Ex-assistant to Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs says job included shopping for medicine, organising intercourse events

Brendan Paul testifies about hip-hop mogul’s drug use

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Paul says he purchased Combs medicine however was not a ‘drug mule’

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Combs’ protection says sexual actions had been consensual

By Luc Cohen

NEW YORK, – Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ former private assistant testified on Friday on the hip-hop mogul’s intercourse trafficking trial that he typically purchased medicine for his boss and arrange resort rooms for intercourse events generally known as “wild king nights.”

Prosecutors hope the testimony by Brendan Paul, who labored for Combs from late 2022 via March 2024, will assist them show their racketeering conspiracy cost towards Combs.

Prosecutors say Combs used his companies’ assets to coerce girls into ecstasy-fueled sexual performances with male intercourse employees.

Combs, 55, has pleaded not responsible to all 5 felony counts. His attorneys name the sexual exercise consensual. The Bad Boy Records founder, a former billionaire who elevated hip-hop in American tradition, may face life in jail if convicted.

Prosecutors are winding down their case after six weeks, with protection witnesses anticipated to testify subsequent week.

Paul, testifying beneath immunity from prosecutors, mentioned he purchased Combs about $4,200 of marijuana and a whole lot of {dollars} of ketamine throughout his employment.

Jurors noticed a textual content message wherein Paul requested Combs’ safety workers to be reimbursed for his drug purchases.

They additionally noticed a Feb. 14, 2024 textual content message wherein Combs wrote “You get me zans,” which Paul mentioned was a request to acquire Xanax with out a prescription.

Paul mentioned Combs in the end obtained Xanax elsewhere, and used cocaine and ecstasy in his presence.

Under cross-examination by protection lawyer Brian Steel, Paul mentioned procuring medicine was a minor a part of his job, and he thought the medicine had been solely for Combs’ private use.

“You were not some drug mule?” Steel requested.

“Absolutely not,” Paul mentioned.

Paul additionally mentioned that earlier than three or 4 “wild king nights,” he stocked resort rooms with lubricant, child oil, liquor and a Gucci pouch stuffed with laborious medicine.

When Combs was achieved, Paul mentioned he would placed on gloves and clear as much as keep away from being billed by accommodations for injury.

Paul mentioned he was charged with cocaine possession after being arrested on March 25, 2024, at Miami-Opa Locka airport in Florida whereas touring to the Bahamas with Combs and different staffers.

He mentioned he put the cocaine in his bag after discovering it whereas cleansing Combs’ room that day, however forgot about it and didn’t inform legislation enforcement the place it got here from.

Asked by prosecutor Christy Slavik why he saved silent, Paul mentioned, “Loyalty.” Paul mentioned the cocaine cost was dropped.

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