Prosecutors in the Sean “Diddy” Combs trial raised concerns to the judge on Tuesday after an online streamer and outlet leaked the identity of a key witness in the case.
Combs’ former personal assistant, who utilized the pseudonym “Mia,” finished her testimony on Monday.
Judge Arun Subramanian barred a YouTube streamer who shared Mia’s identity from returning to court.
Prosecutor Maurene Comey said another outlet posted Mia’s real name on X. Prosecutors want the post removed and the source barred from court. Subramanian asked the prosecution to draft a possible court order for consideration.
Why It Matters
Mia worked for Combs from 2009 to 2017. Throughout her multiple days on the stand, she detailed multiple alleged incidents of physical and sexual assault by Combs.
Combs is facing federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The identification of Mia comes as another witness is expected to testify under a pseudonym. “Jane,” also identified as Victim-2, is expected to take the stand this week.
What To Know
Shortly after prosecutors spoke about Mia’s identity being leaked, a woman was removed from the courtroom for causing a disturbance.
“Everyone is laughing at Diddy,” the woman said. “It’s not right what they’re doing to him!”
Subramanian asked for her to be escorted out “right now.”
Eddy Garcia, who worked as the security supervisor at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles in 2016, testified on Tuesday.
Combs was seen on the hotel’s surveillance footage physically attacking his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. Footage of the 2016 incident was released by CNN last year.
Combs said he wanted the video taken off a server and a copy of the video because it could “ruin his career” if the footage was made public, Garcia testified.
Garcia said he then spoke to his supervisor, who agreed to do it for $50,000.
Garcia said he signed an NDA, which would charge him $1 million if the agreement was broken. Combs then returned with a brown paper bag containing $100,000, Garcia testified.
Garcia said he kept $30,000, gave $50,000 to his supervisor and $20,000 to another security officer.
Derek Ferguson, a former CFO for Combs-founded company Bad Boy Entertainment, also testified on Tuesday. He said he never saw anyone help Combs commit crimes or acts of violence.
What People Are Saying
Garcia, referring to communications with Combs during his testimony: “On Easter, he said, ‘Happy Easter my angel, God is good,’ and then proceeded to ask if anyone had asked about the incident or the video. I said I hadn’t heard anything and he said, ‘OK.’”
Ferguson, referring to Combs in his testimony: “He just worked constantly. His passion for what he did was really high so his work ethic and the number of hours that he put in was something that really pushed the entire team.”
What Happens Next
Combs’ trial is currently in its fourth week. Proceedings are expected to last eight to 10 weeks.
Combs is facing life in prison if convicted.
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