Former Assistant Takes the Stand in Diddy Trial, Details Demanding Role and “Wild King Nights”
In the ongoing federal sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs in New York, a former assistant, Brendan Paul, delivered significant testimony, shedding light on the demanding nature of working for the music mogul and providing explicit details about events referred to as “wild king nights” or “freak-offs.”
Paul, who worked for Combs from late 2022 until his arrest in March 2024, was a key witness for the prosecution during the sixth week of the high-profile trial. His testimony corroborated aspects of allegations against Combs, painting a picture of a demanding environment that allegedly included facilitating drug use and sexual encounters.
A Demanding Schedule and Loyalty Tests
Testifying under an immunity order, Paul described his initial recruitment process and the intense work environment. He stated he was advised to “get in, to get out, if you have a girlfriend, break up with her, and you’re never going to see your family.” His workload often stretched to 80 to 100 hours per week, requiring frequent travel. Paul admitted to using Adderall and occasionally cocaine to cope with the demanding schedule and stay awake, particularly during intense periods like working on Combs’ 2023 album. He also testified that Combs required him to sign an NDA and provide a copy of his ID to security.
Paul recounted specific instructions from Combs, including directives to “move like SEAL Team Six,” which he interpreted as needing to be highly efficient and proactive. He noted that proving loyalty was paramount, recalling an instance where Combs allegedly had him try the drug Tusi for this purpose. He was once even fired for forgetting a fanny pack.
Facilitating “Wild King Nights” and Stocking Supplies
A central part of Paul’s testimony focused on his role in preparing for and cleaning up after “wild king nights” or “freak-offs.” He described these events as involving “partying, alcohol, sex, drugs.” Initially held in hotels, Paul said these encounters later moved to residences after Cassie Ventura filed a civil lawsuit against Combs.
Paul’s duties included “advancing” hotel locations, setting up rooms, and packing necessary supplies guided by a shared document. These items reportedly included baby oil, lubricant, condoms, candles, liquor, soup, cash (up to $5,000, sometimes used to pay male escorts), and notably, a Gucci pouch containing drugs. While he claimed not to fully understand the events, he knew they involved sex and partying.
Cleanup was also part of his job, often involving rooms left “in disarray.” Paul testified to putting on gloves “for sanity reasons” while gathering soiled towels and sheets. He stated he tidied rooms to “avoid getting damage charges” and would leave cash tips for staff. However, evidence presented later in the trial showed Combs frequently incurred significant hotel damage fees, sometimes thousands of dollars, despite cleanup efforts. Examples cited included charges related to “bodily fluids stained on the wood floor,” “damaged furniture,” and towels “soaked in baby oil.”
Drug Purchases and Denying Being a “Drug Mule”
Paul admitted to frequently purchasing drugs for Combs from various dealers, including marijuana, pink cocaine, Tusi, ecstasy, and ketamine. He detailed spending thousands of dollars on these purchases. He would typically give the drugs directly to Combs or place them in the aforementioned Gucci pouch.
Despite these admissions, when cross-examined by defense attorney Brian Steel, Paul explicitly denied being a “drug mule,” stating, “Absolutely not.” He maintained that while handling small amounts of drugs was a minor part of his duties, his role was much broader.
Paul’s employment with Combs ended in March 2024 when he was arrested for cocaine possession at the Miami airport while traveling with Combs. He testified that the 0.7 grams of cocaine found in his personal luggage belonged to Combs, explaining he had inadvertently put it in his bag while cleaning Combs’ room that morning and forgot to remove it. He stated he initially remained silent out of “loyalty” to Combs, which was the last time they spoke. Paul completed a drug diversion program, and the charges against him were subsequently dropped.
Other Evidence Presented
Beyond Paul’s account, the prosecution also presented other evidence as they neared the end of their case:
Cassie Ventura Texts: Text messages between Combs and his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, from 2017 were entered into evidence. In one exchange after the widely reported 2016 hotel video incident, Ventura wrote, “You treat me like a hooker to be honest. You always want to call one and you have one. This hooker has been here for 10 years.” Another message from Ventura described being “scared” of Combs’ “rage” and stated she didn’t deserve physical abuse, while Combs allegedly called her “negative,” “wack,” and “acting like a bitch.”
Hotel Damage Reports: As mentioned, specific hotel damage fees incurred by Combs, linked to alleged “freak offs,” were detailed in court, citing reasons like “losses and damages,” “damaged furniture,” and “bodily fluids.”
- Investigator Testimony: A Special Agent from Homeland Security Investigations testified, corroborating investigative findings, including text messages, travel documents, and hotel bills, and confirming charts detailing travels involving Combs and individuals referred to as “Jane.”
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Trial Progression
Combs, 55, faces charges including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution, to which he has pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors allege drug possession and distribution as part of the racketeering count. If convicted, he could face a lifetime sentence.
Following Paul’s testimony and that of other witnesses, including other former assistants who corroborated accounts of demanding work and handling cash/drugs, prosecutors are expected to rest their case soon. The defense will then present their arguments, potentially leading to closing arguments and jury deliberations starting as early as the middle of next week.
Brendan Paul described his current feelings towards Sean Combs as “complicated.” His attorney stated Paul’s testimony was solely to provide truthful information under subpoena.
