A forensic video expert and a woman who said Sean “Diddy” Combs dangled her over a balcony took the stand Wednesday in the Hip-hop mogul’s federal criminal trial. The testimony came as the prosecution has sought to prove Combs and some in his inner circle constituted a criminal enterprise that used threats, violence, kidnapping and other means to coerce women into “Freak Offs” with male escorts and to protect his image. Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. His defense has acknowledged Combs was violent but has questioned the motives of those testifying and has said the accusations fall short of the charges. Bryana Bongolan is set to return to the stand for more cross-examination on Thursday at 11 a.m. The prosecution has indicated the court will soon hear testimony from a key accuser who has been referred to in court by the pseudonym “Jane” and in the indictment as “Victim-2.” Her testimony is expected to last into next week. Here’s what we learned in testimony Wednesday. Hotel surveillance video was not manually altered, expert says A forensic video expert testified Wednesday that the March 2016 surveillance video showing Combs assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura at a hotel in Los Angeles was not manually altered. Frank Piazza, the expert, said he examined the surveillance video from the InterContinental Hotel, cell phone video and “sex videos” in preparation for his expert testimony but did not have knowledge of the case. At the government’s request, Piazza said he created a video compilation of clips from inside the hotel showing the actions of Combs, Ventura and the security officer who responded to the scene, Israel Florez. He testified that he slowed the InterContinental surveillance footage to real-time because a technical file-converting process had inadvertently sped it up. Surveillance footage of the assault has been the central piece of evidence in the trial so far, and the jury has watched the video at least eight times. CNN first published surveillance video of the assault last year. Piazza also testified that he enhanced 10 “sex videos” originally recorded in 2012 and 2014 that were recovered from a laptop Ventura gave the government under the user profile Frank Black, an alias used by Combs. The videos were entered into evidence Wednesday under seal. On cross-examination, when defense attorney Teny Geragos noted the time codes on the hotel surveillance footage jump rather than advance second-by-second, Piazza explained that the hotel camera system is motion activated so motion triggers a time stamp change and that the hotel’s cameras were not synchronized to the same internal clock. He testified he was able to sync the footage based on overlapping events. Woman says Combs held her over a balcony Bryana Bongolan, the second witness of the day, testified Combs held her over a 17-story balcony and threw her onto the balcony furniture in September 2016. The incident was previously mentioned in a civil suit filed by Bongolan against Combs in November 2024. Attorneys for Combs previously denied Bongolan’s allegations in a statement to CNN. On Wednesday, Bongolan testified that the incident occurred after Combs began banging on the door of Ventura’s apartment in Los Angeles. Bongolan said she hid her now ex-girlfriend, who was with her and Ventura in the apartment, in the bathroom because she “didn’t want to expose her to things that I see.” She then went to the balcony to appear “casual,” she testified, and was facing away from the door when Combs came up behind her, grabbed her chest and then held her by her armpits over the balcony railing. Combs repeatedly yelled, “Do you know what the fk you did?” according to Bongolan. She recalled responding something like “I don’t know what the fk I did,” and added that she still doesn’t know what Combs was angry about. After about 15 seconds, Combs threw her on the balcony furniture, she testified. Bongolan said as she was falling, she heard Ventura ask something similar to “Did you just hang her over the balcony?” and it sounded like she was in disbelief. Afterward, she had a bruise on her leg and had back and neck pain, she testified. The jury saw photos of the bruise and bandages on her back and neck. “I have night terrors and paranoia and scream in my sleep at times,” she added. She said she didn’t experience those things before the incident. A day or two afterward, Combs or someone on his team FaceTimed her, Bongolan said. “I remember saying a couple times, ‘I don’t want any problems with you,’” she testified. She said she didn’t report the balcony incident to police because she was scared. Bongolan said she’s seeking $10 million in her lawsuit against Combs but said she’s not expecting any money to come from her testimony at this trial. Bongolan said she filed the lawsuit against Combs, “because I wanted to seek justice for what happened to me.” A hearing on her civil case is set to take place in July, according to court records. Bongolan talks threats and drug use Bongolan also testified about other threatening incidents involving Combs and about her frequent drug use with Ventura. Bongolan testified under an immunity order after she invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. She is the third witness to testify under immunity. She testified she frequently stayed at Ventura’s apartment, and Combs regularly came over in the middle of the night banging on the door. On one occasion, Combs threw a knife in Ventura’s direction, and Ventura threw the knife back but didn’t hit him, Bongolan said. She said she didn’t call the police about the incident. “I was just scared of Puff,” she said, referring to Combs’ nickname. Bongolan testified she saw Ventura with bruises or injuries on some occasions. She said she saw Ventura had a black eye during a FaceTime call with her around the time of Ventura’s premiere of the Perfect Match, which was in March 2016. “I was a little quiet and I remember saying I’m sorry,” Bongolan said. Bongolan also testified about a time Combs threatened her while she and Ventura were doing a photoshoot on the beach in early 2016. “He came up really close to my face and said something around the lines of ‘I’m the devil and I could kill you,’” Bongolan said. She said she was likely using cocaine at the time, which gave her confidence to brush it off. Bongolan said she and Ventura did drugs together and the drug use “definitely created like a habit.” She sold drugs to Ventura often, including oxycodone pills, cocaine and ketamine, she testified. She said Combs gave her drugs a few times and said she’s seen Combs use drugs. On cross-examination, the defense challenged Bongolan’s memory of the balcony incident and noted Ventura described it differently in her lawsuit against Combs. Bongolan confirmed she had conversations with Ventura about the balcony incident before and after Ventura filed her lawsuit, including about the location and who was present. She confirmed that Ventura had said it was at a hotel with a different person present. The defense suggested that Bongolan’s testimony did not match what she told prosecutors in meetings prior to trial. Bongolan repeatedly said she didn’t remember exactly what she told prosecutors or at what meeting. “Isn’t it true that just two days ago you told the prosecution you just don’t recall the details of the balcony allegation?” Westmoreland asked. “I don’t remember,” Bongolan said.
Takeaways from ‘Diddy’ trial: Woman accuses Sean Combs of dangling her over a balcony
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Testimony in Sean Combs Trial Includes Allegations of Violence and Intimidation"
CNN
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TruthLens AI Summary
In the ongoing federal criminal trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, a woman named Bryana Bongolan testified that Combs dangled her over a balcony in September 2016 during a confrontation at a Los Angeles apartment. This incident, which Bongolan described in detail, occurred after Combs aggressively knocked on the door, prompting her to hide her then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in the bathroom. When Bongolan stepped onto the balcony, Combs approached her from behind, grabbed her and held her over the railing while shouting accusations. After approximately 15 seconds, he reportedly threw her onto the balcony furniture, causing her physical injuries including bruises and back pain. Bongolan explained that she did not report the incident to the police due to fear and has since suffered from night terrors and paranoia. She is pursuing a civil lawsuit against Combs for $10 million, stating her motivation is to seek justice rather than financial gain from her trial testimony.
In addition to Bongolan's allegations, a forensic video expert testified about the authenticity of surveillance footage from a 2016 incident involving Combs and Ventura, which has been crucial evidence in the trial. The expert, Frank Piazza, confirmed that the video had not been altered and provided insights into its technical aspects, explaining how the motion-activated camera system affected the time stamps. Bongolan also recounted other threatening encounters with Combs, including an incident where he allegedly threw a knife toward Ventura during a dispute. Her testimony, given under an immunity order, highlighted a pattern of intimidation and drug use within their circle. Despite the defense's attempts to challenge Bongolan's credibility and memory of events, she maintained her account of the balcony incident and expressed her desire for justice amidst the complexities of her testimony against Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to multiple serious charges including racketeering and sex trafficking.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The trial involving Sean "Diddy" Combs has garnered significant media attention due to the serious allegations against the hip-hop mogul. The proceedings focus on claims of violence, coercion, and organized criminal activities purportedly orchestrated by Combs and his associates. This situation raises questions about the broader implications for public perception, celebrity culture, and the legal system.
Media Objectives and Public Perception
The publication of this article appears to serve multiple purposes. Primarily, it aims to inform the public about ongoing legal proceedings against a high-profile figure, thereby highlighting issues of power, abuse, and accountability within celebrity circles. By detailing the testimonies and evidence presented, the article seeks to cultivate a narrative that aligns with ongoing societal discussions about sexual misconduct and the ramifications of celebrity status. The intention seems to be to provoke a critical examination of the behaviors of influential individuals and the systems that enable them.
Underlying Issues and Possible Omissions
While the article focuses on the trial and the allegations against Combs, there may be elements of the broader context that are not fully explored, such as systemic issues within the entertainment industry or the motivations of the witnesses. The focus on sensational aspects of the trial might overshadow other critical discussions, such as the societal structures that allow for such allegations to surface. The narrative could subtly shift the focus away from systemic issues of power dynamics, particularly in relation to gender and consent.
Manipulative Aspects and Trustworthiness
The article could be perceived as having a manipulative angle, particularly in how it frames the testimonies and evidence. By emphasizing the dramatic elements of the trial, it risks sensationalizing serious allegations, which could lead to a skewed public perception of the events. The language used, particularly when describing the testimonies and the reactions of those involved, may evoke strong emotional responses that could influence public opinion before the legal process has reached a conclusion. Nevertheless, the factual nature of the reported testimonies and evidence lends a degree of credibility to the article, although the presentation may lead to biases.
Societal and Economic Implications
The ongoing trial has the potential to affect various sectors, including the entertainment industry and public relations. Should the allegations against Combs be substantiated, it could lead to broader industry repercussions, including shifts in how celebrity behavior is scrutinized and managed. Additionally, the trial's outcome might influence public sentiment towards similar cases, possibly leading to increased advocacy for victims of abuse and greater calls for accountability.
Audience Reception and Community Impact
This article is likely to resonate more with communities sensitive to issues of gender violence and power dynamics, particularly those advocating for women's rights. It engages readers who are interested in the intersection of celebrity culture and social justice, potentially mobilizing public opinion in favor of greater accountability for high-profile individuals.
Market Reactions and Economic Consequences
The implications of this trial could extend to financial markets, particularly if Combs has business interests that may be affected by public perception. Brands associated with him might face scrutiny, which could influence their market performance. Investors might be wary of companies linked to controversial figures, which could lead to fluctuations in stock prices within the entertainment sector.
Global Significance and Current Context
While the article primarily focuses on a domestic legal case, it reflects broader global conversations about accountability and the treatment of women in various industries. The trial's developments may resonate with ongoing international movements advocating for justice and reform in cases of sexual misconduct. The narrative surrounding this case aligns with current societal themes of empowerment and the fight against systemic abuse.
Artificial Intelligence Considerations
There is a possibility that AI tools could have been employed in crafting the article, particularly in organizing and presenting the information. If AI was utilized, it might have influenced the narrative structure, emphasizing dramatic elements to engage readers. Such tools can assist in determining which aspects of the trial to highlight, potentially steering public attention towards more sensational details rather than a balanced view of the proceedings.
The article presents a compelling yet complex narrative regarding the trial of Sean Combs. While there are elements of reliability in the facts presented, the overall framing and language may introduce biases that could affect public perception. The ongoing developments in this case will likely continue to provoke discussions on power, accountability, and the societal implications surrounding allegations of abuse.