Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial: Former assistant claims rapper made staff take lie detector tests
The former assistant of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has testified in his ongoing criminal trial for sex trafficking and racketeering that Combs made his staff take lie detector tests on previous occasions.
David James told the court in New York on May 20th that on one occasion, when a Cartier bracelet belonging to Combs went missing, security searched the staff’s possessions and that of Combs’ former girlfriend, feeling as though they couldn’t refuse the search.
In addition, Combs allegedly made his staff take lie detector tests after two incidents in which more of his personal items went missing.
Speaking of the experience, James told the prosecution that “it was very intimidating,” adding later in his cross-examination: “I don’t think ‘gracious’ is a word I would use to describe Mr Combs.”
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James explained that he began working for the rapper because “I just respect [him] from a business perspective,” before alleging that a fellow assistant was once hospitalised with dehydration after working for 24 hours straight for Combs.
According to CNN, the details of James’ testimony may help prosecutors prove charges of racketeering against Combs, which is one of the main components of the case.
Combs is charged with five counts of sexual abuse, trafficking, and racketeering in the criminal case in New York. However, he has pleaded not guilty and denies all the charges against him. Separately, Combs also faces over 70 civil lawsuits for similar charges, all of which he again denies.
If found guilty, Combs could spend the rest of his life in prison.
The trial continues, with the mother of key witness Cassie Ventura, Combs’ former girlfriend, expected to testify later on May 20th.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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