
Warning: The article contains a video depicting assault, which can be triggering to some readers. Discretion is advised.
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK CITY: In a testimony delivered on Tuesday, June 3, a former hotel security officer told a Los Angeles court jury that Sean “Diddy” Combs paid $100,000 to obtain and suppress surveillance footage of himself allegedly assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2016.
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Eddy Garcia, who worked private security at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles at the time of the incident, said that he was approached by Diddy’s assistant Kristina Khorram, who wanted to view the hotel’s security footage, CBS News reported.
According to Garcia, the 'Bad Boy Records' founder tried to reassure him, saying he “didn't have to worry about it” because Ventura “wanted it gone too.”
Hotel security officer testifies Diddy paid a hefty amount to bury assault video
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Garcia testified that he turned down the request, quietly telling the rapper’s assistant, “Off the record, it’s bad.”
Garcia recounted a tense phone conversation with Diddy, describing him as “very nervous” and “talking very fast.” During the call, Garcia said Diddy begged for his help, warning that the footage could destroy him and promising to take care of him if he helped keep it under wraps.
Garcia said that after consulting with his supervisor, a price of $50,000 was offered for the footage. When informed, Combs allegedly responded, “Eddy, my angel.”
Garcia testified that he handed over the footage on a USB drive, signed a non-disclosure agreement, and a document affirming that no copies existed. He described Combs as “excited” and “just looked happy.”
Diddy allegedly doubled offer amid police report fears
Garcia also testified that when he expressed concern about a police report possibly being filed, Diddy assured him not to worry and put Ventura on a FaceTime call. She reportedly told Garcia she had a movie coming out and wanted the matter to disappear.
That’s when Diddy allegedly upped the payout to $100,000, $50,000 of which went to Garcia’s boss, $20,000 to another hotel employee, and $30,000 to Garcia himself.
Garcia shared that Diddy later sent him a text message that read, “Happy Easter, Eddy, my angel, God is good. God put you in my life for a reason.”
The music mogul also allegedly asked if anyone had been asking about the video. Garcia said he responded no and was told to reach out if he ever needed anything.
He eventually did via Instagram, seeking a job in security, but said he never heard back.
Also taking the stand on Tuesday, June 3, was the former CFO of Combs’ Bad Boy Entertainment, who described Diddy's finances and confirmed he had not witnessed any criminal behavior.
Diddy, who is facing five charges including trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, has pleaded not guilty.
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