Dateline NBC: Sean Combs Trial – Witness Alleges Combs Held Her Over a 17th-Floor Balcony

Episode Release Date: June 5, 2025

Overview

In this gripping episode of Dateline NBC, NBC News delves into the high-stakes racketeering trial of Sean Combs, popularly known as Diddy. The episode focuses on the testimony of Brianna Bongolin, a key witness who accuses Combs of severe misconduct, including holding her over a 17th-floor balcony. This summary captures the critical discussions, insights, and developments presented during the episode.

1. Introduction to the Trial

Andrea Canning sets the stage by introducing the ongoing racketeering trial against Sean Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial has garnered significant attention, with multiple witnesses bringing forth allegations of violence, drug distribution, and sexual abuse.

2. Brianna Bongolin's Testimony

Brianna Bongolin, a fashion and graphic designer, took the stand under an immunity agreement to testify against Combs and his associates. Her testimony is pivotal, providing firsthand accounts of Combs' alleged violent behavior and involvement in illegal activities.

• Allegation of Violence: Bongolin revealed a chilling incident where Combs allegedly held her over a 17th-floor balcony. She recounted, “[07:34] I was trying not to slip, pushing back on him because I was scared I was going to fall. He was yelling at me, and he kept saying, 'What the f you did?'” This dramatic portrayal underscores the fear and coercion she experienced.

• Threatening Behavior: She also testified, “[05:02] Diddy said to me, 'I am the devil and I can kill you,'” highlighting the psychological terror imposed on her.

3. Allegations of Drug Distribution

Brianna testified about Combs' involvement in illegal drug activities, including procuring drugs for him and Cassie Ventura. She stated, “[03:25] Prosecutors are trying to show that there was this pattern of violence. They're trying to corroborate Cassie and other victims' allegations of physical and sexual abuse.” This connection between violence and drug distribution is central to the racketeering charges.

4. Defense's Cross-Examination Strategies

The defense team employed several tactics to undermine Brianna's credibility:

• Questioning Drug Use: “[11:04] The defense is trying to do in an effort to poke holes in the credibility of these individuals, saying, if you were on drugs, then how do you remember these incidents so clearly then?”

• Challenging Consistency: They compared her current testimony with previous statements taken during meetings with prosecutors, questioning the discrepancies. “[12:04] They're taking the transcripts of the meetings that these witnesses had with prosecutors and comparing them against what they're saying on the stand.”

• Disputing Witness Presence: The defense pointed out that Cassie Ventura did not witness the balcony incident, suggesting potential inaccuracies in Brianna’s account.

5. Surveillance Video Evidence

A significant piece of evidence in the trial is the surveillance video from a hotel hallway in 2016, allegedly showing Combs assaulting Cassie Ventura. The episode discusses the mysterious origins of the video:

• Security Guard Involvement: “[13:10] Israel Flores, who was also a security guard at the hotel, filmed the footage with his cell phone.” However, questions remain about who provided the video to CNN, adding layers of intrigue and uncertainty to the case.

6. Upcoming Testimonies

The episode hints at further developments, including the anticipated testimony of "Victim 2" or "Jane Doe," who will testify under a pseudonym to protect her identity. This upcoming witness is expected to shed more light on the alleged misconduct.

7. Legal Proceedings and Civil Suit

Brianna Bongolin is also pursuing a civil suit against Combs, seeking $10 million in damages. She detailed in her testimony, “[07:34] I was trying not to slip, pushing back on him because I was scared I was going to fall,” further emphasizing the traumatic nature of her allegations.

Conclusion

This episode of Dateline NBC provides an in-depth look into the complex and emotionally charged trial of Sean Combs. Through Brianna Bongolin's harrowing testimony and the strategic maneuvers of the defense team, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the case's intricacies. The episode underscores the challenges faced by witnesses in high-profile trials and the broader implications of the allegations against a prominent public figure.

Notable Quotes:

• Brianna Bongolin on being held over the balcony: “[07:34] I was trying not to slip, pushing back on him because I was scared I was going to fall.”

• Brianna on Combs' threatening behavior: “[05:02] Diddy said to me, 'I am the devil and I can kill you.'”

• Discussion on testifying under immunity: “[02:34] You can say whatever your truth is, as long as it's the truth, and you're not going to be held legally accountable for anything.”

Timestamps:

• [03:05] Introduction to Brianna’s testimony and immunity agreement.

• [04:26] Detailed description of the balcony incident.

• [05:02] Brianna recounts Combs calling himself the devil.

• [07:34] Brianna describes the balcony incident in detail.

• [11:04] Defense challenges her credibility based on drug use.

• [13:10] Discussion on the surveillance video origins.

Final Notes

As the trial progresses, Dateline NBC continues to provide crucial updates and analyses, keeping listeners informed about the latest courtroom developments. The forthcoming testimonies and evidence are poised to further shape the narrative of this high-profile case.