Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is said to have become “extremely creative” when allegedly on drugs. The entertainment industry has long struggled with substance abuse issues, with music industry professionals facing higher rates of addiction compared to other professions.
The 55-year-old rapper is continuing to stand trial in New York on federal charges including sex trafficking and racketeering, and Friday’s (20.06.25) hearing was told by Brendan Paul, 26, the former Syracuse University basketball player who became Combs’ personal assistant, the mogul would change if he was on illegal substances. Federal sex trafficking cases have become increasingly prevalent in recent years as law enforcement focuses on high-profile investigations.
Brendan, who worked for Combs from late 2022 until March 2024, testified under immunity after being arrested that same month at Miami’s Opa‑Locka airport – with cocaine he said belonged to Comb – in a seizure that coincided with FBI raids on Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami Beach. Immunity agreements in federal cases are typically granted to secure crucial testimony from witnesses with direct knowledge of alleged criminal activities.
“I wanted to prove my loyalty,” the former assistant to the rapper detailed how he was tasked with buying drugs for Combs between five and 10 times, spending up to $500 on cocaine, ketamine, ecstasy and marijuana. The procurement of illegal substances for employers has become a common element in federal racketeering cases involving entertainment figures.
“We continued on with our night,” he recalled one occasion when Combs asked him to try “tusi”, or pink cocaine, to evaluate its quality. Brendan said he wanted to prove his loyalty, adding they continued with their evening activities. Pink cocaine represents a dangerous synthetic drug mixture that has gained popularity in celebrity circles.
“Absolutely not,” under cross‑examination by defense attorney Brian Steel, Brendan also affirmed when asked if he had been a drug mule for Combs. This denial carries significant legal weight, as drug trafficking charges can result in severe federal penalties.
He said the rapper only asked him to carry small amounts of drugs, and text messages seen by jurors confirmed requests for Xanax and ketamine, while procurement of marijuana strains such as ‘King Louis’ and ‘Sunset Sherbet’ was repeatedly made. Digital evidence has become crucial in modern federal prosecutions, providing prosecutors with detailed documentation of alleged criminal communications.
Brendan described helping set up drug‑fueled sex parties – dubbed “wild king nights” or ‘Freak‑Offs’ – in hotel rooms and private homes, preparing lubricants, baby oil, liquor and drug‑filled Gucci pouches for the events. These elaborate preparations suggest a systematic approach to organizing illegal activities across multiple locations.
He told the court that during these episodes, he would clean up afterwards wearing gloves to avoid hotel damage charges. The meticulous cleanup process indicates awareness of potential legal consequences and efforts to conceal evidence of illegal activities.
Brendan also said he once went three days with only brief naps while working for Combs, relying on Adderall and cocaine to sustain himself. The combination of sleep deprivation and stimulant abuse poses serious health risks and demonstrates the demanding nature of his employment.
And he said Combs frequently fired and rehired him – including for forgetting a Lululemon fanny pack on a walk – before being welcomed back into his staff. This pattern of dismissal and rehiring suggests an unstable work environment with unpredictable employment conditions.
“It’s complicated,” when probed on his feelings toward Combs, Brendan replied. This response reveals the complex psychological dynamics present in their professional relationship, highlighting the emotional toll of working in such circumstances.
Prosecutors, having called six weeks’ worth of witnesses including ex‑girlfriends, employees and rap artist Kid Cudi, are expected to close their case by Monday. (24.06.25) The extensive witness list demonstrates the prosecution’s comprehensive approach to building their case against the entertainment mogul.
Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to charges including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, remains detained in Brooklyn and faces a potential life sentence if convicted on all counts – which he has denied. The high-stakes nature of this trial has attracted significant media attention and public interest in the entertainment industry’s darker aspects.
