Diddy On Trial: Episode Summary – "Diddy's Former Assistant Brendan Paul Takes the Stand"

Release Date: June 20, 2025
Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty
Guest: Isabela Gomez Sarmiento, NPR's Music Reporter

1. Introduction

In this pivotal episode of Diddy On Trial, host Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty delves deep into the courtroom proceedings surrounding Sean 'Diddy' Combs as he faces federal charges, including sex trafficking, transportation for prostitution, and racketeering with conspiracy. The focus of this episode is on the testimony of Brendan Paul, Diddy's former assistant, whose statements could significantly impact the prosecution's case.

2. Background of the Trial

Sean 'Diddy' Combs stands accused of severe federal charges, all of which he vehemently denies. The trial, held in the Southern District of New York Court in Lower Manhattan, has been marked by high tension and public interest. Prior to this episode, the court experienced delays due to the Juneteenth holiday and issues with juror selection.

3. Brendan Paul's Testimony

a. Background and Role

Brendan Paul, a former Syracuse University basketball player, shifted his career trajectory during the pandemic, transitioning into the music and entertainment industry. He served as Diddy's assistant from 2020 until his arrest in 2024 for cocaine possession while attempting to board a rented private jet with Combs.

b. Key Testimony Points

• Drug Involvement: Brendan testified about his role in procuring and handling drugs for Combs. He admitted to buying or picking up drugs, setting up, and cleaning hotel rooms—activities that align with the prosecution's narrative of organized illegal operations.

  "I set up and cleaned the hotel rooms... Loyalty was key, and I still respect Combs." (00:01)

• Work Ethic and Schedule: He emphasized the demanding nature of his job, working 80 to 100 hours a week, four to six days a week, to prove himself to Combs and his team.

  "I was willing to do it because I wanted to prove myself to Combs." (02:25)

• Personal Feelings: Brendan described his current feelings toward Combs as "complicated."

  "It's complicated." (06:42)

• Drug Possession Incident: During a private jet trip to the Bahamas, Brendan was arrested for possessing illegal substances. He claimed the drugs belonged to Combs and were inadvertently packed without his knowledge.

  "I didn't want to snitch on anybody." (04:36)

4. Cross-Examination of Brendan Paul

Defense attorney Brian Steele focused on undermining Brendan's credibility and reframing his actions:

• "Drug Mule" Accusation: Steele directly asked Brendan if he was Diddy's drug mule, to which Brendan responded negatively, defining a mule as someone trafficking large quantities of drugs across borders—something he denied doing.

  "No, I wouldn't consider myself a drug mule." (04:59)

• Work Environment: Steele highlighted the grueling work schedules as a testament to the demanding nature of Diddy's operations, suggesting that Brendan's actions were part of a larger, organized system.

  "Everyone worked these long hours; it wasn't targeted to some people." (03:05)

• Creative Influence of Drugs: Steele probed into Combs' drug use, suggesting it fueled his creativity during the recording of his 2023 album. Brendan cautiously agreed, implying a positive impact on Combs' work.

  "There was an explosion of creative energy." (05:58)

• Hotel Nights and Consent: Steele questioned whether any non-consensual activities occurred during "hotel nights." Brendan affirmed that a romantic partner, referred to as "Jane," never seemed hesitant or regretful about the encounters.

  "Jane never seemed hesitant or reluctant." (07:35)

5. Government's Redirect

Following cross-examination, the prosecution reinforced key points:

• Role in Illegal Activities: They emphasized that Brendan was compensated for his duties, framing his involvement as part of his job responsibilities rather than personal choice.

  "He was getting paid to do these things in his capacities as a personal assistant." (05:40)

• Awareness of Abuse: Despite Brendan's limited insight into the specifics, the prosecution highlighted text messages suggesting Cassie, an associate, experienced abuse.

  "He's being really mean. He's calling me names... No one deserves to get dragged by their hair." (09:46)

6. Special Agent Joseph Circiello’s Testimony

As the final witness for the prosecution, Special Agent Joseph Circiello provided a factual analysis of the evidence:

• Evidence Verification: Agent Circiello reviewed text messages, flight records, bank statements, and financial records linking Combs, "Jane," and escort services like "Cowboys for Angels" to the alleged activities.

  "We've seen hotel charges for damage to furniture and linens from baby oil." (09:34)

• Text Message Evidence: He presented texts indicating Cassie’s reluctance and fear of abuse, reinforcing the prosecution's claims of non-consensual activities.

  "Cassie tells KK, 'No one deserves to get dragged by their hair.'" (09:46)

7. Insights and Analysis

Isabela Gomez Sarmiento provided expert analysis throughout the episode, highlighting the consistency in testimonies from Combs' former assistants and the strategic framing by both the prosecution and defense. She noted that the defense aimed to portray the work environment as legitimate, while the prosecution sought to build a narrative of systematic abuse and illegal activities.

"Brendan Paul was nailing what we've heard from all of these people who worked for Combs over the years..." (06:55)

8. Conclusion

The episode concluded with the anticipation that the defense might rest their case by Thursday, potentially leading to a verdict shortly thereafter. The detailed testimonies and strategic courtroom maneuvers underscore the high stakes of Diddy's trial, keeping listeners informed on every critical development.

Anoushka emphasized the rapid progression of the trial and thanked Isabela for her insightful breakdown, setting the stage for the next episode.

Notable Quotes

• Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty:

  "He said that he didn't say that the drugs didn't belong to him out of loyalty." (04:36)

• Isabela Gomez Sarmiento:

  "Brenden Paul said it's complicated." (06:42)

• Brendan Paul:

  "I was willing to do it because I wanted to prove myself to Combs." (02:25)

This episode of Diddy On Trial provides a comprehensive look into Brendan Paul's testimony, revealing critical insights into the inner workings of Diddy's operations and the mounting evidence against him. Through meticulous analysis and expert commentary, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the legal strategies and personal dynamics at play in this high-profile case.