During Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal sex trafficking trial in New York City, Bryana Bongolan, a close friend of Diddy’s ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, testified to a chilling incident from 2016. She recounted that while she was staying at Ventura’s 17th-floor Los Angeles apartment, Diddy unexpectedly entered, followed her onto the balcony where she was smoking, and lifted her over the railing. She said he held her there for 10 to 15 seconds while yelling, leaving her terrified she might fall.
Bongolan also testified that Diddy once threw a knife toward Ventura during an argument and later made a disturbing statement to her: “I am the devil and I can kill you,” allegedly while under the influence of cocaine.
Under cross-examination by defense attorney Nicole Westmoreland, Bongolan’s memory of the balcony incident was challenged, with her repeatedly responding, “I don’t remember.”
The prosecution also called Frank Piazza, a forensic video expert, who confirmed the authenticity of hotel surveillance and cellphone footage showing Diddy assaulting Ventura in 2016. That footage has become a central piece of evidence, despite the defense’s objections that it’s prejudicial.
In court, Diddy was visibly focused on the proceedings, particularly when video evidence was reviewed. Prosecutors argue the hotel assault video supports their claim that Diddy used force and coercion to prevent Ventura from fleeing a drug-fueled sex act, reinforcing the sex trafficking charges. They also allege he paid $100,000 in cash to hotel staff to suppress the footage.
Defense attorneys also raised complaints to Judge Arun Subramanian about restricted phone access for Diddy, which has hampered nighttime legal communication. The judge said he would follow up with the jail.
Looking ahead, the defense will continue cross-examining Bongolan, and a new witness, known by the pseudonym “Jane”, is set to begin her testimony. Identified as “Victim-2” in the indictment, she is expected to detail how she was allegedly forced into commercial sex acts through coercion.
