Dateline: True Crime Weekly - Episode Summary: Sean Combs Trial Featuring Kanye West

Release Date: June 14, 2025
Host: Andrea Canning
Special Guest: Kanye West makes an appearance

Overview

In this riveting episode of Dateline: True Crime Weekly, hosted by Andrea Canning, listeners are immersed in the ongoing racketeering trial of Sean Combs (also known as Diddy). The episode delves deep into courtroom proceedings, witness testimonies, and unexpected celebrity appearances, providing a comprehensive update on one of the most talked-about cases in the true crime realm.

Key Discussions and Insights

1. Introduction to the Trial

Andrea Canning sets the stage by highlighting the gravity of the Sean Combs trial. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the trial has been marked by intense courtroom drama and high-profile testimonies.

Andrea Canning [01:44]:
"This is ON Trial, a special series from Dateline True Crime Weekly bringing you daily coverage from the Sean Combs racketeering trial. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him."

2. Testimony of Jonathan Perez

A pivotal moment in the episode revolves around the testimony of Jonathan Perez, Combs' former personal assistant.

• Calm Demeanor: Perez appeared composed on the stand, expressing respect and positive sentiments towards Combs.

  Chloe Melas [02:57]:
  "Jonathan had such a calm, affable demeanor... he still respects him present day."

• Involvement in 'King Nights': Perez detailed his role in organizing events referred to as "freak offs," "hotel nights," and "king nights," highlighting their interchangeable use in previous civil suits.

  Chloe Melas [03:52]:
  "They're all synonymous."

• Routine and Operations: He described the meticulous preparations for these events, including setting up baby oil lighting and arranging food and beverages. Notably, Perez claimed that only 1% of his time was dedicated to these activities, emphasizing his focus on business-related tasks.

  Chloe Melas [03:55]:
  "99% of his time... was spent on business... only 1% setting up or cleaning up after these hotel nights."

• Cleaning Up Controversy: The prosecution suggests that the cleanup was to conceal illicit activities, while Perez maintains it was purely practical.

  Andrea Canning [06:08]:
  "The prosecution paints it as they're cleaning up because they don't want anybody to know about these freak offs... But on cross-examination, Jonathan... said it was to avoid dirtying the hotel room."

3. Examination of Text Messages with Christina Coram (KK)

The prosecution introduced text messages between Perez and Christina Coram (referred to as KK) to suggest a conspiracy.

• Prosecutors' Angle: They aim to portray KK as a co-conspirator involved in the illicit activities surrounding the "king nights."

  Chloe Melas [07:18]:
  "The government is trying to show that Combs was carrying out illegal activity via these king nights... using employees to help carry out that illicit activity."

• Defense's Position: A defense insider indicated that KK would not testify, dismissing her involvement as merely part of her role managing Combs' schedule.

4. The Incident Involving a Compromising Video

Perez testified about a troubling incident where a personal video was found on a work iPad, featuring Jane (a pseudonym) engaging with an escort.

• Prosecutors' View: This incident blurs the lines between personal and professional, suggesting misuse of company resources.

  Chloe Melas [07:30]:
  "Brian Steele is really trying to separate the lines that the government is trying to blur between what happened on the clock and off the clock."

• Defense's Counterargument: Steele questions the appropriateness of accessing personal videos on work devices, implying no direct link to company funds.

5. Testimony on Jane's Participation

The prosecution sought to establish that Jane was willingly involved and never hesitated during the "king nights."

• Jonathan Perez's Testimony: Asserted that Jane was never reluctant and always participated willingly.

  Chloe Melas [09:30]:
  "He says, no. Steele says, she was a willing participant."

• Implications: This undermines any claims that these events were forced or without consent, potentially impacting the prosecution's narrative.

6. Juror Integrity Concerns

An update was provided regarding juror number six, who exhibited confusion about his residence, raising questions about his impartiality.

• Judge's Stance: While the juror remains technically qualified, his personal disclosures about moving raised propriety concerns.

  Chloe Melas [10:49]:
  "The judge said... there are serious questions about his propriety here."

• Defense's Reaction: Diddy's legal team is strongly opposing any repercussions, adding another layer of tension to the trial.

7. Kanye West's Appearance

A surprising highlight of the episode was the appearance of Kanye West at the federal courthouse, adding celebrity intrigue to the trial.

• Arrival and Behavior: Kanye arrived in a Maybach, was surrounded by media, and chose not to enter the courtroom, instead visiting an overflow room and showing support without disrupting proceedings.

  Chloe Melas [13:54]:
  "He did not go into the courtroom. He actually was taken to the 23rd floor... to something called an overflow room."

• Purpose of Visit: According to Diddy's friend Luch, Kanye aimed to "show his love" without interfering with the trial.

  Luch [14:41]:
  "He just wanted to show some love... not trying to be all in the videos and all over the place."

• Future Appearances: There's anticipation that Kanye might return in support in the coming weeks.

8. Current Status and Future Proceedings

Andrea Canning concludes with an update on the trial's progression.

• Prosecution's Agenda: With a summary witness remaining, the prosecution may wrap up by Wednesday, allowing Diddy's defense team to commence their phase on Thursday.

  Chloe Melas [15:44]:
  "They have a summary witness, and we could see a few of those. So they could be finished as early as Wednesday."

• Possibility of Combs Testifying: While speculative, there's uncertainty about whether Sean Combs will take the stand.

  Luch [16:02]:
  "That's not my area of expertise, so I wouldn't know that."

Notable Quotes

• Chloe Melas [02:57]:
  "Jonathan had such a calm, affable demeanor... he still respects him present day."

• Chloe Melas [03:55]:
  "99% of his time... was spent on business... only 1% setting up or cleaning up after these hotel nights."

• Chloe Melas [07:18]:
  "The government is trying to show that Combs was carrying out illegal activity via these king nights... using employees to help carry out that illicit activity."

• Chloe Melas [09:30]:
  "He says, no. Steele says, she was a willing participant."

• Luch [14:41]:
  "He just wanted to show some love... not trying to be all in the videos and all over the place."

Conclusion

This episode of Dateline: True Crime Weekly offers a thorough examination of the Sean Combs trial, shedding light on critical testimonies, legal strategies, and unexpected celebrity involvement. Andrea Canning, along with guest Chloe Melas, provides listeners with nuanced insights and real-time updates, ensuring that even those not following the trial closely can grasp the complexities at play. As the trial progresses, the anticipation builds for further revelations and high-profile developments, including the potential testimony of Sean Combs himself.

Stay Informed:
For the latest updates and in-depth analysis from inside the courtroom, visit the NBC newsletter and the Diddy on Trial section at nbcnews.com/diddy.