Dateline: True Crime Weekly

Episode: Sean Combs: "Someone is lying."
Release Date: June 18, 2025
Host: Andrea Cannon, NBC News

Introduction & Overview

In this gripping episode of Dateline: True Crime Weekly, host Andrea Cannon delves into the complexities of the Sean Combs racketeering trial. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the courtroom drama continues to unfold with significant developments that could influence the trial's outcome.

Juror Turmoil and Courtroom Dynamics

The trial has been marred by issues related to the jury, commencing the sixth week with the dismissal of juror number six and potential problems surrounding juror number seven.

• Dismissal of Juror Number Six: Andrea Cannon (01:17) introduces the episode by highlighting that the trial has already faced complications with the jury, starting with the dismissal of juror number six.

• Issues with Juror Number Seven:
  Chloe Meloss (02:31) explains that juror number seven received an unsolicited text message asking if he was juror number six, leading to suspicions about potential leaks. This incident prompted the judge to question juror seven about his interaction with a former colleague, raising concerns about impartiality.

  "We're not exactly sure juror number seven is potentially in trouble here, but we do know that the judge is having another conversation with him today." – Chloe Meloss (02:31)

• Judge's Response:
  The judge is actively investigating the source of the leak, emphasizing the seriousness of maintaining a fair trial. The judge warned both the prosecution and defense about potential legal consequences if either side is found responsible for the information breach.

  "I'm going to investigate this and I'm going to, you know, there will be potentially legal ramifications for the prosecution or the defense if I find out that anybody gave this information to the press." – Andrea Cannon (03:10)

• Courtroom Management:
  During these disruptions, the judge took decisive action by dismissing everyone from the courtroom, including members of the press, to focus on resolving the juror issues.

  "He kicked everybody out, all members of the press, both in the courtroom and in the overflow room." – Chloe Meloss (11:25)

Prosecution's Evidence: Hotel Receipts and Communications

A critical component of the prosecution's case involves financial records and communication evidence that suggest illicit activities.

• Hotel Receipts:
  The prosecution presented credit card receipts totaling nearly $46,786 from the InterContinental Hotel (07:32). These receipts covered extensive damages and accommodations, suggesting high-stakes activities during Sean Combs' stays.

  "How is she and Drock responding? She's okay. Eating breakfast. Face don't look bad. She's smiling. Call her." – Chloe Meloss (09:45)

• Company Card Expenses:
  All the highlighted expenses were allegedly paid using Combs' company credit cards, implying misuse of business funds for personal ventures.

  "Everything from travel, the damage, hotel rooms were paid for from his different business entities." – Chloe Meloss (08:09)

• Text Messages Corroborating Testimonies:
  In March 2016, around the time of a violent incident at a Los Angeles hotel, messages surfaced that align with Eddie Garcia's testimony, the security guard who testified on behalf of the prosecution. These messages indicate coordination and support from Combs' associates to manage and obscure the aftermath of the assault on Cassie Ventura.

  "Cassie to KK again, can you please tell him that the neighbors are about to call the police?" – Chloe Meloss (09:58)

Defense's Counterarguments: Questioning the Evidence

The defense has been actively challenging the prosecution's narrative by presenting alternative interpretations of the evidence.

• Consent in "Freak Offs":
  The defense showcased video clips of the so-called "freak offs," aiming to demonstrate that these encounters were consensual and not part of a sex trafficking operation. They emphasized the absence of forced interactions and highlighted positive communications between Cassie Ventura and Combs' associates.

  "They're trying to show that these were not forced sexual encounters. The defense has always maintained that everyone that participated in these Freak offs were doing so consensually." – Chloe Meloss (05:04)

• Questioning Police Involvement:
  The defense presented messages suggesting that neighbors were threatening to call the police during the incident. However, cross-examination revealed no evidence of actual police involvement, such as calls to Cassie's phone or official incident reports.

  "They didn't see any evidence that cops were ever called. No LAPD calls to Cassie's phone, no reports from the LAPD and there were no incident reports." – Chloe Meloss (10:32)

• Positive Reactions from Cassie:
  The defense highlighted numerous text messages where Cassie expressed positive sentiments towards Combs after the events, undermining claims of abuse and coercion.

  "Cassie reacting positively to contact Holmes, suggestions to have freak offs and expressing positive feelings towards him after they happened." – Chloe Meloss (10:15)

Key Witnesses and Testimonies

The trial's trajectory significantly depends on the testimonies of key witnesses and the credibility of their accounts.

• Eddie Garcia's Testimony:
  As a security guard, Garcia's role in facilitating communication and transactions between Combs and other parties is pivotal. His testimony supports the prosecution's narrative of orchestrated illicit activities.

• Brendan Paul's Upcoming Testimony:
  Scheduled for the following day, Brendan Paul, Combs' assistant arrested on drug charges, is expected to provide essential insights into the operations of Combs' business entities and their financial dealings.

Judicial Actions and Trial Schedule

The judge's recent actions reflect the escalating tensions within the courtroom, striving to preserve the trial's integrity.

• Dismissal and Sequestration of the Courtroom:
  Following the suspicion of juror misconduct, the judge dismissed all courtroom attendees to address the breach privately. This action underscores the court's commitment to an unbiased jury.

  "He's trying to figure out this issue with juror number seven... He is not having a good day." – Chloe Meloss (11:55)

• Upcoming Proceedings:
  Tomorrow's session promises to be crucial as the prosecution prepares to call Brendan Paul to the stand. His testimony could provide the final pieces of evidence needed to sway the jury in the prosecution's favor.

  "The prosecution is going to call Brendan Paul... this is big. And we're gonna hear about what went down that day." – Chloe Meloss (12:23)

Conclusion & Insights

The Sean Combs racketeering trial remains a high-stakes legal battle with ongoing challenges related to jury integrity and the presentation of compelling evidence. As the prosecution and defense continue to clash over the narrative, the role of key witnesses and the judge's handling of courtroom disruptions will be critical in determining the trial's outcome. Listeners are left anticipating the next episode, where more details about both sides' arguments regarding Cassie Ventura's involvement will be explored.

Notable Quotes

• Chloe Meloss (02:31):
  "We're not exactly sure juror number seven is potentially in trouble here, but we do know that the judge is having another conversation with him today."

• Chloe Meloss (08:09):
  "Everything from travel, the damage, hotel rooms were paid for from his different business entities."

• Chloe Meloss (05:04):
  "They're trying to show that these were not forced sexual encounters."

• Chloe Meloss (10:32):
  "No LAPD calls to Cassie's phone, no reports from the LAPD and there were no incident reports."

• Chloe Meloss (12:23):
  "The prosecution is going to call Brendan Paul... this is big."

Stay updated with the latest twists in the Sean Combs trial by tuning into future episodes of Dateline: True Crime Weekly.