Trial Involving Sean “Diddy” Combs
A woman testified Wednesday, during Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal criminal trial in New York, claiming that he once dangled her off a 17-story balcony before throwing her onto furniture during an incident filled with trauma.
Briana Bongolan, who was staying with her friend Cassanda “Cassie” Ventura, recounted how Combs stormed into the apartment and confronted her on the balcony.
She described him shouting expletives and accusing her, saying, “I know what you did.” Witnesses also mentioned seeing Combs throw a knife in Ventura’s direction, which Bongolan claimed Ventura tossed back at him.
Bongolan revealed to prosecutors that she didn’t go to the police out of fear, saying, “I was just scared of Puff,” a nickname for Combs.
The defense attorney for Combs, who faces serious allegations including assault and sex trafficking, portrayed Bongolan as an unreliable witness, suggesting she was a drug user whose account had changed over time.
Bongolan is among many who have filed civil lawsuits against Combs in recent years, stating that they seek justice for what transpired on that balcony.
She maintains a friendship with Ventura and claims the experience left her with post-traumatic stress, including nightmares and feelings of paranoia.
Defense counsel Nicole Westmoreland accused Bongolan of lying and implied that she and Ventura aligned their stories, as both had filed separate civil suits against Combs.
Ventura had alleged abuse during her off-and-on relationship with Combs, leading to her filing a lawsuit against him last November, which was settled quickly.
On Wednesday, Westmoreland suggested that significant drug use by Bongolan and Ventura muddied their memory of the events.
Bongolan testified under a protective order, which granted her immunity while providing truthful statements. She often replied to Westmoreland’s inquiries by saying she couldn’t recall all the details, and further questioning was expected to continue into Thursday morning.
Prosecutors plan to call a witness known as Jane, who has been providing testimony under a pseudonym related to the sex trafficking allegations.
Allegations of Cash Payments
Combs, 55, could face life imprisonment if convicted on charges of sex trafficking and assault.
Prosecutors allege that he led a criminal organization involving high-ranking staff and bodyguards who engaged in illegal activities, including coercion, bribery, and intimidation.
In a recent development, hotel security guards testified that they received $100,000 in brown paper bags from Combs in exchange for not releasing surveillance footage of an incident where Ventura was forcibly removed from the hotel.
The courtroom was shown a clip that was often obstructive. Security guard Eddie Garcia shared that he initially denied a request from a Combs employee, said to be close to him, to obtain the video. After multiple entreaties, including one from Combs himself, Garcia decided to sell the footage.
Garcia stated that he had signed a non-disclosure agreement, even as he testified under the immunity order.
Last week, a former assistant, speaking under the pseudonym MIA, described violent incidents involving Combs and testified that she had witnessed him physically confront Ventura.
The trial, which has entered its fourth week, continues to hear from various witnesses, including former employees and law enforcement officials. It is expected to run into the summer.
