Sean ‘Diddy' Combs' trial hears he ‘become extremely creative in drugs'
Sean 'Diddy' Combs is said to have become 'extremely creative' when allegedly on drugs.
The 55-year-old rapper is continuing to stand trial in New York on federal charges including sex trafficking and racketeering, and Friday's (20.06.25) hearing was told by Brendan Paul, 26, the former Syracuse University basketball player who became Combs' personal assistant, the mogul would change if he was on illegal substances.
Brendan, who worked for Combs from late 2022 until March 2024, testified under immunity after being arrested that same month at Miami's Opa‑Locka airport – with cocaine he said belonged to Comb – in a seizure that coincided with FBI raids on Combs' homes in Los Angeles and Miami Beach.
The former assistant to the rapper detailed how he was tasked with buying drugs for Combs between five and 10 times, spending up to $500 on cocaine, ketamine, ecstasy and marijuana.
He recalled one occasion when Combs asked him to try 'tusi', or pink cocaine, to evaluate its quality. Brendan said: 'I wanted to prove my loyalty' – adding: 'We continued on with our night.'
Under cross‑examination by defence attorney Brian Steel, Brendan also affirmed: 'Absolutely not' when asked if he had been a drug mule for Combs.
He said the rapper only asked him to carry small amounts of drugs, and text messages seen by jurors confirmed requests for Xanax and ketamine, while procurement of marijuana strains such as 'King Louis' and 'Sunset Sherbet' was repeatedly made.
Brendan described helping set up drug‑fuelled sex parties – dubbed 'wild king nights' or 'Freak‑Offs' – in hotel rooms and private homes, preparing lubricants, baby oil, liquor and drug‑filled Gucci pouches for the events.
He told the court that during these episodes, he would clean up afterwards wearing gloves to avoid hotel damage charges.
Brendan also said he once went three days with only brief naps while working for Combs, relying on Adderall and cocaine to sustain himself.
And he said Combs frequently fired and rehired him – including for forgetting a Lululemon fanny pack on a walk – before being welcomed back into his staff.
When probed on his feelings toward Combs, Brendan replied: 'It's complicated'
Prosecutors, having called six weeks' worth of witnesses including ex‑girlfriends, employees and rap artist Kid Cudi, are expected to close their case by Monday. (24.06.25)
Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to charges including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, remains detained in Brooklyn and faces a potential life sentence if convicted on all counts – which he has denied.
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Perth Now
7 hours ago
- Perth Now
Sean ‘Diddy' Combs' trial hears he ‘become extremely creative in drugs'
Sean 'Diddy' Combs is said to have become 'extremely creative' when allegedly on drugs. The 55-year-old rapper is continuing to stand trial in New York on federal charges including sex trafficking and racketeering, and Friday's (20.06.25) hearing was told by Brendan Paul, 26, the former Syracuse University basketball player who became Combs' personal assistant, the mogul would change if he was on illegal substances. Brendan, who worked for Combs from late 2022 until March 2024, testified under immunity after being arrested that same month at Miami's Opa‑Locka airport – with cocaine he said belonged to Comb – in a seizure that coincided with FBI raids on Combs' homes in Los Angeles and Miami Beach. The former assistant to the rapper detailed how he was tasked with buying drugs for Combs between five and 10 times, spending up to $500 on cocaine, ketamine, ecstasy and marijuana. He recalled one occasion when Combs asked him to try 'tusi', or pink cocaine, to evaluate its quality. Brendan said: 'I wanted to prove my loyalty' – adding: 'We continued on with our night.' Under cross‑examination by defence attorney Brian Steel, Brendan also affirmed: 'Absolutely not' when asked if he had been a drug mule for Combs. He said the rapper only asked him to carry small amounts of drugs, and text messages seen by jurors confirmed requests for Xanax and ketamine, while procurement of marijuana strains such as 'King Louis' and 'Sunset Sherbet' was repeatedly made. Brendan described helping set up drug‑fuelled sex parties – dubbed 'wild king nights' or 'Freak‑Offs' – in hotel rooms and private homes, preparing lubricants, baby oil, liquor and drug‑filled Gucci pouches for the events. He told the court that during these episodes, he would clean up afterwards wearing gloves to avoid hotel damage charges. Brendan also said he once went three days with only brief naps while working for Combs, relying on Adderall and cocaine to sustain himself. And he said Combs frequently fired and rehired him – including for forgetting a Lululemon fanny pack on a walk – before being welcomed back into his staff. When probed on his feelings toward Combs, Brendan replied: 'It's complicated' Prosecutors, having called six weeks' worth of witnesses including ex‑girlfriends, employees and rap artist Kid Cudi, are expected to close their case by Monday. (24.06.25) Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to charges including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, remains detained in Brooklyn and faces a potential life sentence if convicted on all counts – which he has denied.
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- The Advertiser
Diddy's ex-assistant bought drugs, set up sex parties
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' former personal assistant hasa testified at the hip-hop mogul's sex trafficking trial that he often bought drugs for his boss and set up hotel rooms for sex parties known as "wild king nights." Prosecutors hope Friday's testimony by Brendan Paul, who worked for Combs from late 2022 through March 2024, will help them prove their racketeering conspiracy charge against Combs. Prosecutors say Combs used his businesses' resources to coerce women into ecstasy-fueled sexual performances with male sex workers. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to all five criminal counts. His lawyers call the sexual activity consensual. The Bad Boy Records founder, a former billionaire who elevated hip-hop in American culture, could face life in prison if convicted. Prosecutors are winding down their case after six weeks, with defence witnesses expected to testify next week. Paul, testifying under immunity from prosecutors, said he bought Combs about $US4200 ($A6500) of marijuana and hundreds of dollars of ketamine during his employment. Jurors saw a text message in which Paul asked Combs' security staff to be reimbursed for his drug purchases. They also saw a February 14, 2024 text message in which Combs wrote "You get me zans," which Paul said was a request to procure Xanax without a prescription. Paul said Combs ultimately obtained Xanax elsewhere, and used cocaine and ecstasy in his presence. Under cross-examination by defence lawyer Brian Steel, Paul said procuring drugs was a minor part of his job, and he thought the drugs were solely for Combs' personal use. "You were not some drug mule?" Steel asked. "Absolutely not," Paul said. Paul also said that before three or four "wild king nights," he stocked hotel rooms with lubricant, baby oil, liquor and a Gucci pouch filled with hard drugs. When Combs was done, Paul said he would put on gloves and clean up to avoid being billed by hotels for damage. Paul said he was charged with cocaine possession after being arrested on March 25, 2024, at Miami-Opa Locka airport in Florida while traveling to the Bahamas with Combs and other staffers. He said he put the cocaine in his bag after finding it while cleaning Combs' room that day, but forgot about it and did not tell law enforcement where it came from. Asked by prosecutor Christy Slavik why he kept silent, Paul said, "Loyalty." Paul said the cocaine charge was dropped. Sean 'Diddy' Combs' former personal assistant hasa testified at the hip-hop mogul's sex trafficking trial that he often bought drugs for his boss and set up hotel rooms for sex parties known as "wild king nights." Prosecutors hope Friday's testimony by Brendan Paul, who worked for Combs from late 2022 through March 2024, will help them prove their racketeering conspiracy charge against Combs. Prosecutors say Combs used his businesses' resources to coerce women into ecstasy-fueled sexual performances with male sex workers. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to all five criminal counts. His lawyers call the sexual activity consensual. The Bad Boy Records founder, a former billionaire who elevated hip-hop in American culture, could face life in prison if convicted. Prosecutors are winding down their case after six weeks, with defence witnesses expected to testify next week. Paul, testifying under immunity from prosecutors, said he bought Combs about $US4200 ($A6500) of marijuana and hundreds of dollars of ketamine during his employment. Jurors saw a text message in which Paul asked Combs' security staff to be reimbursed for his drug purchases. They also saw a February 14, 2024 text message in which Combs wrote "You get me zans," which Paul said was a request to procure Xanax without a prescription. Paul said Combs ultimately obtained Xanax elsewhere, and used cocaine and ecstasy in his presence. Under cross-examination by defence lawyer Brian Steel, Paul said procuring drugs was a minor part of his job, and he thought the drugs were solely for Combs' personal use. "You were not some drug mule?" Steel asked. "Absolutely not," Paul said. Paul also said that before three or four "wild king nights," he stocked hotel rooms with lubricant, baby oil, liquor and a Gucci pouch filled with hard drugs. When Combs was done, Paul said he would put on gloves and clean up to avoid being billed by hotels for damage. Paul said he was charged with cocaine possession after being arrested on March 25, 2024, at Miami-Opa Locka airport in Florida while traveling to the Bahamas with Combs and other staffers. He said he put the cocaine in his bag after finding it while cleaning Combs' room that day, but forgot about it and did not tell law enforcement where it came from. Asked by prosecutor Christy Slavik why he kept silent, Paul said, "Loyalty." Paul said the cocaine charge was dropped. Sean 'Diddy' Combs' former personal assistant hasa testified at the hip-hop mogul's sex trafficking trial that he often bought drugs for his boss and set up hotel rooms for sex parties known as "wild king nights." Prosecutors hope Friday's testimony by Brendan Paul, who worked for Combs from late 2022 through March 2024, will help them prove their racketeering conspiracy charge against Combs. Prosecutors say Combs used his businesses' resources to coerce women into ecstasy-fueled sexual performances with male sex workers. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to all five criminal counts. His lawyers call the sexual activity consensual. The Bad Boy Records founder, a former billionaire who elevated hip-hop in American culture, could face life in prison if convicted. Prosecutors are winding down their case after six weeks, with defence witnesses expected to testify next week. Paul, testifying under immunity from prosecutors, said he bought Combs about $US4200 ($A6500) of marijuana and hundreds of dollars of ketamine during his employment. Jurors saw a text message in which Paul asked Combs' security staff to be reimbursed for his drug purchases. They also saw a February 14, 2024 text message in which Combs wrote "You get me zans," which Paul said was a request to procure Xanax without a prescription. Paul said Combs ultimately obtained Xanax elsewhere, and used cocaine and ecstasy in his presence. Under cross-examination by defence lawyer Brian Steel, Paul said procuring drugs was a minor part of his job, and he thought the drugs were solely for Combs' personal use. "You were not some drug mule?" Steel asked. "Absolutely not," Paul said. Paul also said that before three or four "wild king nights," he stocked hotel rooms with lubricant, baby oil, liquor and a Gucci pouch filled with hard drugs. When Combs was done, Paul said he would put on gloves and clean up to avoid being billed by hotels for damage. Paul said he was charged with cocaine possession after being arrested on March 25, 2024, at Miami-Opa Locka airport in Florida while traveling to the Bahamas with Combs and other staffers. He said he put the cocaine in his bag after finding it while cleaning Combs' room that day, but forgot about it and did not tell law enforcement where it came from. Asked by prosecutor Christy Slavik why he kept silent, Paul said, "Loyalty." Paul said the cocaine charge was dropped. Sean 'Diddy' Combs' former personal assistant hasa testified at the hip-hop mogul's sex trafficking trial that he often bought drugs for his boss and set up hotel rooms for sex parties known as "wild king nights." Prosecutors hope Friday's testimony by Brendan Paul, who worked for Combs from late 2022 through March 2024, will help them prove their racketeering conspiracy charge against Combs. Prosecutors say Combs used his businesses' resources to coerce women into ecstasy-fueled sexual performances with male sex workers. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to all five criminal counts. His lawyers call the sexual activity consensual. The Bad Boy Records founder, a former billionaire who elevated hip-hop in American culture, could face life in prison if convicted. Prosecutors are winding down their case after six weeks, with defence witnesses expected to testify next week. Paul, testifying under immunity from prosecutors, said he bought Combs about $US4200 ($A6500) of marijuana and hundreds of dollars of ketamine during his employment. Jurors saw a text message in which Paul asked Combs' security staff to be reimbursed for his drug purchases. They also saw a February 14, 2024 text message in which Combs wrote "You get me zans," which Paul said was a request to procure Xanax without a prescription. Paul said Combs ultimately obtained Xanax elsewhere, and used cocaine and ecstasy in his presence. Under cross-examination by defence lawyer Brian Steel, Paul said procuring drugs was a minor part of his job, and he thought the drugs were solely for Combs' personal use. "You were not some drug mule?" Steel asked. "Absolutely not," Paul said. Paul also said that before three or four "wild king nights," he stocked hotel rooms with lubricant, baby oil, liquor and a Gucci pouch filled with hard drugs. When Combs was done, Paul said he would put on gloves and clean up to avoid being billed by hotels for damage. Paul said he was charged with cocaine possession after being arrested on March 25, 2024, at Miami-Opa Locka airport in Florida while traveling to the Bahamas with Combs and other staffers. He said he put the cocaine in his bag after finding it while cleaning Combs' room that day, but forgot about it and did not tell law enforcement where it came from. Asked by prosecutor Christy Slavik why he kept silent, Paul said, "Loyalty." Paul said the cocaine charge was dropped.
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Perth Now
Diddy's ex-assistant bought drugs, set up sex parties
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' former personal assistant hasa testified at the hip-hop mogul's sex trafficking trial that he often bought drugs for his boss and set up hotel rooms for sex parties known as "wild king nights." Prosecutors hope Friday's testimony by Brendan Paul, who worked for Combs from late 2022 through March 2024, will help them prove their racketeering conspiracy charge against Combs. Prosecutors say Combs used his businesses' resources to coerce women into ecstasy-fueled sexual performances with male sex workers. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to all five criminal counts. His lawyers call the sexual activity consensual. The Bad Boy Records founder, a former billionaire who elevated hip-hop in American culture, could face life in prison if convicted. Prosecutors are winding down their case after six weeks, with defence witnesses expected to testify next week. Paul, testifying under immunity from prosecutors, said he bought Combs about $US4200 ($A6500) of marijuana and hundreds of dollars of ketamine during his employment. Jurors saw a text message in which Paul asked Combs' security staff to be reimbursed for his drug purchases. They also saw a February 14, 2024 text message in which Combs wrote "You get me zans," which Paul said was a request to procure Xanax without a prescription. Paul said Combs ultimately obtained Xanax elsewhere, and used cocaine and ecstasy in his presence. Under cross-examination by defence lawyer Brian Steel, Paul said procuring drugs was a minor part of his job, and he thought the drugs were solely for Combs' personal use. "You were not some drug mule?" Steel asked. "Absolutely not," Paul said. Paul also said that before three or four "wild king nights," he stocked hotel rooms with lubricant, baby oil, liquor and a Gucci pouch filled with hard drugs. When Combs was done, Paul said he would put on gloves and clean up to avoid being billed by hotels for damage. Paul said he was charged with cocaine possession after being arrested on March 25, 2024, at Miami-Opa Locka airport in Florida while traveling to the Bahamas with Combs and other staffers. He said he put the cocaine in his bag after finding it while cleaning Combs' room that day, but forgot about it and did not tell law enforcement where it came from. Asked by prosecutor Christy Slavik why he kept silent, Paul said, "Loyalty." Paul said the cocaine charge was dropped.
