Security Guard Testifies in Sean “Diddy” Combs Sex Trafficking Trial Over Assault Video Leak
Eddy Garcia, the security supervisor at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles in 2016, took the witness stand on June 3 during the ongoing Sean “Diddy” Combs sex trafficking trial. Garcia invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination but accepted an immunity deal in exchange for truthful testimony.
During his testimony, Garcia detailed the handling of a leaked video showing Diddy allegedly assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie. The music mogul later publicly apologized for the incident captured in the footage.
Initially, Garcia did not recognize the individuals in the March 2016 assault video but was later informed of their identities. He testified that law enforcement was never contacted because Cassie declined medical attention and police involvement.
Kristina Khorram, Diddy’s former chief of staff, requested access to the surveillance footage. Garcia stated he lacked the authority to release the tape and advised her to obtain a subpoena.
Garcia described receiving multiple calls from Diddy and his team, expressing concern that the video could damage his career. Diddy reportedly offered financial incentives to secure the exclusive copy of the surveillance footage, emphasizing the need to prevent it from being leaked.
The security supervisor revealed discussions about selling the footage for $50,000 but testified he was uneasy about the arrangement due to the potential legal implications if Cassie filed a police report.
Garcia testified that during a FaceTime call with Diddy and Cassie, the latter expressed her desire for the video to be removed. Garcia then signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that required the destruction of all copies and prohibited any communication about the incident.
Following the NDA, Diddy returned with a brown paper bag containing cash, paying Garcia and other security staff a total of $100,000 for their cooperation. Garcia was earning $10.50 per hour at the time and faced a $1 million penalty under the NDA for any breach.
Garcia also testified about his conversations with Diddy regarding the money and the advice not to make any large purchases to avoid drawing attention. He used his portion to buy a used car and did not deposit the cash into a bank account.
After the deal, Diddy reportedly maintained contact, checking if anyone had inquired about the video. Garcia later expressed interest in employment opportunities within Diddy’s company.
When questioned by law enforcement about the 2016 assault, Garcia initially withheld the truth but later cooperated fully after hiring an attorney.
The trial continues as more evidence and testimonies emerge.
