OK - US v Sean Combs Day 9, six witnesses including Kid Cudi, on Molotov cocktail, cross by Brian Steel - Inner City Press is covering the case matthewrussellleeicp.substack.com/p/extra-in-sea… & civil cases v Diddy patreon.com/posts/diddy-do… book of Week 1 & will live tweet, thread below x.com/innercitypress…
[Note: down at courthouse entrance much security, presumably for arrival of Kid Cudi]. Now up in court, before jury is brought in]
Judge: I didn't hear Government objecting to Mr. Kaplan testifying about Ms. Ventura asking for drugs in Boston
Judge: I didn't hear Government objecting to Mr. Kaplan testifying about Ms. Ventura asking for drugs in Boston
Judge: Let's get Mr. Kaplan back on the stand.
[Witness enters; jury enters]
AUSA: When did you carry cash for Mr. Combs?
George Kaplan: $50,000 on his private jet.
AUSA: Did you pick up cash for Mr. Combs?
Kaplan: $10,000 at Western Union, from Combs Enterprises
[Witness enters; jury enters]
AUSA: When did you carry cash for Mr. Combs?
George Kaplan: $50,000 on his private jet.
AUSA: Did you pick up cash for Mr. Combs?
Kaplan: $10,000 at Western Union, from Combs Enterprises
AUSA: What long term relationships of Mr. Combs were you aware of?
George Kaplan: Cassie... Kim... Gina.
AUSA: Who was Kim?
Kaplan: Mother of his children.
AUSA: Cassie?
Kaplan: Girlfriend.
AUSA: Gina?
Kaplan: Another girlfriend
George Kaplan: Cassie... Kim... Gina.
AUSA: Who was Kim?
Kaplan: Mother of his children.
AUSA: Cassie?
Kaplan: Girlfriend.
AUSA: Gina?
Kaplan: Another girlfriend
AUSA: The jet flight to Las Vegas. What was the lay out of the jet?
Kaplan: Four chairs. A partition. I had a partial view over my right shoulder.
AUSA: When you witnessed violence by Mr. Combs on Ms. Ventura, why didn't you intervene?
Kaplan: My career.
Kaplan: Four chairs. A partition. I had a partial view over my right shoulder.
AUSA: When you witnessed violence by Mr. Combs on Ms. Ventura, why didn't you intervene?
Kaplan: My career.
AUSA: After the last glass breaking, what did Mr. Combs do?
Kaplan: He came forward. Cassie stayed in the back... He asked me to get creams, to conceal the bruising on her face.
AUSA: How did you pay for it?
Kaplan: Corporate credit card.
Kaplan: He came forward. Cassie stayed in the back... He asked me to get creams, to conceal the bruising on her face.
AUSA: How did you pay for it?
Kaplan: Corporate credit card.
AUSA: Why did you leave Combs Enterprises?
Kaplan: I didn't think I should be covering things up, like buying the witch hazel. Also, my father had prostate cancer.
AUSA: Any of violence?
Kaplan: He threw things at Gina. In the entryway of the main home on Star Is
Kaplan: I didn't think I should be covering things up, like buying the witch hazel. Also, my father had prostate cancer.
AUSA: Any of violence?
Kaplan: He threw things at Gina. In the entryway of the main home on Star Is
AUSA: What was he throwing?
Kaplan: Green apples.
AUSA: How hard?
Kaplan: Very hard... Later I took the medicine bag into their room. Mr. Combs wanted me to leave quickly.
AUSA: Then what?
Kaplan: I heard Gina at the gate, and male voices.
AUSA: Who?
A: Security
Kaplan: Green apples.
AUSA: How hard?
Kaplan: Very hard... Later I took the medicine bag into their room. Mr. Combs wanted me to leave quickly.
AUSA: Then what?
Kaplan: I heard Gina at the gate, and male voices.
AUSA: Who?
A: Security
AUSA: When you left, what did you do?
Kaplan: I collected myself... Then went to work for an integrated marketing firm.
Kaplan: I collected myself... Then went to work for an integrated marketing firm.
Cross examination:
Combs' Agnifilo: Why did you go to work for Combs Enterprises?
Kaplan: He was an incredible entrepreneur. I have learned from him.
Agnifilo: What did Brian do as COO?
Kaplan: Ensuring profitability of each unit
Combs' Agnifilo: Why did you go to work for Combs Enterprises?
Kaplan: He was an incredible entrepreneur. I have learned from him.
Agnifilo: What did Brian do as COO?
Kaplan: Ensuring profitability of each unit
Kaplan: I was an employee when Revolt TV launched.
Combs' Agnifilo: Tell me about it.
Kaplan: We were on 6th floor of 1710 Broadway, everyone was there. It was momentous.
Agnifilo: Diversity was important to Mr. Combs?
Kaplan: Specifically for African Americans
Combs' Agnifilo: Tell me about it.
Kaplan: We were on 6th floor of 1710 Broadway, everyone was there. It was momentous.
Agnifilo: Diversity was important to Mr. Combs?
Kaplan: Specifically for African Americans
Combs' Agnifilo: What did Blue Flame do?
Kaplan: Marketing for Ciroc.
Agnifilo: What is Diageo?
Kaplan: They own Johnnie Walker and others... Mr. Combs set up an marketing entity for Ciroc.
Kaplan: Marketing for Ciroc.
Agnifilo: What is Diageo?
Kaplan: They own Johnnie Walker and others... Mr. Combs set up an marketing entity for Ciroc.
Combs' Agnifilo: Your job, what was it?
Kaplan: For example, Mr. Combs would say, we are going to leave the house. He meant three to five minutes. I had a check list for the bags and toiletry. It was a bad look in me if something wasn't in there.
Kaplan: For example, Mr. Combs would say, we are going to leave the house. He meant three to five minutes. I had a check list for the bags and toiletry. It was a bad look in me if something wasn't in there.
Combs' Agnfilo: Is there a binder near you? I can't read that.
Kaplan: It says Southern District-
Agnfilo: I'm handing you something to refresh your recollection. Take a look at it as long as you want to.
Kaplan: It says Southern District-
Agnfilo: I'm handing you something to refresh your recollection. Take a look at it as long as you want to.
Combs' Agnifilo: You ran an offsite training.... a graduate from Harvard Business School... Also Kenny Burns
Kaplan: I remember
Agnifilo: You were effective, right?
Kaplan: I worked hard
Agnifilo: I don't know how you'll answer - was it good or bad?
A: Complicated
Kaplan: I remember
Agnifilo: You were effective, right?
Kaplan: I worked hard
Agnifilo: I don't know how you'll answer - was it good or bad?
A: Complicated
Combs' Agnifilo: He didn't need to yell at you when you brought two waters
Kaplan: I worked hard.
Agnifilo: OK, who was Biggie?
Kaplan: A huge rapper who unfortunately passed away.
Agnifilo: Wasn't Biggie's birthday a holiday at Combs Enterprises?
A: Yes.
Kaplan: I worked hard.
Agnifilo: OK, who was Biggie?
Kaplan: A huge rapper who unfortunately passed away.
Agnifilo: Wasn't Biggie's birthday a holiday at Combs Enterprises?
A: Yes.
Combs' Agnifilo: Was it a creative environment?
Kaplan: Absolutely. It attracted all kinds of creative people... Lawyers... Musicians... Advertising people
Agnifilo: A few specific questions - you used a corporate credit card?
Kaplan: Yes.
Kaplan: Absolutely. It attracted all kinds of creative people... Lawyers... Musicians... Advertising people
Agnifilo: A few specific questions - you used a corporate credit card?
Kaplan: Yes.
Combs' Agnifilo: How did Mr. Combs pay?
Kaplan: KK held his wallet, with a black AmEx in it.
Agnifilo: You have no reason to think he kept track of how baby oil was paid for?
Kaplan: No reason.
Agnifilo: Or apple sauce.
Kaplan: He loves apple sauce
Kaplan: KK held his wallet, with a black AmEx in it.
Agnifilo: You have no reason to think he kept track of how baby oil was paid for?
Kaplan: No reason.
Agnifilo: Or apple sauce.
Kaplan: He loves apple sauce
Combs' Agnfilo: On cheeseburgers? (smiles)
Kaplan: On everything.
Agnifilo: Let's talk about the plane. You heard glass breaking - you didn't see it?
Kaplan: I didn't see it.
Agnifilo: The incident with Gina - you walk into the house- there's a thin table?
A: IDK
Kaplan: On everything.
Agnifilo: Let's talk about the plane. You heard glass breaking - you didn't see it?
Kaplan: I didn't see it.
Agnifilo: The incident with Gina - you walk into the house- there's a thin table?
A: IDK
Combs' Agnifilo: You don't remember how a person could get out of the gate at Two Star Island?
Kaplan: No. I just heard screaming and commotion.
Agnifilo: Screams of terror or of how can I open this gate?
Kaplan: I don't know how to distinguish between the two
Kaplan: No. I just heard screaming and commotion.
Agnifilo: Screams of terror or of how can I open this gate?
Kaplan: I don't know how to distinguish between the two
Combs' Agnifilo: He threatened your jobs - but did he physically threaten you?
Kaplan: No.
Agnifilo: You talked about Kim Porter, how she was different
Kaplan: His respect for her. They had incredible kids
Agnifilo: Thank you.
Kaplan: No.
Agnifilo: You talked about Kim Porter, how she was different
Kaplan: His respect for her. They had incredible kids
Agnifilo: Thank you.
Combs' Agnifilo: When you set up hotel room for Mr. Combs & Ms. Porter, there was no baby oil, right?
Kaplan: Lotions.
Agnifilo: You expressed caution about hotels, why you cleaned the room afterward.
Kaplan: Hotel staff could sell photos. Everyone wants a payday
Kaplan: Lotions.
Agnifilo: You expressed caution about hotels, why you cleaned the room afterward.
Kaplan: Hotel staff could sell photos. Everyone wants a payday
Combs' Agnifilo: You sent him a photo of him & Kim Porter?
Kaplan: After she died. I was heartbroken for him
Agnifilo: You were close?
Kaplan: I invited him to my wedding. I didn't hear back-
Agifilo: Objection!
[Surprised looks]
Agnifilo: You respected him?
Yes.
Kaplan: After she died. I was heartbroken for him
Agnifilo: You were close?
Kaplan: I invited him to my wedding. I didn't hear back-
Agifilo: Objection!
[Surprised looks]
Agnifilo: You respected him?
Yes.
Combs' Agnifilo: What's this photo of?
Kaplan: Me, KK and Mr. Combs at Teterboro Airport, he'd just got the jet, that's why there's champagne
Agnifilo: You're happy there, right?
Kaplan: No, refresh it. It's that I was glad I had found the mascara in the back seat
Kaplan: Me, KK and Mr. Combs at Teterboro Airport, he'd just got the jet, that's why there's champagne
Agnifilo: You're happy there, right?
Kaplan: No, refresh it. It's that I was glad I had found the mascara in the back seat
Combs' Agifilo: They found you and subpoenaed you?
Kaplan: I had to retain counsel right away.
Agnifilo: No further questions.
Judge: Re-direct?
AUSA: Which incidents shook you?
Kaplan: The plane with Cassie and the apples with Gina.
Kaplan: I had to retain counsel right away.
Agnifilo: No further questions.
Judge: Re-direct?
AUSA: Which incidents shook you?
Kaplan: The plane with Cassie and the apples with Gina.
Kaplan: I felt guilty I didn't do anything after the incident with Cassie on the plane.
AUSA: But you didn't see any injuries.
Kaplan: People can be injured without injuries being visible. The tonality and tension with the apples he threw at Gina, it was troubling
AUSA: But you didn't see any injuries.
Kaplan: People can be injured without injuries being visible. The tonality and tension with the apples he threw at Gina, it was troubling
AUSA: You told Ms. Khorram about both incidents?
Kaplan: Yes. And I told her, I am unwilling to stand behind the behavior, that I was quitting.
AUSA: Did Kristina say she would quit?
Kaplan: No
AUSA: How long did she stay after you told her?
Kaplan: Until recently
Kaplan: Yes. And I told her, I am unwilling to stand behind the behavior, that I was quitting.
AUSA: Did Kristina say she would quit?
Kaplan: No
AUSA: How long did she stay after you told her?
Kaplan: Until recently
Next witness
AUSA: We calls Scott Mescudi.
[Kid Cudi takes the witness stand in a leather jacket, white shirt and blue jeans]
AUSA Johnson: What did you do for work?
Mescudi: I'm an actor and musician. Known as Kid Cudi.
AUSA: Who is this? [photo]
A: Cassie
AUSA: We calls Scott Mescudi.
[Kid Cudi takes the witness stand in a leather jacket, white shirt and blue jeans]
AUSA Johnson: What did you do for work?
Mescudi: I'm an actor and musician. Known as Kid Cudi.
AUSA: Who is this? [photo]
A: Cassie
Scott Mescudi: We dated in 2011.
AUSA: Who else was she involved with?
Mescudi: Sean Combs.
AUSA: What did you know about their status?
Mescudi: That she and Sean Combs had some problems and they weren't dating anymore
AUSA: Who else was she involved with?
Mescudi: Sean Combs.
AUSA: What did you know about their status?
Mescudi: That she and Sean Combs had some problems and they weren't dating anymore
AUSA: In December 2011 did law enforcement respond to your home?
Mescudi: Yes. I had a break-in. Cassie called me at 5:30 or 6 am. She said Sean Combs had found out about us. She asked me to pick her up. So I did. Yeah.
AUSA: Why?
Mescudi: She was worried
Mescudi: Yes. I had a break-in. Cassie called me at 5:30 or 6 am. She said Sean Combs had found out about us. She asked me to pick her up. So I did. Yeah.
AUSA: Why?
Mescudi: She was worried
AUSA: What was her demeanor?
Mescudi: Very stressed and worried.
AUSA: Where did you go?
Mescudi: The Sunset Marquis.
AUSA: Why?
Mescudi: I thought it was safe, off the radar
Mescudi: Very stressed and worried.
AUSA: Where did you go?
Mescudi: The Sunset Marquis.
AUSA: Why?
Mescudi: I thought it was safe, off the radar
AUSA: Who else did you speak with?
Mescudi: Capricorn Clark. She sounded near tears.
AUSA: What did she say?
Mescudi: That Sean Combs in the car, near my house
Combs' Brian Steel: Objection
Judge: Overruled
Mescudi: Capricorn Clark. She sounded near tears.
AUSA: What did she say?
Mescudi: That Sean Combs in the car, near my house
Combs' Brian Steel: Objection
Judge: Overruled
AUSA: You called Sean Combs?
Mescudi: I did... He said, I'm over here waiting for you.
AUSA: When you arrived, what did the outside look like?
Mescudi: Pretty normal.
AUSA: Any security camera?
Mescudi: Yes but I found out they weren't working
Mescudi: I did... He said, I'm over here waiting for you.
AUSA: When you arrived, what did the outside look like?
Mescudi: Pretty normal.
AUSA: Any security camera?
Mescudi: Yes but I found out they weren't working
Mescudi: But the security cameras had been moved.
AUSA: Did you move them?
Mescudi: No.
AUSA: What did you see inside your home?
Mescudi: Gifts were open, some stuff I got from Chanel. And my dog was locked up in the bathroom.
AUSA: Did you move them?
Mescudi: No.
AUSA: What did you see inside your home?
Mescudi: Gifts were open, some stuff I got from Chanel. And my dog was locked up in the bathroom.
AUSA: How did you usually leave your dog?
Mescudi: I let him roam.
AUSA: How long had you had your dog?
Mescudi: Three years.
AUSA: What changes were behavior of your dog, after the break in?
Mescudi: Jittery, on edge all the time
Mescudi: I let him roam.
AUSA: How long had you had your dog?
Mescudi: Three years.
AUSA: What changes were behavior of your dog, after the break in?
Mescudi: Jittery, on edge all the time
Mescudi: I got back in & called Sean Combs again. I was looking for him. I wanted to fight him. You know.
AUSA: Did he answer?
Mescudi: Yeah. He said, I'm on my way. I thought to myself-
Combs' Steel: Objection
Judge: Grounds?
Steel: Non responsive
Overruled
AUSA: Did he answer?
Mescudi: Yeah. He said, I'm on my way. I thought to myself-
Combs' Steel: Objection
Judge: Grounds?
Steel: Non responsive
Overruled
Judge: Ask a new question.
AUSA: When you saw Cassie, how did she seem?
Mescudi: Depressed.
AUSA: Did you see Cassie in Connecticut?
Mescudi: Yes. She needed it.
AUSA: Did Mr. Combs call you?
Mescudi: Yes, he hit me a few times?
AUSA: Hit?
Mescudi: Called me.
AUSA: When you saw Cassie, how did she seem?
Mescudi: Depressed.
AUSA: Did you see Cassie in Connecticut?
Mescudi: Yes. She needed it.
AUSA: Did Mr. Combs call you?
Mescudi: Yes, he hit me a few times?
AUSA: Hit?
Mescudi: Called me.
AUSA: What did you say?
Mescudi: That I didn't want to talk with him, he broke into my house, hurt my dog
AUSA: Did you and Ms. Ventura break up?
Mescudi: Yes.
AUSA: What about your car?
Mescudi: My dog's babysitter called me and told me my car was on fire
Mescudi: That I didn't want to talk with him, he broke into my house, hurt my dog
AUSA: Did you and Ms. Ventura break up?
Mescudi: Yes.
AUSA: What about your car?
Mescudi: My dog's babysitter called me and told me my car was on fire
AUSA: Where were you?
Mescudi: At a relative of my ex-girlfriend
AUSA: Where did you go?
Mescudi: To my house. 8925 Hollywood Hills Road
AUSA: Let me show you 6 pictures. Do you recognize?
Mescudi: My Porsche.
Mescudi: At a relative of my ex-girlfriend
AUSA: Where did you go?
Mescudi: To my house. 8925 Hollywood Hills Road
AUSA: Let me show you 6 pictures. Do you recognize?
Mescudi: My Porsche.
Mescudi: That's the damage to my Porsche from the Molotov cocktail.
AUSA: Who took these photos?
Mescudi: Chip, a good friend and collaborator.
AUSA: What's depicted here?
Mescudi: The hole they cut in the roof of my car to put in the Molotov cocktail
AUSA: Who took these photos?
Mescudi: Chip, a good friend and collaborator.
AUSA: What's depicted here?
Mescudi: The hole they cut in the roof of my car to put in the Molotov cocktail
AUSA: What was your reaction to your car being set on fire?
Mescudi: What the fuck
Objection
Judge: Overruled
Mescudi: What the fuck
Objection
Judge: Overruled
Judge: Break
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Before jurors back
Judge: Will you finish the witnesses of today?
AUSA: Yes, though the cross of Mr. Kaplan was three times long that we thought
Jury entering!
AUSA: Was the damage on your car present before the call from the dogsitter?
Mescudi: No.
Judge: Will you finish the witnesses of today?
AUSA: Yes, though the cross of Mr. Kaplan was three times long that we thought
Jury entering!
AUSA: Was the damage on your car present before the call from the dogsitter?
Mescudi: No.
AUSA: Did you think it was accidental or intentional?
Mescudi: Intentional.
AUSA: Where did you last see Ms. Ventura?
Mescudi: At the Soho House... I'd reached out to Sean Combs and said, Let's talk, this is getting out of hand.
Mescudi: Intentional.
AUSA: Where did you last see Ms. Ventura?
Mescudi: At the Soho House... I'd reached out to Sean Combs and said, Let's talk, this is getting out of hand.
Combs' Brian Steel: Can we have a sidebar?
Judge: Do you have an objection?
Steel: Yes.
Judge: Sustained. Disregard and move on.
AUSA: Who set up the meeting at Soho House?
Mescudi: D-Roc and my manager
Judge: Do you have an objection?
Steel: Yes.
Judge: Sustained. Disregard and move on.
AUSA: Who set up the meeting at Soho House?
Mescudi: D-Roc and my manager
AUSA: What was Mr. Combs doing?
Mescudi: Standing there like a Marvel Super Villain
[some laughter]
Mescudi: He said, We were homies, you know that is my girl
AUSA: What did you say?
Mescudi: I thought you had broken up. Then Sean Combs offered me water, twice
Mescudi: Standing there like a Marvel Super Villain
[some laughter]
Mescudi: He said, We were homies, you know that is my girl
AUSA: What did you say?
Mescudi: I thought you had broken up. Then Sean Combs offered me water, twice
Mescudi: It was weird, Sean Combs being so calm.
AUSA: What did Cassie say?
Mescudi: That we have fallen in love, things happened
AUSA: What did you say to Mr. Combs?
Mescudi: What about my car. He said, "I don't know what you are talking about." I walked away
AUSA: What did Cassie say?
Mescudi: That we have fallen in love, things happened
AUSA: What did you say to Mr. Combs?
Mescudi: What about my car. He said, "I don't know what you are talking about." I walked away
AUSA: Did you see Sean Combs later?
Mescudi: A few years later, also at Soho House, he said, I'm just sorry for all that bullsh*t. I was surprised, so I found peace with it.
AUSA: No further questions at this time
Judge: Mr. Steel
Mescudi: A few years later, also at Soho House, he said, I'm just sorry for all that bullsh*t. I was surprised, so I found peace with it.
AUSA: No further questions at this time
Judge: Mr. Steel
Combs' Brian Steel: I want to ask you some questions about your Porsche, in 2022
Mescudi: 2012.
Steel: I apologize. You get a call about damage to your vehicle. Any surveillance photos?
Mescudi: No. My dog's babysitter did send me pictures of the damage
Mescudi: 2012.
Steel: I apologize. You get a call about damage to your vehicle. Any surveillance photos?
Mescudi: No. My dog's babysitter did send me pictures of the damage
Combs' Steel: The DNA taken, are you aware it came back being a female?
AUSA: Objection. No foundation.
Judge: Sustained
Steel: Do you know there were DNA results
Judge: I'll allow that
Mescudi: No
AUSA: Objection. No foundation.
Judge: Sustained
Steel: Do you know there were DNA results
Judge: I'll allow that
Mescudi: No
Combs' Steel: Ms. Ventura told you it was over?
Mescudi: We just stopped talking
Steel: You told this honorable court and this jury, that she played you?
Mescudi: Yes.
Steel: She played you and you had no clue?
Mescudi: No clue.
Mescudi: We just stopped talking
Steel: You told this honorable court and this jury, that she played you?
Mescudi: Yes.
Steel: She played you and you had no clue?
Mescudi: No clue.
Combs' Steel: In 2011 you went on a tour?
Mescudi: Yes.
Steel: 65 locations?
Mescudi: Yeah.
Steel: At that time, Sean Combs as an icon, fair to say?
Mescudi: Yes.
Steel: You and Ms. Ventura had a sexual relationship?
AUSA: Objection!
SIdebar
Mescudi: Yes.
Steel: 65 locations?
Mescudi: Yeah.
Steel: At that time, Sean Combs as an icon, fair to say?
Mescudi: Yes.
Steel: You and Ms. Ventura had a sexual relationship?
AUSA: Objection!
SIdebar
[After sidebar]
Mescudi: Mr. Steel, can I-
Judge: No, you can do that on re-direct.
Steel: Do you want to tell me something?
Mescudi: Sean Combs asked about me doing a song with Ms. Ventura in 2010.
Steel: Thank you.
Mescudi: Mr. Steel, can I-
Judge: No, you can do that on re-direct.
Steel: Do you want to tell me something?
Mescudi: Sean Combs asked about me doing a song with Ms. Ventura in 2010.
Steel: Thank you.
Combs' Steel: You believe they left your front door unlocked?
Mescudi: Yes.
Steel: No forced entry?
Mescudi: No.
Steel: Just presents opened, door in the bathroom - I'm not belittling, just asking... You called Sean Combs?
Mescudi: Yeah.
Steel: He was calm?
Yes
Mescudi: Yes.
Steel: No forced entry?
Mescudi: No.
Steel: Just presents opened, door in the bathroom - I'm not belittling, just asking... You called Sean Combs?
Mescudi: Yeah.
Steel: He was calm?
Yes
Combs' Steel: You went to see him, you didn't think he had a gun?
Mescudi: I couldn't call it.
Steel: You are a strong person, that's how you categorize yourself?
Mescudi: Yeah. This crossed the line.
Steel: Ms. Ventura told you she was abused
Mescudi: Yes.
Mescudi: I couldn't call it.
Steel: You are a strong person, that's how you categorize yourself?
Mescudi: Yeah. This crossed the line.
Steel: Ms. Ventura told you she was abused
Mescudi: Yes.
Combs' Steel: But she never said she was sexually abused, true?
Mescudi: She did not.
Steel: You loved her? Tell me if I'm wrong.
Mescudi: I did.
Steel: You got played by the same person who played Mr. Combs... Cassie Ventura.
Mescudi: She did not.
Steel: You loved her? Tell me if I'm wrong.
Mescudi: I did.
Steel: You got played by the same person who played Mr. Combs... Cassie Ventura.
Combs' Steel: In the 13 years since, have you ever been notified in California that there has been any more action on this car fire?
Mescudi: No
Steel: Did Ms. Ventura have multiple phones?
Mescudi: I don't remember.
Steel: 35-12..
Mescudi: If I said it, I said it
Mescudi: No
Steel: Did Ms. Ventura have multiple phones?
Mescudi: I don't remember.
Steel: 35-12..
Mescudi: If I said it, I said it
Combs' Steel: Do you know what a burner phone is?
Mescudi: Untraceable
Steel: The trespass, you call it a break-in, Ms. Ventura told you she'd given your home address to Mr. Combs?
Mescudi: Yes. In the morning.
Steel: No more questions. Thanks.
Mescudi: No problem
Mescudi: Untraceable
Steel: The trespass, you call it a break-in, Ms. Ventura told you she'd given your home address to Mr. Combs?
Mescudi: Yes. In the morning.
Steel: No more questions. Thanks.
Mescudi: No problem
Judge: Re-direct?
AUSA Johnson: What did Ms. Ventura confide in you about abuse?
Mescudi: That he would hit her, sometimes kick her.
AUSA: The day of the break in, was she carefree?
Mescudi: No.
AUSA Johnson: What did Ms. Ventura confide in you about abuse?
Mescudi: That he would hit her, sometimes kick her.
AUSA: The day of the break in, was she carefree?
Mescudi: No.
AUSA: What did Capricorn Clark tell you?
Mescudi: Sean Combs and an affiliate forced her into a car to come to my house... I called the police.
AUSA: How would you describe Cassie that day?
Mescudi: Just really shook. Him finding out about us
Mescudi: Sean Combs and an affiliate forced her into a car to come to my house... I called the police.
AUSA: How would you describe Cassie that day?
Mescudi: Just really shook. Him finding out about us
AUSA: Why did your relationship with Ms. Ventura end?
Mescudi: The drama, it was getting out of hand. I wanted to give space
AUSA: What drama?
Mescudi: The break in. For my safety, her safety-
Combs' Steel: Objection
Judge: Grounds?
Steel: Speculation
Overruled
Mescudi: The drama, it was getting out of hand. I wanted to give space
AUSA: What drama?
Mescudi: The break in. For my safety, her safety-
Combs' Steel: Objection
Judge: Grounds?
Steel: Speculation
Overruled
AUSA: Why did you have safety concerns?
Mescudi: Because I knew Sean Combs was violent -
Combs' Steel: Your Honor, may we approach?
[Sidebar]
Mescudi: Because I knew Sean Combs was violent -
Combs' Steel: Your Honor, may we approach?
[Sidebar]
AUSA: The meeting at the Soho House, Mr. Combs said, I don't know what you're talking about, about your car. Did you believe him?
Combs' Steel: Objection
Judge: Re-phrase.
AUSA: What was your understanding?
Mescudi: That he was lying.
AUSA: No further questions
Combs' Steel: Objection
Judge: Re-phrase.
AUSA: What was your understanding?
Mescudi: That he was lying.
AUSA: No further questions
Judge: Any re-cross?
Combs' Steel: No, Your Honors.
Judge: Mr. Mescudi, you're done.
Mescudi: All right
[Leaves]
Combs' Steel: No, Your Honors.
Judge: Mr. Mescudi, you're done.
Mescudi: All right
[Leaves]
Judge: Break
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[They're back, before the jury is brought it]
AUSA Comey: They want to put in exhibits showing Ms. Ventura scantily clad, we think it plays into a stereotype that if she dresses like this, she must have consented to the freak-offs.
AUSA Comey: They want to put in exhibits showing Ms. Ventura scantily clad, we think it plays into a stereotype that if she dresses like this, she must have consented to the freak-offs.
Judge: I only have the album cover -
Combs' Estevao: We can bring it up on the screen. [Does, but not for the public gallery] We have withdrawn some of the exhibits. It's rather about her career opportunities and the like.
Combs' Estevao: We can bring it up on the screen. [Does, but not for the public gallery] We have withdrawn some of the exhibits. It's rather about her career opportunities and the like.
Judge: What's the relevance of these exhibits? The next witness did Ms. Ventura's makeup. But what's the purpose of the pictures? It's a 402 issue first, relevance
Combs's Estevao: Ms. Ventura testified about her career being impacted.
AUSA Comey: I'll stipulate
Combs's Estevao: Ms. Ventura testified about her career being impacted.
AUSA Comey: I'll stipulate
Judge: This one is of a public event, so what's the problem?
AUSA Comey: It's a low-cut dress.
Judge: I'm allowing it in. But not 652 nor 745. Bring in the witness and the jury.
AUSA: What's your name:
Witness: Mylah Morales. I'm a celebrity makeup artist
AUSA Comey: It's a low-cut dress.
Judge: I'm allowing it in. But not 652 nor 745. Bring in the witness and the jury.
AUSA: What's your name:
Witness: Mylah Morales. I'm a celebrity makeup artist
AUSA: Do you recognize anyone you've worked for?
Mylah Morales: Sean Combs. In the gray sweater and white collar.
AUSA: When did you work for Mr. Combs?
Mylah Morales: 2000 to 2005.
AUSA: Then who?
Morales: Rihanna.
AUSA: Who else?
Morales: Jennifer Lopez, Cassie
Mylah Morales: Sean Combs. In the gray sweater and white collar.
AUSA: When did you work for Mr. Combs?
Mylah Morales: 2000 to 2005.
AUSA: Then who?
Morales: Rihanna.
AUSA: Who else?
Morales: Jennifer Lopez, Cassie
AUSA: When did you work with Cassie?
Mylah Morales: 2007 until COVID. She was like a little sister to me.
AUSA: How much older than her are you?
Mylah Morales: A few years
AUSA: Did you see her with injuries on her face?
Morales: 2010, Grammy weekend. Prince party
Mylah Morales: 2007 until COVID. She was like a little sister to me.
AUSA: How much older than her are you?
Mylah Morales: A few years
AUSA: Did you see her with injuries on her face?
Morales: 2010, Grammy weekend. Prince party
AUSA: Where were you with her?
Mylah Morales: Beverly Hills. I fell asleep in the room and woke up to a commotion. Cassie walked in - then Sean, asking Where the f*ck is she?
AUSA: What did he do?
Morales: Walk into the bedroom, shut the door
Mylah Morales: Beverly Hills. I fell asleep in the room and woke up to a commotion. Cassie walked in - then Sean, asking Where the f*ck is she?
AUSA: What did he do?
Morales: Walk into the bedroom, shut the door
AUSA: What did you hear behind the door?
Mylah Morales: Yelling and screaming, both of them. Then Sean Combs left.
AUSA: What did you see next?
Morales: Cassie. She had a swollen eye and knots on her dead. I packed her things up, we went to my house
Mylah Morales: Yelling and screaming, both of them. Then Sean Combs left.
AUSA: What did you see next?
Morales: Cassie. She had a swollen eye and knots on her dead. I packed her things up, we went to my house
AUSA: Then?
Mylah Morales: My doctor friend came and examined her, to see if she had a concussion.
AUSA: What were you afraid of?
Morales: Sean. I feared for my life-
Combs' Estevao: Objection. Move to strike.
Judge: Overruled.
AUSA: How long did she stay?
Days.
Mylah Morales: My doctor friend came and examined her, to see if she had a concussion.
AUSA: What were you afraid of?
Morales: Sean. I feared for my life-
Combs' Estevao: Objection. Move to strike.
Judge: Overruled.
AUSA: How long did she stay?
Days.
AUSA: Have you done interviews about this?
Mylah Morales: A couple.
AUSA: Were you paid?
Morales: No.
AUSA: Did you provide evidence?
Morales: Photos of me and Kim Porter, early 2000s.
USA: Were you paid?
A: $1000
Mylah Morales: A couple.
AUSA: Were you paid?
Morales: No.
AUSA: Did you provide evidence?
Morales: Photos of me and Kim Porter, early 2000s.
USA: Were you paid?
A: $1000
AUSA: No further questions.
Judge: Cross.
Combs' Estevao: Did you assist Ms. Ventura for any red carpet events?
Mylah Morales: Possibly. And some music video. Black and Yellow
Combs' Estevao: We have photos. 647, please
Judge: Cross.
Combs' Estevao: Did you assist Ms. Ventura for any red carpet events?
Mylah Morales: Possibly. And some music video. Black and Yellow
Combs' Estevao: We have photos. 647, please
[Photos from a video shoot]
Combs' Estevao: The goal was that she looked put together?
Mylah Morales: Yes.
Estevao: These photos show your artistry, you re-posted them on Instagram?
Morales: Yes.
Estevao: You were in her hotel room though you lived near?
Yes
Combs' Estevao: The goal was that she looked put together?
Mylah Morales: Yes.
Estevao: These photos show your artistry, you re-posted them on Instagram?
Morales: Yes.
Estevao: You were in her hotel room though you lived near?
Yes
Combs' Estevao: You met Ms. Ventura's family?
Mylah Morales: Her father.
Estevao: You called a doctor - and a lawyer?
Morales: The lawyer lives in San Francisco.
Estevao: You provided emotional support?
Morales: Yes.
Mylah Morales: Her father.
Estevao: You called a doctor - and a lawyer?
Morales: The lawyer lives in San Francisco.
Estevao: You provided emotional support?
Morales: Yes.
Combs' Estevao: You did an interview with CNN, and with Extra TV, Don Lemon, Piers Morgan?
Mylah Morales: Yes.
Estevao: Did Dateline reach out to you?
Morales: I don't look at those any more.
Estevao: Did you ask the Government if you could do more? Look at this
Mylah Morales: Yes.
Estevao: Did Dateline reach out to you?
Morales: I don't look at those any more.
Estevao: Did you ask the Government if you could do more? Look at this
Combs' Estevao: So you asked permission to speak to Dateline?
Morales: Of course I asked.
Estevao: After the incident, neither Mr. Combs or anyone from his company ever approached you?
Morales: No one did.
Estevao: For a documentary were you paid?
Morales: Therapy
Morales: Of course I asked.
Estevao: After the incident, neither Mr. Combs or anyone from his company ever approached you?
Morales: No one did.
Estevao: For a documentary were you paid?
Morales: Therapy
Combs' Estevao: You sold the photos to CNN for $1000?
Mylah Morales: Yes.
Estevao: No further questions.
Judge: Next witness.
Frédéric Zemmour, the general manager of L'Hermitage Hotel LA
AUSA: Why are you here?
Zemmour: I receive a subpoena.
Mylah Morales: Yes.
Estevao: No further questions.
Judge: Next witness.
Frédéric Zemmour, the general manager of L'Hermitage Hotel LA
AUSA: Why are you here?
Zemmour: I receive a subpoena.
AUSA: Are you familiar with the hotel's reservation system?
Zemmour: We have a system called Opera. We enter in personal preferences.
AUSA: How long do you keep them?
Zemmour: They stay forever
Zemmour: We have a system called Opera. We enter in personal preferences.
AUSA: How long do you keep them?
Zemmour: They stay forever
AUSA: How reserved this room for Sean Combs?
Zemmour: Ryan Lopez. Also other names were used.
AUSA: When was this profiled first created?
Zemmour: 2006, it said Sean Combs and Bad Boy Records. Then they changed it to Jackie Star.
AUSA: Let's look at 2011-2012
Zemmour: Ryan Lopez. Also other names were used.
AUSA: When was this profiled first created?
Zemmour: 2006, it said Sean Combs and Bad Boy Records. Then they changed it to Jackie Star.
AUSA: Let's look at 2011-2012
AUSA: This reservation - what's the bill?
Zemmour: Over $2000. It says only charge if Kristina Khorram approves.
AUSA: What were the instructions?
Zemmour: Put room out of service for cleaning. Like the room hot, set it for 75 degrees.
Zemmour: Over $2000. It says only charge if Kristina Khorram approves.
AUSA: What were the instructions?
Zemmour: Put room out of service for cleaning. Like the room hot, set it for 75 degrees.
AUSA: What are these complaints?
Zemmour: Candle wax on carpet, security called. Charge $500.
AUSA: No further questions.
Judge: Cross examination?
Defense: None.
Judge: Next witness
AUSA: Special Agent Josh Croft
Zemmour: Candle wax on carpet, security called. Charge $500.
AUSA: No further questions.
Judge: Cross examination?
Defense: None.
Judge: Next witness
AUSA: Special Agent Josh Croft
AUSA: Where do you work?
Agent Croft: HSI [Homeland Security Investigations] I extract data from computers.
AUSA: What is your training?
Agent Croft: The SANS Institute
AUSA: What does that stand for?
Agent Croft: I don't really know, they are opaque in that way
Agent Croft: HSI [Homeland Security Investigations] I extract data from computers.
AUSA: What is your training?
Agent Croft: The SANS Institute
AUSA: What does that stand for?
Agent Croft: I don't really know, they are opaque in that way
AUSA: What tools do you use?
Agent Croft: TX1 and Digital Collector.
AUSA: Whose laptops did you extract?
Agent Croft: Cassie Ventura. This is a Macbook Pro, roughly from 2010, 2011, with a white case.
Agent Croft: TX1 and Digital Collector.
AUSA: Whose laptops did you extract?
Agent Croft: Cassie Ventura. This is a Macbook Pro, roughly from 2010, 2011, with a white case.
AUSA: Did you boot it up?
Agent Croft: I got to the Macbook factory default screen?
AUSA: But you got data?
Croft: Yes. The hard drive had data not over-riden by the factory re-set.
Agent Croft: I got to the Macbook factory default screen?
AUSA: But you got data?
Croft: Yes. The hard drive had data not over-riden by the factory re-set.
AUSA: What is unallocated space?
Agent Croft: Something not viewable, something previously deleted.
AUSA: Explain how computers store data.
Agent Croft: You have a table of contents. A file can still be stored, in unallocated space.
Agent Croft: Something not viewable, something previously deleted.
AUSA: Explain how computers store data.
Agent Croft: You have a table of contents. A file can still be stored, in unallocated space.
AUSA: So on these three laptops, how were they backed up?
Agent Croft: iTunes was used, before iCloud. Some looks a little funky.
AUSA: But you can can validate the funky, as you say, data by going to the raw data?
Agent Croft: Yes.
AUSA: Nothing further
Agent Croft: iTunes was used, before iCloud. Some looks a little funky.
AUSA: But you can can validate the funky, as you say, data by going to the raw data?
Agent Croft: Yes.
AUSA: Nothing further
Defense: On one of the laptops there was a Frank Black profile?
Agent Croft: Yes.
Defense: Did you process every file?
Agent Croft: Yes.
Defense: Have a wonderful weekend.
AUSA: Frank Black, did you proceed under Ms. Ventura's consent?
Agent Croft: Under warrant.
Agent Croft: Yes.
Defense: Did you process every file?
Agent Croft: Yes.
Defense: Have a wonderful weekend.
AUSA: Frank Black, did you proceed under Ms. Ventura's consent?
Agent Croft: Under warrant.
Judge: No more witnesses. Jurors, I intend to release you early - any objections?
[laughter]
Don't read anything about the case. Go for a walk. Watch the Knicks avenge their Game 1 loss
[more laughter] And you must tattle. We're making great progress. All rise!
[laughter]
Don't read anything about the case. Go for a walk. Watch the Knicks avenge their Game 1 loss
[more laughter] And you must tattle. We're making great progress. All rise!
Judge: No more witnesses. Jurors, I intend to release you early - any objections?
[laughter]
Don't read anything about the case. Go for a walk. Watch the Knicks avenge their Game 1 loss
[more laughter] And you must tattle. We're making great progress. All rise!
[laughter]
Don't read anything about the case. Go for a walk. Watch the Knicks avenge their Game 1 loss
[more laughter] And you must tattle. We're making great progress. All rise!
Judge: Enjoy
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