Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy – Episode Summary: "The Trial: Diddy Gets Scolded"

Release Date: June 6, 2025

In the pivotal episode titled "The Trial: Diddy Gets Scolded" from the six-part series Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy, ABC News' legal contributor and practicing attorney Brian Buckmire delves deep into the unfolding trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs. This episode, released on June 6, 2025, captures the intense courtroom dynamics, significant testimonies, and the broader implications of the allegations against the music mogul.

1. Judge's Rebuke of Diddy's Courtroom Conduct

The episode opens with a critical development in the trial where Judge Subramanian reprimands Diddy for his overly expressive behavior during proceedings.

Brian Buckmire (00:33):
"The judge Thursday delivered a scolding of sorts to Combs through his lawyer, saying that Combs had been too expressive during the trial."

Judge Subramanian emphasized the importance of maintaining courtroom decorum, cautioning Diddy against attempting to engage with the jury through gestures or reactions. He warned that continued display of such behavior could result in Diddy's removal from the courtroom.

2. Key Witness Testimonies

a. Jane’s Testimony

Jane, referred to as victim number two in the indictment, provided harrowing accounts of her experiences with Diddy. She testified about participating in "freak offs" and enduring physical abuse.

Brian Buckmire (04:06):
"Jane will testify to participating in freak offs and physical abuse."

b. Brianna Bongalin ("Bona")'s Testimony

Bona, a close friend of Cassie Ventura and plaintiff in a $10 million civil lawsuit against Diddy, recounted a traumatic incident from 2016. She described Diddy's violent actions, including physically throwing Cassie from a 17th-floor balcony, resulting in visible injuries.

Brian Buckmire (07:50):
"Bona got on the stand and talked about how Combs came to Cassie's then apartment one morning and physically picked her up and dangled her on a 17th floor balcony."

Bona also shared distressing details about threats made by Diddy, including allegations of him throwing a knife at Cassie, to which she retaliated.

Brian Buckmire (08:01):
"She says Diddy came up to her and essentially said, 'I'm the devil. I could kill you.'"

c. Eddie Garcia's Testimony

Eddie Garcia, a security guard at the Intercontinental Hotel, revealed the origins of a controversial video depicting Diddy assaulting Cassie. He disclosed that his supervisor sold the video to Diddy for $50,000, which was later increased to $100,000.

Brian Buckmire (11:45):
"Eddie Garcia testified about how his supervisor sold the only copy of the assault video to Diddy for $50,000, which later increased to $100,000."

Brian Buckmire (12:01):
"He tells us that Combs kept referring to him as, 'my angel. My angel Eddie.'"

3. Diddy's Family Presence in the Courtroom

Diddy's family maintained a strong presence throughout the trial, providing him emotional support during the intense proceedings.

Stephanie Maurice (12:45):
"We saw his three sons, his two twin daughters, and his daughter Chance. The only child not present was his toddler with Dana Tran."

Diddy was observed interacting warmly with his family, often exchanging affectionate gestures and brief conversations amidst the courtroom tensions.

Brian Buckmire (12:18):
"There are moments where he turns around and he doesn't have their intention. He often does the heart with his hands and he'll blow her kisses."

4. Courtroom Drama and Disruptions

The trial has not been without its share of chaos, both inside and outside the courtroom. There have been notable incidents of disruptions, including a woman being forcibly removed for her outbursts defending Diddy's legacy.

Stephanie Maurice (16:29):
"There is a cast of characters... from bloggers, YouTube personalities, just everyday New York people that are like, 'What's happening? Diddy's in there.'"

Such disruptions have necessitated the involvement of NYPD and US Marshals to maintain order and protect the integrity of the trial.

5. Jury Reactions and Behavior

The episode sheds light on the jury's behavior, highlighting their visible reactions to testimonies and evidence presented.

Stephanie Maurice (18:33):
"We've been quite surprised to see how expressive some of the jurors in particular are... jurors smirk at, laugh at, roll their eyes at."

These reactions raise questions about the jury's impartiality and their perceptions of the testimonies, especially when serious allegations are met with seemingly dismissive behaviors.

6. Speculations on Future Proceedings

Looking ahead, Buckmire and Maurice discuss unanswered questions and anticipate future testimonies that could significantly impact the trial's outcome.

Stephanie Maurice (19:50):
"We're wondering where are [key individuals]... Damien Drock Butler, Christina Karam. These are people that many witnesses have told us... and we have yet to see them on the stand."

Brian Buckmire (21:08):
"The big argument over the text message chain between Drock, Christina Karam, and Sean Combs makes me think they might not have Christina or Drock."

There is anticipation surrounding Jane's continued testimony and the government's potential move to call additional key figures to corroborate the prosecution's case.

7. Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with Buckmire reflecting on the complexities of the case and the layers of evidence being untangled in court.

Brian Buckmire (21:26):
"Looking ahead, we're expecting Jane to testify for most, if not all of next week. That'd be longer than Cassie's time on the stand, which was four days."

He also highlights the extensive production team behind the podcast, emphasizing the comprehensive coverage provided to listeners.

Conclusion

"The Trial: Diddy Gets Scolded" offers listeners an in-depth look into the high-stakes courtroom battle facing Sean "Diddy" Combs. Through detailed testimonies, courtroom dynamics, and strategic legal maneuvers, the episode paints a vivid picture of a trial laden with serious allegations and intense scrutiny. As the series progresses, listeners can anticipate further revelations and developments that will shape the narrative of Diddy's rise and fall in the hip-hop industry.