The federal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs continues into Day 8, where the jury is expected to hear more from Special Agent Gerard Gannon.
What to expect from Day 8 of the Diddy trial
Gannon, who works with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Miami, began testifying late on Day 7 about a federal search of Combs’ property on Star Island in March 2024.
According to Gannon’s account, agents conducted the search in the afternoon after learning that Combs and his family might be leaving the country.
The government believes the timing was critical to ensure that no one could interfere with the search or create a risk to law enforcement. During the operation, Gannon stated that agents had to forcibly open a gate for safety.
The jury was shown photographs of the property and specific items recovered, including parts of AR-15-style rifles, loaded ammunition magazines, and sexual items such as sex toys and bottles of lubricant.
Notably, Gannon testified that some of the weapons had their serial numbers removed.
His testimony is expected to continue on Day 8 as prosecutors attempt to tie these findings to their broader claims about coercion and control.
What the court has heard thus far
Day 7 featured several witnesses offering different perspectives on Combs’ personal life and interactions with Cassie Ventura.
David James, a former assistant, described an intense work environment where staff were expected to be available around the clock. He testified about being asked to perform tasks ranging from booking hotel rooms to delivering drug supplies, such as Percocet and Ecstasy.
James also spoke about a confrontation with Suge Knight at a Los Angeles diner and recounted an incident where Combs allegedly had firearms in a vehicle shortly after.
He mentioned taking lie detector tests under pressure and said he eventually left the job because he feared for his safety.
Regina Ventura, Cassie Ventura’s mother, testified that Combs threatened to release a sex tape and demanded money from her family. She also presented photographs of bruises on her daughter, which she claimed were the result of abuse.
Sharay Hayes, a male exotic dancer, testified about being hired repeatedly between 2012 and later years to perform private shows for Combs and Ventura.
Hayes described sexual scenarios directed by Combs in hotel settings, including payments in cash and instructions not to make eye contact with Combs.
He testified that Combs’ involvement was hands-on, and the sessions often had a ritualistic atmosphere involving dim lighting and baby oil.
Each witness was cross-examined by Combs’ defence attorneys, who questioned the consistency of their claims and the motives behind their testimonies.
Hayes, for instance, admitted to including the experiences in a forthcoming book, which the defencde suggested could affect the credibility of his statements.
We did a full breakdown of the first week of the Diddy trial. Watch it below:
Diddy Trial: Live stream and updates
There is no live stream of the trial due to federal court rules. The case is being held in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, where cameras and live broadcasts are not permitted.
However, detailed daily updates are available through outlets covering the proceedings, including Inner City Press, whose trial notes have been essential for public reporting on the case.
