In day 15 of the Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ongoing federal trial, a hotel security staffer testified under oath that the music mogul allegedly paid $100,000 to suppress damning surveillance footage tied to Combs’ Racketeering and Sex trafficking case as well as a now-settled $10 million lawsuit involving singer and former girlfriend Cassie Ventura.
Edward Garcia, a former security officer at the InterContinental Hotel, took the stand Tuesday, revealing a detailed chain of events in which Combs, through his associate Kristina Khorram, allegedly sought out a surveillance video linked to an incident involving Cassie. Garcia testified that Khorram reached out multiple times asking for the footage, and eventually put Combs directly on the phone.
“He said he was intoxicated and didn’t remember what happened. He asked if I had the video,” Garcia told prosecutors.
A High-Stakes Exchange
Garcia said Combs appeared desperate and “nervous,” ultimately telling him that the footage could ruin his career. When Garcia said he didn’t have access to the server, Combs allegedly insisted that he could “make it happen” and that he’d “take care of” Garcia. Garcia interpreted this as a bribe.
Garcia then involved his supervisor, Bill Medrano, who reportedly offered to retrieve the video for $50,000. When that wasn’t enough, Garcia said Combs returned with a higher offer.
“Mr. Combs told me, ‘I knew you could do it. Let’s do it right away,’” Garcia said. Medrano later handed Garcia a USB containing the footage. Combs ultimately paid $100,000, according to Garcia’s sworn testimony.
Secret Meeting and NDAs
Garcia described meeting a man identifying as Combs’ bodyguard in West Los Angeles, who took him to a high-rise where Combs greeted him, calling him “Eddy, My Angel.” After receiving the USB, Combs confirmed it was the only copy and asked that nothing remain “in the cloud.” Garcia confirmed to the court that the server copy had been deleted.
Garcia testified that Combs then presented him with non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) stating he would not speak about the incident. Garcia, visibly shaken during questioning, admitted he never read the NDA due to nerves and was not given a copy. The NDA reportedly included a $1 million liquidated damages clause.
Cassie’s Involvement
According to Garcia, Combs reassured him that Cassie also wanted the footage gone.
“He FaceTimed her and showed me. She was in a hoodie but I recognized her,” Garcia testified. “She said she had a movie coming out and didn’t want this to come out.”
It was earlier revealed that The InterContinental Hotel, where the incident occurred, has since settled a $10 million lawsuit brought by Cassie Ventura.
