Testimony in Diddy Assault Video Case

A security supervisor from the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles, testified on June 3 regarding Diddy’s alleged payment for a video of an assault on Cathy Ventura. Eddie Garcia was called to the stand by prosecutors to discuss the incident, which reportedly showed Diddy hitting his then-girlfriend in the hotel lobby. During the questioning, he specified a date back in March 2016 when he claimed to have contacted Diddy’s chief of Combs Enterprises, Christina Column, about the footage. Garcia stated that Diddy paid a significant amount for obtaining the video.

According to Garcia’s testimony, he learned that Ventura and Diddy wanted to possess the tape. He also mentioned advising a representative, Khorram, that the content was inappropriate, suggesting she should reach out to hotel management or seek legal action to secure the footage. Despite this, he later asserted that Khorram contacted Diddy, which led to a request for the tape.

Garcia reiterated his refusal to hand over the video. He mentioned a conversation in which Diddy expressed concern about the tape damaging his career, claiming that Diddy offered him money to acquire the footage, although he stated he did not have access to it.

He recounted discussing the situation with his supervisor, Bill Medrano, and how Khorram communicated with Diddy regarding the footage. Allegedly, Diddy referred to him as “angel” during this negotiation.

Garcia testified that Medrano entered the hotel server room and gave him a USB containing the video. Diddy reportedly inquired if that was the only copy and raised worries about the footage being on “The Cloud.” After confirming with Medrano that it wasn’t on the hotel server, he noted that Diddy later called Ventura, who expressed reluctance to release the video.

According to Garcia, Diddy also wanted the identification of himself and other security officers involved in the incident. He suggested that another officer, Flores, claimed to have received money from Diddy shortly after the incident occurred.

Garcia mentioned that Medrano would provide IDs for himself, another guard, and Flores. Additionally, he disclosed the existence of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), indicating that the penalty for violating it was set at $1 million. He noted his hourly wage was $10.50 back then, and he observed Diddy place a $100 bill into a counting machine that showed $100,000 after the job was done.

He claimed that an extra $50,000 was earmarked for him and Flores, with reports of $100,000 being handled in paper bags by anonymous security personnel. Garcia also testified that he provided Medrano with $50,000 and Elias with $20,000, using part of the cash to purchase a used vehicle.

In the end, Garcia mentioned that law enforcement contacted him, but he chose to retract his statements, preferring not to be involved in the investigation.