Brendan Paul, a former personal assistant to Sean “Diddy” Combs, offered extensive testimony on the witness stand this week, detailing grueling work conditions, alleged drug purchases, and involvement in events described as “hotel nights” or “freak offs” that are central to the ongoing federal trial. Paul’s account provides a window into the demanding and allegedly illicit environment surrounding the music mogul, who faces serious charges including racketeering and sex trafficking.
Paul, a former Syracuse University basketball player, worked for Combs from late 2022 until March 2024. He was initially hired to assist with meal and workout planning but quickly became immersed in round-the-clock duties. Like other former aides who have testified, Paul described a culture of intense demands, stating he was warned upon taking the job that he should break up with any girlfriend due to the position requiring constant availability. Combs reportedly compared his assistant staff to the elite Navy SEAL Team 6, demanding flawless operation.
Grueling Schedule and Alleged Drug Use
Paul testified that the job often meant going up to three days at a time with minimal sleep, sustained only by brief naps. He admitted to using Adderall and sparingly using cocaine himself to stay awake during these periods, noting, “I was young so I was able to handle it.”
A significant part of Paul’s testimony revolved around allegedly being directed by Combs to purchase large quantities of various illicit substances. He claimed he spent thousands of dollars buying drugs like marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, and ketamine for his former boss. Paul specified purchasing substances such as “tusi” and ketamine lollipops from different dealers, emphasizing the need for discretion, and stated these drugs were often kept in Combs’ designer pouch, including a Gucci bag.
Paul recalled instances of Combs screaming at him, including once when he forgot to bring Combs’ fanny pack containing drugs. He said a former chief of staff advised him to keep a low profile afterward.
Involvement in “Hotel Nights”
Paul’s testimony also touched upon his role in facilitating what were referred to as “hotel nights” or “wild king nights.” These events, described by the prosecution and other witnesses as drug-fueled sex sessions, involved Paul helping to set up hotel rooms and gather specific supplies. He listed items he would pack for these nights, including candles, condoms, liquor, lighting, Astroglide lubricant, and the drug-filled designer pouch.
He described helping to clean up the hotel rooms after these events, noting they were often left in disarray. Exhibits shown during the trial have included hotel bills detailing significant damage charges for these events, sometimes running into thousands of dollars for items like linens soaked in baby oil or damaged furniture, with notes citing “bodily fluids stained on the wood floor… as well as a couch.” Paul said he would send photos of the damage knowing charges would be incurred. He testified that these “hotel nights” stopped after Combs’ former longtime girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, filed her civil lawsuit against Combs in 2023, which accused him of years of abuse.
Paul recounted one incident where Combs asked him to try drugs, which he agreed to do “to prove my loyalty.” He described feeling “euphoric but did not feel the full effect” and telling Combs “yes” when asked if it was good, before returning to work.
Cross-Examination and Complicated Feelings
During cross-examination, Combs’ defense attorney Brian Steel questioned Paul, asking directly if he was a “drug mule,” a characterization Paul firmly denied. While some external accounts suggest the defense sought to portray attendees of “hotel nights” as willing participants, Paul’s overall testimony detailed the highly controlled and drug-centered environment he observed.
Paul, who was arrested on drug charges the same day federal agents raided Combs’ homes in March 2024 (charges that were later dropped after he completed a diversion program), testified under an immunity agreement.
When asked about his current feelings towards Sean Combs, Paul described them as “complicated.”
Paul’s testimony adds another layer to the complex narrative unfolding in the trial, which has featured accounts from numerous former employees and associates describing alleged abuse, control, and involvement in organized illicit activities. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to the federal charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. The trial is ongoing.
