The heat is on in Manhattan’s federal courthouse as Sean “Diddy” Combs’ high-stakes sex trafficking and racketeering trial hits Day 27, with the courtroom buzzing in anticipation of a pivotal moment: the testimony of Brendan Paul, Combs’ former assistant and alleged “drug mule.” As Judge Arun Subramanian noted, a few jurors were still trickling in Friday morning, the stage was set for a day that could shake up the case, offering a rare glimpse into the inner workings of Combs’ world. With the prosecution nearing the end of its case, Paul’s appearance under an immunity deal promises to unpack explosive details about drugs, “Wild King nights,” and the music mogul’s operations.
The trial, unfolding at the Southern District of New York Courthouse, resumed after a two-day pause due to a juror’s vertigo episode and the Juneteenth holiday. Paul, a 26-year-old former Syracuse University basketball player, took the stand on June 20, 2025, under an immunity agreement. He can speak freely without fear of prosecution for crimes he may have committed, unless he lies. His testimony is critical, as he’s been accused in multiple civil lawsuits of acting as Combs’ “mule,” allegedly procuring and distributing drugs like cocaine, ketamine, ecstasy, and marijuana for the Bad Boy Records founder. Paul, however, pushed back on the “drug mule” label, insisting his role was broader and that drug-related tasks were a minor part of his job.
Paul described a demanding work environment, logging 80 to 100 hours a week for Combs, often staying awake for days with the help of prescription Adderall and sometimes cocaine. His duties included setting up what he called “Wild King nights,” a term coined by Combs’ chief of staff, Kristina Khorram, for the infamous “freak-off” sex parties central to the prosecution’s case.
Paul testified that he arranged hotel reservations, like at Nobu, and ensured supplies like Astroglide were in place, often coordinating with property managers. He also admitted to buying drugs for Combs’ “personal use,” contacting dealers with codenames like Guido and Baby Girl, while emphasizing discretion to protect Combs’ identity. Paul’s testimony painted a picture of loyalty, recalling his arrest on March 25, 2024, at Miami’s Opa-Locka Airport, where he was caught with cocaine he said belonged to Combs.
“My heart dropped,”
he told the jury, explaining he didn’t reveal the drugs’ owner out of loyalty. The charges were later dropped after he completed a diversion program.
A key moment came during cross-examination by Combs’ attorney, Brian Steel, who pressed Paul on the nature of these “Wild King nights.” Paul maintained that he never saw Combs’ ex-girlfriend, known by the pseudonym Jane, appear hesitant or coerced during these events, suggesting they were consensual.
“You would not work for a criminal, would you?”
Steel asked, to which Paul firmly replied,
“Absolutely not.”
This testimony could bolster the defense’s argument that Combs’ relationships, however unconventional, involved willing participants. However, prosecutors challenged Paul’s perspective, noting he wasn’t present at the events and thus couldn’t confirm whether criminal activity occurred. When asked how he feels about Combs now, Paul’s response was telling:
“It’s complicated.”
The prosecution also introduced text messages and audio, including exchanges between Combs and his ex-girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, revealing tense dynamics. In one message, Ventura accused Combs of treating her “like a hooker” for a decade and expressed frustration over constant “freak-offs.” Another text from Ventura read, “That’s not love, that’s possession,” referencing a 2016 hotel incident where Combs allegedly assaulted her. These exchanges, read aloud in court, underscored the prosecution’s narrative of coercion and control, though the defense countered by highlighting messages where Ventura expressed enjoyment of some encounters, aiming to show mutual consent.
As the day progressed, the prosecution called Homeland Security Investigations agent Joseph Cerciello, who reviewed hotel damage reports and financial records, including a $3,050.90 bill at the One Hotel in South Beach and a $6,000 damage claim at the London Hotel, noting “bodily fluids spread on the floor.” These details tie into the prosecution’s broader case, alleging Combs used his wealth and influence to orchestrate a criminal enterprise involving sex trafficking and racketeering.
Judge Subramanian, keen on wrapping up before the July Fourth holiday, outlined the trial’s next steps: the prosecution is expected to rest by Monday, June 23, with the defense presenting its case, likely lasting two to five days. Jury instructions and closing arguments could follow by mid-week, setting the stage for deliberations. The judge also addressed ongoing juror issues, dismissing one earlier in the week for inconsistent residency statements and navigating the recent vertigo-related delay.
Paul’s testimony, paired with the prosecution’s final push, marks a turning point in a trial that has gripped the public with its mix of celebrity, scandal, and serious allegations. As Combs faces charges that could lead to life in prison, all eyes are on how the defense will counter and whether the jury will buy the narrative of consent over coercion. Stay tuned as this blockbuster case heads toward its climax.