A former security officer at a high-end Los Angeles hotel has delivered explosive testimony in the ongoing legal investigation involving music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. The witness claims Combs paid him a $100,000 cash bribe to obtain and bury surveillance footage of an alleged assault on singer Cassie Ventura.
Assault Allegedly Captured on Hotel Security Camera
The incident dates back to March 5, 2016, at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles. Video footage reportedly shows a distressed Cassie Ventura attempting to escape from a violent confrontation with Combs, who is seen chasing her while partially undressed. The clip, which has since gone viral, has sparked national outrage and renewed scrutiny into the hip-hop mogul’s behavior.
🚨Diddy Trial
— Hits Arena (@hitsarenaa) June 4, 2025
Security Supervisor Details Alleged Payment for Cassie Hotel Video
As the 15th day of testimony got underway in Diddy's federal racketeering and sex trafficking trial in NYC, the prosecution called Eddy Garcia to the stand … he was the security supervisor at the… pic.twitter.com/v63ZIk4Su2
Security Guard Claims He Was Paid to Destroy the Tape
During court proceedings on Tuesday, Eddy Garcia, a former security guard at the InterContinental, told jurors that Combs and his team approached him in the days following the incident. Garcia testified under immunity, revealing that the rapper offered him $100,000 in exchange for the only known copy of the surveillance video.
“He said if I helped him, he’d take care of me,” Garcia said in court. “He made it clear the video couldn’t get out—it would ruin him.”
According to Garcia, both Combs and his then-chief of staff Kristina Khorram repeatedly pressured him to secure the footage. Garcia and his supervisor, Bill Medrano, allegedly agreed to the deal and arranged the handoff.
Secret Meeting and a Brown Paper Bag of Cash
Garcia detailed how Medrano loaded the video onto a USB drive and instructed him to personally deliver it to Combs. When Garcia arrived at the agreed location, Combs greeted him warmly.
“He kept calling me ‘Eddy, my angel.’ He asked if that was the only copy, and I said yes,” Garcia testified.
Garcia said Combs then video-called Cassie Ventura and claimed she wanted the footage erased too. Moments later, Combs handed Garcia a brown paper bag filled with $100,000 in neatly stacked $10,000 bundles. Half went to Garcia; the other half to Medrano.
“He told me not to make any big purchases,” Garcia added, suggesting Combs wanted to avoid drawing attention to the payment.
Follow-Up Call and FBI Involvement
Weeks later, Combs allegedly called Garcia again—this time on Easter Sunday.
“He said, ‘Happy Easter, you’re my angel. God put you in my life for a reason,’” Garcia recalled. “Then he asked if anyone had been asking about the video.”
At the time, Garcia claimed no one had contacted him. However, federal investigators eventually launched a probe into the incident. When initially questioned by authorities, Garcia lied. He later admitted the truth after consulting with an attorney.
Ongoing Legal Fallout for Sean Combs
The bribery allegation adds another layer to the legal troubles facing Combs, who is already under investigation for multiple claims of assault, abuse, and obstruction.
Garcia’s testimony may prove critical in the federal case, highlighting potential efforts by Combs and his team to suppress damaging evidence and manipulate witnesses.
As the investigation deepens, pressure continues to mount on the once-celebrated music producer, whose legacy now appears increasingly overshadowed by scandal.
About The Author
