It has come to light that jurors in controversial Sean “Diddy” Combs’ s*x trafficking and racketeering conspiracy trial heard from a man Tuesday who worked at the Los Angeles hotel where Combs was seen on video attacking his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura via CBS News.
Eddy Garcia testified that Combs paid him $100,000 for that video as he feared that if it got out, he’d be ruined. Garcia also testified under an immunity order. He worked in private security at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles in March, 2016.
Garcia told the jury that Combs’ personal assistant Kristina Khorram, reached out to try and see the security video of the incident. Garcia testified he couldn’t show her, but said “off the record, it’s bad.”
Garcia testified that he spoke with Combs over the phone and Combs sounded “very nervous” and “was talking very fast.” Garcia said he apologized, but also told Combs he couldn’t show him.
During another phone call with Combs, Garcia testified that Combs explained something like this would ruin him, and that he would take care of Garcia in exchange for his help.
Garcia also told the jury he reached out to his boss, who said he would sell it for $50,000. When he told Combs, Garcia said Combs referred to him as “Eddy my Angel.”
Garcia stated that he delivered a USB drive, signed a non-disclosure agreement, and submitted a document confirming that there were no other copies. He described Combs as “excited and just happy.” When Garcia expressed concern about the possibility of a police report being filed, Combs reassured him not to worry and FaceTimed Ventura, who informed Garcia that she had a movie coming out and wanted the situation to be resolved quickly.
Ultimately, Combs doubled the payment to $100,000, according to Garcia’s testimony to the jury. Garcia mentioned that he gave $50,000 to his boss, another security officer received $20,000, and he kept $30,000 for himself.
Garcia testified that Combs reached out a few weeks later saying “Happy Easter, Eddy my Angel, God is Good. God put you in my life for a reason.”
Garcia said Combs then asked if anyone has inquired about the video, or the incident. Garcia said the answer was no, and Combs told him to reach out if he ever needed anything.
Garcia said he reached out a year or two later to Combs via Instagram to inquire about any employment opportunities in security, but he never heard back.
