Diddy’s ex-girlfriend testifies under pseudonym in rapper’s sex trafficking trial
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has heard testimony from Cassie Ventura, Kid Cudi, InterContinental Hotel security guards, as well as Bryana 'Bana' Bongolan, who alleges Diddy dangled her off a balcony. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
Coverage for this event has ended.
Sean "Diddy" Combs court sketch (Jane Rosenberg)
Sean "Diddy" Combs' ex-girlfriend claimed the couple would go through an excessive amount of baby oil during the hotel nights.
Testifying under the pseudonym Jane, Diddy's ex claimed the former couple had hotel nights "every time" they saw each other. The nights in hotel suites allegedly involved red lights, music, alcohol and beverages. Furniture in the room would be covered by bed sheets, blankets and towels because of the "excessive use of baby oil," Jane testified.
She said that baby oil was used for every hotel night, and that they would go through two dozen bottles or more per hotel night. Jane claimed that they would sometimes have sex with more than one person during a hotel night. Some of the hotel nights would last between 24-36 hours, in which she claimed she was not able to sleep.
Toward the beginning of her testimony, Jane became emotional recalling the first time she had sex with another person in front of Diddy. Jane claimed she was in a relationship with Diddy from 2021-24. She said she called him Sean, baby, and the nickname Ernie while she was referred to as Bert from "Sesame Street."
Diddy allegedly first initiated this in May 2021 while in the bedroom in Miami. She had been awake for 24 hours using ecstasy and Molly, she claimed. They had been having sex for 12-15 hours, Jane said. Diddy allegedly told her he could make the fantasy a reality.
Enrique Santos, an investigative analyst for the Southern District of New York, also testified Thursday to being able to extract a full file from three iPhones belonging to Cassie Ventura.
He testified that the phones were in "generally fine shape," with some cracks. None of the issues with the phones affected the data. He claimed one of the devices had been previously repaired.
Cassie allegedly wrote that Diddy arrived at her home, choked Bryana "Bana" Bongolan , and also dangled her feet over the balcony, in text message evidence presented to the jury.
Bana wrapped her testimony on the 17th day of the trial. Bana testified that while she doesn’t remember every single detail, she won’t ever forget Diddy dangling her off the edge of a 17-story balcony.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Madison Smyser asked if Bongolan told the government about the balcony incident every time they asked. She replied, “100 percent.” Bongolan also confirmed she told them Diddy was screaming and then allegedly threw her onto the furniture.
According to Bongolan, she did not make a police report or call the police following the balcony incident in 2016. She testified she is unaware if anyone else called the police after the alleged altercation at Cassie Ventura's apartment during her cross-examination.
Bongolan also couldn't say if Cassie saw the incident. “I can’t speak for her," she told Diddy's lawyer Nicole Westmoreland. She said she does not recall if she told the government that Cassie witnessed the incident. Bongolan confirmed she was injured and suffered nightmares.
Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean "Diddy" Combs in court (Jane Rosenberg)
Sean "Diddy" Combs' ex-girlfriend, testifying under the moniker Jane, admitted she was "exhilarated" following her first experience with a male escort while the rapper watched.
Jane claimed she was having fun with her partner and thought the night was a crazy experience, but something they wouldn't be doing again.
Instead, Jane said the experience "opened a Pandora's box" in their relationship, and "set the tone." She said it was a door she could not shut for the remainder of their romance. Jane said she wanted it shut though, because it was "too much."
After May 2021, Jane claimed that when she saw Diddy, 90% of the time she had sex with other men. She said she didn't want that, and only wanted to have sex with the "Last Night" rapper. She sought an "old-fashioned" relationship. She claimed she never got back that feeling she had in early 2021.
Following the first experience, she claimed Diddy suggested doing it again, and she was agreeable because she wanted to satisfy her partner. For the rest of the year, she went along with his requests because she loved him and wanted him to be happy. She wanted their time to be special, she testified.
She allegedly began telling Diddy from the end of 2021 through 2024 that she did not want to have sex with other men.
Jane claimed the tension would build and he became dismissive. She said that Diddy would threaten not to pay her rent when she said she didn't want to have sex with other men. Jane claimed she felt "frustrated" and "obligated ... to perform these nights."
Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean "Diddy" Combs (Getty Images)
Jane got a sense that her ex-boyfriend, Sean "Diddy" Combs, knew the man the rapper invited over to a hotel room in May 2021.
She testified that Diddy arranged for a man named "Don" to participate in a sexual experience with the couple. She said she later learned that Don was from an escort service named Cowboys and Angels.
Jane claimed she had previously taken drugs and was high. She described sitting on a couch in a robe, with Diddy telling her to relax. The rapper then allegedly requested that she stand up and dance.
She testified to witnessing Don turn around wearing his underwear. Jane remembered Don touching her leg and making her feel uncomfortable, she said. She then allegedly started touching him. Jane claimed Diddy was "watching and touching himself," and that he wasn't wearing anything.
She told the court that things got "hot and heavy," and there was foreplay before oral sex. The rapper allegedly watched and talked. She said he was "in a positive mood, being encouraging and sweet."
She said she started going to the bedroom because she was ready to "speed things up a bit," and that it was "time for sex."
Jane testified that she asked Don to wear a condom, but Diddy told her he was safe and got tested all the time. She claimed she was nervous at first, but "at the very last moment, Sean gave Don a condom."
After sex, Don left. Jane said that she then made love with Diddy.
Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean "Diddy" Combs (Getty Images)
Sean "Diddy" Combs' ex-girlfriend, who testified under the pseudonym Jane, became emotional while testifying Thursday in the rapper's federal trial.
Maurene Comey asked Jane to remember the events surrounding May 2021. Jane paused and dabbed her eyes with a tissue before proceeding with testimony.
She choked up and she recalled them watching porn and having a fantasy conversation. She said Diddy initiated. They allegedly would search specific things on websites. He allegedly wanted her to fantasize about other men, and role play about other men.
Diddy allegedly first initiated this in May 2021 while in the bedroom in Miami. She had been awake for 24 hours using ecstasy and Molly, she claimed. They had been having sex for 12-15 hours, Jane said. Diddy allegedly told her he could make the fantasy a reality.
She obliged because "it seemed like he wanted that" and it was turning him on. She didn't think it would be happening that night and she thought she was playing into the fantasy, she claimed.
Jane said she went to the bathroom, and upon returning, Diddy allegedly was on his phone and looked very serious.
Next thing she remembered, Jane said she was in a hotel room within a few hours and she witnessed some assistants setting up the room.
Jane claimed Diddy had arranged for someone to come over and that it would be fun. He allegedly encouraged her to relax although she was "super nervous."
Diddy allegedly called her outside, and she was wearing lingerie and heels, where she said hello to "Don."
Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean "Diddy" Combs (Getty Images)
Sean "Diddy" Comb's ex-girlfriend, Jane, claimed she did drugs with the fallen music mogul every time they saw each other.
While testifying Thursday in his federal trial for sex crimes, Jane claimed she saw Diddy every other week or so beginning in February 2021 through May of the same year. He allegedly flew her to Miami, and they communicated through texts, phone calls and FaceTime.
Diddy allegedly gave her money "here and there," "just because." She testified that the "All About the Benjamins" rapper gave her ecstasy, molly, cocaine and ketamine.
Molly enhanced the same feelings as ecstasy, she said, and made her feel sexual and promiscuous. She said the cocaine made her feel alert while ketamine made her feel "not so good."
Diddy allegedly gave Jane drugs during sex. She testified that she learned the things he liked sexually, how he liked her to dress, in lingerie and with high shoes. She claimed she was expected to be in these outfits the entire time.
Jane claimed Diddy wanted her to use baby oil, to have it all over both of their bodies. They would have sex in his bedroom and red lights would be on, she testified.
Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean "Diddy" Combs (Getty Images)
Using the pseudonym Jane, Sean "Diddy" Combs ex-girlfriend testified that the former couple took two breaks during their relationship.
She claimed earlier in her testimony to meeting the Bad Boy Records founder in Miami in late 2020, but the pair allegedly didn't begin dating until the following year.
Their first break was short, and the second one was for about four months from October 2023 to February 2024, she claimed.
Jane said their relationship was private and she only posted about Diddy once on social media. He allegedly told her he really liked her, but was seeing other women.
Jane claimed she was OK with his decision to pursue other women because she really liked him. She said she understood that on his end, it was an open relationship.
"In my heart, I just wanted to see Sean, so I was monogamous," she told the court.
Fox News Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean "Diddy" Combs (Getty Images)
Sean "Diddy" Combs' ex-girlfriend, Jane, claimed her first date with the Bad Boy Records founder lasted five days.
During direct examination with Maurene Comey, Jane said she was going to Miami in January 2021 for an event. Diddy allegedly offered to get her a hotel for her stay. Jane told the court that he was "larger than life," and "really charming."
Jane said she was very open and had dated someone Diddy was close with, but that relationship ended in 2015. She also testified that the father of her child did not get along with Diddy.
She claimed that the "Victory" rapper didn't mind, and his relationship with Jane's girlfriend wasn't much.
On the first night with Diddy, Jane testified that they "made lots of love ... it was just amazing." She said they watched the sunrise on the balcony. By the time she left Miami, Jane said she was "pretty head over heels" for the producer.
Fox News Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean "Diddy" Combs (Getty Images)
Testifying under the moniker Jane, Diddy's ex-girlfriend claimed to have met the rapper on a girls' trip to Miami in late 2020.
Diddy allegedly invited the group back to his home on Star Island, and hosted a pool party for them.
At one point, he allegedly invited them over to watch a movie. Jane claimed Diddy texted her, asking to take her out. She testified that she felt it was complicated. They remained in contact through texts and calls. Jane said the "Last Night" rapper was flirtatious.
She claimed that Diddy pursued her, and she was a little hesitant at first, but was trying to be considerate to her girlfriend, who Diddy had been romantically involved with.
Her friend eventually became engaged and moved overseas.
Fox News Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean "Diddy" Combs (Getty Images)
Using the pseudonym "Jane," Sean "Diddy" Combs' ex-girlfriend testified Thursday in his federal trial for sex crimes.
Jane claimed she was in a relationship with Diddy from 2021-24. She said she called him Sean, baby, and the nickname Ernie while she was referred to as Bert from "Sesame Street."
Jane said she met the Bad Boy Records founder while on a girls trip to Miami in late 2020. He was romantically involved with one of her girlfriends at the time. Jane testified that Diddy paid for the trip and invited them to dinner at his home on Star Island.
Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Cassie and Diddy (Getty Images)
Enrique Santos testified Thursday in the Sean "Diddy" Combs federal trial that many of the messages he recovered from Cassie Ventura's cellphones had been deleted.
Santos, testifying as an investigative analyst for the Southern District of New York, told the court that just because a file was marked deleted, doesn't mean it goes away.
He said that many of the messages were on WhatsApp. They were not accessible to the user, but still available on the phone.
Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Enrique Santos, an investigative analyst for the Southern District of New York, testified Thursday to being able to extract a full file from three iPhones belonging to Cassie Ventura.
Santos claimed to achieve "the most complete form of extraction" from the phones while on the stand during the Sean "Diddy" Combs federal trial. He did not recall any errors in the process.
He testified that the phones were in "generally fine shape," with some cracks. None of the issues with the phones affected the data.
He claimed one of the devices had been previously repaired.
Fox News Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Cassie Ventura (Getty Images)
Jurors in the Sean "Diddy" Combs federal trial were read a number of texts between Cassie Ventura and Kristina "KK" Khorram, Diddy's former chief of staff at Combs Enterprise.
No witnesses were on the stand at the time.
Cassie allegedly wrote that Diddy arrived at her home, choked Bryana "Bana" Bongolan, and also dangled her feet over the balcony.
Cassie allegedly wrote, "I have to stay away."
The metadata from the text was sent on Sept. 30, 2016.
During day 16 of Diddy's trial on Wednesday, his lawyer, Nicole Westmoreland cross-examined Bryana “Bana” Bongolan, and questioned her about her claims that Diddy dangled her off a balcony in 2016, something she told the government during various meetings.
Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Enrique Santos was called to testify Thursday in the Sean "Diddy" Combs federal trial.
The "Last Night" rapper was charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution in an indictment unsealed on Sept. 17. If found guilty, he faces a minimum of 15 years behind bars or a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Santos told Assistant U.S. Attorney that he's an investigative analyst for the Southern District of New York, and performs analysis of electronics, such as cell phones.
He claimed to have extracted data from three iPhones that belonged to Cassie Ventura.
Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Judge Arun Subramanian (Getty Images)
Judge Arun Subramanian reminded Sean "Diddy" Combs and his lawyers Thursday about the rules in his courtroom.
The judge told Diddy's lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, that he was very clear there are not to be any interactions or facial expressions to the jury. Judge Subramanian asserted that he saw Diddy nodding vigorously and looking at the jury during a line of questioning, and again during a sidebar.
Agnifilo told the court that he understood, and that there will be no other issues.
Judge Subramanian said if it happened again, he will have the government issue a curative instruction, "which you don't want," he said. He also claimed Diddy could be removed from the courtroom.
Agnifilo assured the judge it would not happen again.
Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Bryana Bongolan arrives at the NY courthouse to testify in Sean "Diddy" Combs' trial. (REUTERS)
Sean "Diddy" Combs' defense asked prosecution witness Bryana Bongolan if she saw the rapper as her opportunity to become a millionaire.
“I can’t agree with that," Bongolan, Cassie Ventura's friend, told the rapper's defense attorney Nicole Westmoreland.
She added: “I’m only speaking about what I know.”
Westmoreland asked if Bongolan was seeking $10 million in her civil lawsuit. Bongolan replied she is seeking whatever the judge finds correct.
Westmoreland asked if Bongolan cared about the $10 million. Bongolan said she cares “about justice.”
Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean "Diddy" Combs' trial is expected to last eight weeks. (Getty Images)
Cassie Ventura’s friend, Bryana Bongolan, testified that while she doesn’t remember every single detail, she won’t ever forget Sean “Diddy” Combs dangling her off the edge of a 17-story balcony.
Bongolan, who often goes by the nickname “Bana,” admitted to prosecutors that she does not remember every single detail from the night of the alleged balcony incident, but does know that it happened.
“I will never forget him holding me on that balcony,” Bongolan insisted. She claimed she was “terrified.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Madison Smyser asked if Bongolan told the government about the balcony incident every time they asked. She replied, “100 percent.” Bongolan also confirmed she told them Diddy was screaming and then allegedly threw her onto the furniture.
Bongolan testified her neck hurt "because I got slammed into the furniture… by Puff.”
Smyser asked about the date of the balcony incident. Bongolan admitted she does not know the exact date of the incident because “it was a while ago.”
Smyser again asked if Bongolan had any doubt Diddy held her up on the balcony. She replied no.
Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Cassie Ventura and Sean "Diddy" Combs dated for roughly 10 years. (Getty Images)
Sean "Diddy" Combs' defense team confronted witness Bryana Bongolan with receipts they claim prove the alleged balcony incident on Sept. 26, 2016 couldn't have happened.
Bongolan confirmed she worked on the Bad Boy Reunion tour , which was also in September 2016. She said she does not remember Cassie Ventura or Diddy's travel schedule during that month. Westmoreland showed Bongolan some documents to refresh her memory. The defense lawyer then asked if Diddy was on stage in New Jersey on Sept. 25, 2016. Bongolan said she can’t recall. Westmoreland asked if Combs and Cassie were in New York on Sept. 26, 2016. Bongolan said she was unaware. There was a brief sidebar.
Westmoreland again asked if Bongolan was aware that Diddy and Cassie were in New York on Sept. 26, 2016. She said no. Westmoreland asked Bongolan if she was aware there was a signing at Macy’s. Bongolan again said no.
The jury was shown a Trump International Tower receipt for Mr. Frank Black. Previous testimony has shown that Diddy often booked hotels under the alias. The arrival was listed as Sept. 24, 2016 and the departure was Sept. 29, 2016. There was a room charge for breakfast on Sept. 25, 2016. The receipt showed a $5 fee, breakfast fee and a $344.65 in-room dining charge on Sept. 26, 2016. On Sept. 27, 2016, there was an additional in-room dining charge.
"You agree one person can’t be in two places at the same time," Westmoreland said. Bongolan replied, “in like theory yeah…hard to answer that one.”
Westmoreland continued questioning Bongolan about the alleged injuries she had from the balcony incident and photos she took. “Mr. Combs did not cause you the injuries that we saw on your phone…with the metadata September 26," she said to Bongolan.
“I can’t agree with you," she replied.
Bongolan confirmed she provided the picture of her injury to the government with the metadata showing it was taken Sept. 26, 2016.
Westmoreland again asked if someone could not be in two places at the same time, New York and Los Angeles. Bongolan replied, ”in theory yes.”
The defense lawyer then accused Bongolan of lying to the jury. Cassie's friend responded, "I can't agree with you."
Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean "Diddy" Combs allegedly held a woman off a balcony in 2016. (Getty Images)
Sean "Diddy" Combs' lawyer, Nicole Westmoreland, questioned Bryana Bongolan on why she continued to go around the rapper despite him allegedly causing injuries and pain.
Bongolan claimed it wasn’t often, but she did still hang out around the rapper. “I kept my distance," she told the jury.
Westmoreland brought up the day Bongolan claimed she did eight hours of ketamine with Diddy and his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2018. Westmoreland asked if Diddy did these horrific things and then Bongolan shared a blunt with him. Bongolan replied, "It was some time later.”
The defense attorney brought up Diddy's concert on Oct. 4, 2016, eight days after the rapper allegedly held Bongolan off the balcony. Westmoreland asked if Bongolan went to Combs’ concert . She confirmed she went to a concert, but does not recall the date. According to Bongolan, she was “kinda everywhere” at the concert and helped where she could.
Westmoreland claimed Bongolan went to a club Diddy rented out on Oct. 5, 2016.
Westmoreland then noted that despite her claims against him, Bongolan went to Diddy's private party and clubbed with him. Bongolan confirmed she attended the club. Westmoreland asked if she was fearful.
"I know I always had a feeling inside, but yes I went," she told the jury.
Bongolan said she does not believe she went wearing a neck brace. “I probably should have, but didn’t," she explained.
Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean "Diddy" Combs in court. (Jane Rosenberg)
Cassie's friend, Bryana Bongolan, confirmed she didn't seek medical attention after Sean "Diddy" Combs allegedly held her over the ledge of a balcony.
According to Bongolan, she did not make a police report or call the police following the balcony incident in 2016. She testified she is unaware if anyone else called the police after the alleged altercation at Cassie Ventura's apartment during her cross-examination.
Bongolan confirmed she did not go to the hospital or urgent care. She claimed she did go to a chiropractor, but didn’t tell him what happened because she was scared.
She said that her then-girlfriend put on bandages, and she was really hurt.
During her testimony Wednesday, Bongolan claimed she went to the chiropractor the same day as the incident because she “was freaked out.” According to her, one of her managers said to go to the chiropractor. Bongolan claimed the chiropractor asked, “Who did this to you?” She said she did not tell the chiropractor.
The jury was then shown a photo of Bongolan’s back and neck. There were bandages where the pain was, according to her testimony. Bongolan was wearing a neck brace from the chiropractor.
Cassie Ventura's friend admits to making false claims about Diddy in her civil lawsuit. (Getty Images)
Sean "Diddy" Combs' defense brought up claims Bryana Bongolan made in her civil lawsuit against the rapper during cross-examination Thursday.
Nicole Westmoreland turned to Bongolan's first meeting with prosecutors on Jan. 18, 2024. Bongolan spoke about the balcony incident at this meeting. She said she does not remember if she told them Combs allegedly grabbed her breast.
Westmoreland then asked if Bongolan’s former lawyer, Tyrone Blackburn, started the story about the alleged sexual assault and she knew it wasn’t true, but repeated it. Bongolan asked for the question to be rephrased.
Bongolan agreed with Diddy's defense lawyer that her attorney put multiple untrue claims in a demand letter and she fired him but added she can’t speak for him.
Westmoreland asked if Tyrone started the story about sexual assault and then Bongolan continued it. She again asked for the question to be rephrased.
Westmoreland tried again, saying “You started repeating the lie.” Bongolan had an issue with the word “start.” Westmoreland changed her wording. Bongolan replied that it’s hard to commit to the whole sentence.
The defense attorney then asked if claiming sexual assault was the only way to file a lawsuit. Bongolan replied, “I don’t recall.”
Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean "Diddy" Combs was arrested in September 2024. (Getty Images)
The testimony in Bryana Bongolan's cross-examination shifted back to the night Sean "Diddy" Combs allegedly dangled her off a 17-story balcony ledge.
Bongolan, a friend of Diddy's ex Cassie Ventura, testified Wednesday that the rapper showed up to the singer-songwriter's apartment and lifted her over the balcony ledge. She claimed while holding her Diddy repeated, "You know what the f--- you did."
Today, Bongolan cannot say if Cassie saw the incident. “I can’t speak for her," she told Diddy's lawyer Nicole Westmoreland. She said she does not recall if she told the government that Cassie witnessed the incident.
Bongolan confirmed she was injured and suffered nightmares.
Bongolan also confirmed some things in the demand letter her first attorney sent on her behalf were not true. She said she does not remember all the context in the demand letter.
Westmoreland asked if Diddy squeezed Bongolan’s breasts so hard that he left bruises. Bongoloan told the court that is incorrect.
Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Cassie Ventura's friend testifies in Sean "Diddy" Combs' trial. (Getty Images)
Bryana Bongolan's cross-examination in Sean "Diddy" Combs' trial resumed Thursday.
Diddy's defense showed the jury a text from Bongolan to Cassie Ventura from April 2016. In the texts, there was a photo shown that appeared to be drugs. Bongolan confirmed this text was shortly after the rapper allegedly threatened Bongolan at a photo shoot that same month. She agreed with Diddy's defense that she was still dealing with Cassie despite the alleged threat.
More texts between Cassie and Bongolan from May 31, 2016 were shown. There was another photo showing a few drugs. Bongolan testified she couldn't tell what drugs from the photo. The text was sent from Bongolan to Cassie. Bongolan confirmed she was still texting Cassie about drugs on May 31, 2016, a few weeks after Combs allegedly threatened her life.
"You weren’t too scared to do that," Diddy's lawyer, Nicole Westmoreland, commented. Bongolan replied, “Guess not.”
Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean "Diddy" Combs' trial is expected to last eight weeks. (Getty Images)
Cassie Ventura’s friend, Bryana Bongolan, returned to the stand Thursday morning after court took a late start in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial.
Diddy’s defense lawyer, Nicole Westmoreland, picked up the cross-examination of Bongolan by showing the jury a photo from an April 2016 photoshoot where Combs allegedly threatened her.
Yesterday, the rapper’s defense team highlighted inconsistencies between Bongolan’s testimony and previous statements. Cassie’s friend first made allegations against Diddy in a civil lawsuit filed in 2024. Westmoreland questioned Bongolan extensively about what she told prosecutors and accused Bongolan of lying.
Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean “Diddy” Combs appeared in court Thursday for the continued cross-examination of Bryana Bongolan.
Diddy sat at the defense table wearing a light colored sweater. Before testimony began, his lawyers, the prosecution and Judge Arun Subramanian spoke about pending issues regarding witnesses and exhibits. The judge reminded the courtroom and press of the pseudonym rule for the upcoming witness, "Jane." Subramanian emphasized nobody is allowed to document Jane “in any way, shape, or form” in notes or sketches.
Bongolan, a friend of Diddy’s ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, took the stand Wednesday afternoon as she told the jury about her friendship with the singer-songwriter and the alleged violence she often witnessed from Combs. Bongolan testified that Diddy once dangled her off the 17-story balcony of Cassie’s apartment. She also claimed Diddy allegedly threw a knife at Cassie after showing up to the singer-songwriter’s apartment in another violent outburst.
Her friendship with Cassie was also scrutinized, including their drug use. Bongolan claimed she procured hundreds of pills for Cassie throughout their relationship. She testified that she got sober in 2018 after doing ketamine with Diddy and the “Me & U” singer for eight hours.
As Diddy’s defense began her cross-examination, Nicole Westmoreland focused on the inconsistencies between Bongolan’s statements to the government and her civil lawsuit filed against the rapper in 2024.
Bongolan couldn’t seem to remember multiple details of the alleged balcony incident, including what drugs she was on at the time.
Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Cassie Ventura’s friend, Bryana Bongolan, helped bolster the prosecution’s theory that Sean “Diddy” Combs was running a criminal enterprise using violence and threats, according to a legal expert.
Bongolan testified Wednesday that Diddy barged into Cassie’s apartment and allegedly dangled her over the ledge. She claimed the entire time he was saying, “You know what the f--- you did.”
“The balcony incident was important because it was described in both the prosecution’s superseding indictment and Bongolan’s lawsuit,” former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani explained. “Ventura had asked Bongolan to join her original lawsuit against Combs, but Bongolan said no. According to Bongolan, Ventura got the date and location wrong. Ventura said it happened at a hotel, and she thought there was a different person present. These inconsistencies could be a problem for the prosecution, which is why they elicited the testimony during direct examination."
"The defense cross-examined Bongolan over her drug use, and she admitted that both she and Ventura had a serious drug problem. They tried to highlight even more inconsistencies in her meetings with prosecutors and her demand letter to Combs. According to the defense, Bongolan told prosecutors that Combs said he could kill her during the balcony incident, not another time, and she said Combs groped her breasts on the balcony.”
The West Coast Trial Lawyers founder explained Bongolan’s testimony is important because “it’s evidence of violence against someone he was not in a romantic relationship with."
"This isn’t domestic violence. It’s run of the mill violence, and shows that Combs was running a criminal enterprise using violence and threats of violence towards others.”
Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean "Diddy" Combs in the courtroom with his attorneys. (Jane Rosenberg)
Sean "Diddy" Combs may benefit in court by having a woman lead his defense, criminal defense lawyer Jo-Anna Nieves previously explained to Fox News Digital.
Teny Geragos, the daughter of famed lawyer Mark Geragos, signed on to represent the disgraced music mogul shortly after Diddy was arrested and charged with federal sex crimes in September.
Her presence in the courtroom defending Diddy "sends an unspoken messaged to the jury that 'if a smart, credible woman like Geragos doesn't believe these allegations, maybe you shouldn't either,'" Nieves said.
"This can especially impact jurors who are on the fence."
Teny graduated from Loyola Law School Los Angeles in 2016 and worked with Brafman & Associates for eight years before becoming a founding partner of Agnifilo Intrater.
She serves on the Board of Directors of the New York Criminal Bar Association and is certified to practice law in both New York and California. Mark Geragos was in court May 12 for opening statements.
While not representing Diddy, Mark explained to Judge Arun Subramanian during the week of jury selection that he represents the rapper's mother, Janice Combs, and also speaks to Diddy "with great frequency."
Mark is known for his Rolodex of celebrities, and has represented several high-profile clients, including Michael Jackson, Scott Peterson, Jussie Smollett, Colin Kaepernick, and most recently, the Menendez brothers in their pursuit for a new trial or resentencing.
Fox News' Tracy Wright contributed to this report.
Diddy's lawyers, Brian Steele and Nicole Westmoreland, outside the NYC courthouse on May 12. (Getty Images)
High-powered lawyer, Nicole Westmoreland, joined Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense team in early May, as the disgraced rapper faced federal charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.
Westmoreland’s addition to his legal team is noteworthy, as she herself is an outspoken survivor of sexual assault. She filed charges against the then-president of Cash Money Records, Alfred Cleveland, after he raped her at a party in 2001 while another man stood guard.
According to Westmoreland, Cleveland threatened her to not report the rape, but she did and he later plead guilty for the assault. She also later filed a lawsuit against the music label and Cleveland’s brother for failing to keep the party safe.
Westmoreland runs her own law firm, Westmoreland Law LLC, and was notably involved in the YLS racketeering trial in Atlanta, representing defendant Quamarvious Nichols, who ended up taking a plea deal to avoid more serious charges of murder, participation in gang activity and charges of firearm possession.
During day 16 of Diddy's trial on Wednesday, Westmoreland cross-examined Bryana “Bana” Bongolan, and questioned her about her claims that Diddy dangled her off a balcony in 2016, something she told the government during various meetings.
She also questioned Bongolan about the time Diddy allegedly threw a knife at Cassie Ventura, questioning how she is unable to remember the details of the incident.
Male exotic dancer Sharay Hayes (Jane Rosenberg)
Sharay Hayes, who worked as an escort named "The Punisher," testified on May 20 that Sean "Diddy" Combs would give directions during "freak offs."
While on the stand during direct examination by Meredith Foster with the U.S. Attorney's Office, Hayes claimed Diddy would tell his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura , how to move sexually, "like move to the left or right."
He claimed once during sex, the "Victory" rapper dropped a stack of money on the bed. Cassie allegedly asked if Hayes was OK, to which Diddy responded, "I'm enjoying doing this s---."
Hayes claimed his last encounter with Diddy and Cassie occurred in March 2015.
He alleged that at the final encounter Diddy put two condoms on the couch and said, “I’m ready to see you f--- her.” This interaction allegedly threw Hayes off and he couldn’t get an erection. Hayes claimed Cassie appeared startled and Diddy seemed aggressive.
According to Hayes, Diddy left the room and Cassie followed. When they returned, Hayes was allegedly instructed to finish and he masturbated. Later he was paid and claimed Cassie thanked him for his privacy.
Hayes testified that he “didn’t do the job [he] was there for” and was worried he wouldn’t be called back. He claimed he never saw Cassie and Combs after this encounter.
During cross-examination, Hayes explained why the condoms on the couch threw him off. He claimed they had not previously used condoms often and Hayes had his own anxiety. Hayes said he thought it would be difficult to get an erection with a condom. Hayes said he felt pressured by Combs to have sex, and explained it was “an aggressive suggestion.”
"Freak offs " were "elaborate produced sex performances that Combs arranged, directed, masturbated during, and often electronically recorded," according to the indictment.
Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
A photo Cassie's mom took of the singer-songwriter's bruises allegedly caused by Diddy. (SDNY)
Regina Ventura testified on May 20 that she “memorialized” Cassie’s bruises that she allegedly received from Sean “Diddy” Combs’ beatings.
The jury was shown photos of a bruised Cassie as her mother testified that she took the photos to “make sure they were memorialized.” Regina testified that Cassie told her that Diddy beat the singer. The jury was then shown more photos of Cassie’s bruises.
Regina claimed she first learned of Diddy’s alleged beatings in December 2011. She testified that she had previously read an allegation that Diddy hit Cassie in a blog and called her daughter, but Cassie denied it.
Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
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