I Demand a Mistrial!

Summary

The Trial of Diddy: Episode Summary – "I Demand a Mistrial!"

Release Date: May 30, 2025

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "I Demand a Mistrial!" from The Trial of Diddy, hosts Kayla Brantley and Hermania Rodriguez Poleo delve deep into the tumultuous third week of the high-profile trial against music mogul and rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs. Facing serious federal charges in New York, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and running a criminal enterprise, Diddy stands accused amidst a whirlwind of allegations that have captivated the world.

Overview of Charges

Sean "Diddy" Combs, a titan in the entertainment industry known for producing global hits for stars like Biggie, Mary J. Blige, and Jennifer Lopez, now finds himself entangled in federal charges that accuse him of orchestrating a vast criminal network. These charges include sex trafficking and facilitating transportation for the purpose of prostitution. Diddy has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges, vehemently denying the accusations.

Witness Testimonies

The prosecution's case builds a damning picture of Diddy's alleged misconduct through a series of compelling testimonies from key witnesses.

1. Mia (Pseudonym) – Former Assistant ([02:27] - [04:23])

   Mia, Diddy's former assistant and later director of development and acquisitions for Revolt TV from 2009 to 2017, takes the stand anonymously. She paints a harrowing image of a chaotic and toxic work environment influenced heavily by Diddy's volatile moods.

   • Violence and Abuse: Mia recounts multiple instances of Diddy's physical aggression, including being "thrown against the wall" and "pushed into a pool" ([03:11]). She divulges that Diddy sexually assaulted her more than once, leading to severe sleep deprivation and a subsequent physical breakdown: "I remember my hearing went. It felt like I was underwater" ([03:11]).

2. Deontay Nash – Stylist ([04:27] - [10:23])

   Deontay Nash, a stylist who worked closely with Diddy and Cassie from 2008 to 2018, provides testimony laden with instances of Diddy's volatile behavior towards Cassie Ventura.

   • Violent Outbursts: Nash describes a particularly violent incident where Diddy "grabbed her off the couch by her hair and started to hit her" ([06:35]). The assault escalated until Cassie's head struck the bed frame, resulting in visible injuries: "He showed no remorse until he saw the blood" ([07:03]).

   • Threats and Intimidation: Diddy is portrayed as someone who frequently threatened Cassie, using derogatory terms like "Bitch" and "Slut" ([05:30]). He allegedly vowed to "beat her ass" and threatened to tarnish her reputation by releasing sex tapes, though Cassie later clarified that Diddy was not featured in these tapes ([05:54]).

   • Third Incident: Nash recounts another alarming event at the Le Montrose Hotel, where Diddy confronted Cassie, leading her to express suicidal intent. Nash and Mia intervened just in time to prevent tragedy ([09:34]).

3. Capricorn Clark – Former Assistant ([11:09] - [15:32])

   Capricorn Clark, who previously worked for Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight before joining Diddy's team, offers a narrative that intertwines past and present threats posed by Diddy.

   • First Day Incident: Clark describes being kidnapped by Diddy and his head of security, Uncle Paulie, on her first day of work. Diddy allegedly threatened her life over unfounded suspicions related to Suge Knight and Kid Cudi ([11:57]).

   • 2011 Home Invasion: In a distressing account, Clark details how Diddy stormed her home armed with a gun after discovering Cassie's relationship with Kid Cudi. Under duress, she was forced to drive Diddy to Cudi's residence, where they attempted to prevent a police report from being filed ([12:41]).

   • Fear for Safety: Clark expresses her deep fear during these encounters, stating, "I never seen anything like this. He never come to my house. I never seen him with a weapon" ([13:24]).

4. Officer Christopher Ignacio – LAPD ([15:32] - [19:11])

   Officer Ignacio provides crucial forensic evidence related to an alleged break-in at Kid Cudi's home and the subsequent destruction of evidence.

   • Incident Details: Responding to a 911 call on December 22, 2011, Ignacio encountered a black Escalade speeding away from Kid Cudi's residence. He identified the vehicle as belonging to Bad Boy Records but did not pursue, citing the absence of an ongoing crime ([16:16]).

   • Evidence Destruction: Ignacio reveals that fingerprint evidence from the scene was destroyed in August 2012 under orders from within the LAPD, not by his team ([18:10]). This revelation raises significant questions about the integrity of the investigation.

5. Lance Jimenez – Los Angeles Fire Department ([19:11] - [20:04])

   Firefighter Lance Jimenez testifies about the arson attack on Kid Cudi's Porsche, providing forensic insights into the crime scene.

   • Arson Evidence: Jimenez details the use of a Molotov cocktail, indicated by burn patterns and residue found at the scene ([17:33]). The targeted nature of the attack is emphasized by the specific materials used: "A designer type scarf. Silky."

   • Documentation of Destruction: The destruction of fingerprint evidence, which could have been pivotal, is highlighted as a deliberate act to obscure the truth ([18:10]).

Defense's Mistrial Motion

In a dramatic turn, Diddy's legal team, led by attorney Brian Steele, challenges the prosecution's integrity by alleging misconduct. They argue that the prosecution implied Diddy's involvement in the destruction of crucial evidence and promoted conspiracy theories to tarnish his image. Citing persistent rumors that "Diddy could buy his way out of things," the defense contends that the prosecution is engaging in deliberate misinformation aimed at influencing the jury unfairly.

• Motion for Mistrial: Steele demands a mistrial, branding the prosecution's actions as "outrageous" and accusing them of attempting to create a biased perception of Diddy ([18:29]).

Judge's Decision

The presiding judge rejects the defense's motion for a mistrial, instructing the jury to "disregard the question" related to the alleged misconduct. This decision allows the trial to continue, maintaining the momentum of the prosecution's case against Diddy.

Insights and Conclusions

This episode underscores the depth of the allegations against Sean "Diddy" Combs, presenting a multifaceted case that intertwines personal testimonies, forensic evidence, and legal maneuvers. The testimonies collectively portray Diddy as a figure prone to violence and intimidation, leveraging his power and influence within the entertainment industry to engage in illicit activities. The revelation of evidence destruction further complicates the prosecution's narrative, suggesting potential systemic issues within law enforcement's handling of the case.

The defense's attempt to derail the trial through a mistrial motion highlights the contentious and high-stakes nature of the proceedings, emphasizing the strategic battles fought within the courtroom.

Looking Ahead

As the trial progresses, future episodes promise to unravel more layers of this complex case. The hosts tease upcoming testimonies and pivotal moments, including coverage of another international trial in Australia involving Erin Patterson, accused of heinous family crimes. Listeners can expect continued in-depth analysis and exclusive interviews as the trial of Diddy advances towards its climax.

Connect with The Trial of Diddy

Stay updated with the latest developments by following The Trial of Diddy on X and Instagram @thetrialpod. Engage with the show by leaving comments on Spotify or sending voice notes to WhatsApp at [phone] (start messages with "Trial"). For ad-free listening and exclusive content, subscribe to The Crime Desk at thecrimedesk.com.

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Produced by Serita Wesley and Rob Fitzpatrick, with editing by Sam Morris and Chelsey Moore. Creative direction led by Caroline Cheetham under the executive production of Jamie East.

Transcript

[Host 1]

Seriously popular. The following episode explores a number of.

[Kayla Brantley]

Allegations regarding the artist Diddy.

[Host 1]

He denies all charges and has pled.

[Kayla Brantley]

Not guilty to sex trafficking, racketeering, and.

[Host 1]

Transportation to engage in prostitution.

[Kayla Brantley]

Welcome to the trial of Diddy. I'm Kayla Brantley.

[Hermania Rodriguez Poleo]

And I'm Hermania Rodriguez Poleo.

[Kayla Brantley]

We'll be back in a second.

[Narrator]

In 2022, a group of divers were sucked into an oil pipe and trapped deep beneath the sea. They could have been saved, but they weren't. Following their story has led us to lucrative contracts, failing safety standards, and secretive political relationships. As we ask, why were those men left to die? This is Pipeline. Episodes one and two are out now. Follow Pipeline wherever you get your podcasts to make sure you never miss an episode.

[Kayla Brantley]

The biggest secret in the entertainment industry that really wasn't a secret at all.

[Hermania Rodriguez Poleo]

At the height of his career, Sean Diddy Combs had it all.

[Kayla Brantley]

Everything Diddy touched turned to gold.

[Hermania Rodriguez Poleo]

Now he faces multiple federal charges in New York, including sex trafficking and allegedly running a criminal enterprise.

[Witness 1]

Another woman has now come forward alleging.

[Witness 2]

Comes of sexual assault.

[Kayla Brantley]

Music mogul and rapper Sean Diddy co.

[Witness 3]

Was drugged and sexually assaulted by Combs.

[Witness 1]

Oh, this guy is dangerous.

[Kayla Brantley]

From freak offs to the mysterious list, the shocking case that has gripped the world is finally here. And we'll be bringing you every detail as it happens.

[Hermania Rodriguez Poleo]

Welcome to the trial of Diddy.

[Kayla Brantley]

Welcome back to the trial of Diddy. We are now approaching the end of week three of the US versus Sean Combs case. On Tuesday, we heard from Capricorn Clark, who's Diddy's former assistant. She dropped bombshell after bombshell on the entire alleged Kid Cudi home invasion.

[Hermania Rodriguez Poleo]

Yeah. So on Wednesday morning, Diddy's lawyers demanded a mistrial after hearing from Lance Jimenez from the Los Angeles Fire Department, who was on the scene after the bombing of Kid Cudi's car in January 2012. He claimed that the evidence was destroyed after the incident. We'll bring you word for word details from Capricorn Clark, Officer Jimenez and Officer Ignacio of the Los Angeles Police Department shortly.

[Kayla Brantley]

So right now it's Thursday, May 29, 1. 17pm And Diddy's former assistant, who is choosing to remain anonymous by using the pseudonym Mia, has just taken the stand. Mia was Diddy's assistant and then was the director of development and acquisitions for Revolt TV from 2009 to 2017. She said that she applied for the job in her mid-20s while living in New York City. She recalled how the interview process was normal. Involved meetings with Vashta Wilson, who was the head of HR and a lot of other members of the staff. However, for her interview with Diddy, she said that it took place at his apartment and that he answered the door in his underwear. When she arrived, Vashta was there, introduced her to Diddy, and then left shortly after. She said eventually, Diddy did put his clothes on.

[Hermania Rodriguez Poleo]

Mia said that the work environment was chaotic and could be, quote, toxic at times, but also could be exciting. She said the highs were really high and the lows were really low. The environment was determined by Diddy's mood, which she said shifted all the time. When she was asked if Diddy was ever violent, she said, yes. And that, quote, he's thrown things at me. He's thrown me against the wall, thrown me into a pool. He's thrown an ice bucket on my head. He slammed my arm into a door. She then paused. She lowered her voice and looked down and said he sexually assaulted her more than once. She said she didn't sleep for the first 24 hours of the job and that she would go without sleep all the time. Her longest period of time without sleep was five days. She said she was even taking Adderall extended release medication to help her stay awake. She said that when she finally got to sleep, she had a physical breakdown, saying, quote, I remember my hearing went. It felt like I was underwater. My equilibrium was off. I started not seeing things, but blurred vision, lights that weren't there. She said out of nowhere, she'd burst into tears, hysterical, and couldn't stop crying. We will bring you more of Mia's word for word testimony on Tuesday's episode next week.

[Kayla Brantley]

Then on Wednesday, stylist Deontay Nash took the stand, looking fabulous and all white. He originally said that he didn't want to testify, but he was subpoenaed to do so anyway. He started working with Diddy and Cassie in 2008 after moving to New York, and he responded to a Craigslist ad for an internship in the fashion department at Bad Boy Records. He stopped working for Diddy in 2018 after about 10 years. Now. There haven't been many moments of levity in this trial so far. Obviously, the content is very heavy, but Nash did provide some when he was shown a photo of himself by prosecutor Maureen Comey. Their words are voiced by actors.

[Witness 1]

How'd you get hired to work for them?

[Host 1]

Through a Craigslist ad for Bad Boy Entertainment.

[Witness 1]

This photo, is it a fair and accurate portrayal of how you looked at that time?

[Host 1]

Not even close.

[Witness 1]

It's a Glamour photo.

[Host 1]

Yes. I look amazing.

[Hermania Rodriguez Poleo]

Nash said that he and Cassie were very close to the point that they saw each other every day between 2009 and 2018. During this time, Diddy was also present. Comey asked Nash about the relationship between Diddy and Cassie.

[Witness 1]

How often would you witness Mr. Combs and Ms. Ventura interact?

[Host 1]

At least once a week.

[Witness 1]

What did Mr. Combs call Ms. Ventura?

[Host 1]

Bitch. Ho. Cece? Baby girl. Slut. He would call it an outright hoe. A slut. Anyways.

[Witness 1]

How did she react?

[Host 1]

Sad.

[Witness 1]

Did Mr. Combs make threats?

[Host 1]

Yes. That he would beat her ass. He wouldn't put her music out, that he would get her parents fired from their jobs, send her sex tapes to their jobs. He would start there.

[Witness 1]

How often would he say he would beat her ass?

[Host 1]

Quite a few. It drove her crazy. Like she would be super emotional. Like she might stay in the house for days and go in a cocoon.

[Kayla Brantley]

Yeah. Nash spoke of three standout moments of violence that he witnessed towards Cassie from Diddy. He said that Mia, the anonymous witness we've just been hearing from, was present for one time when he was helping Cassie get ready for OVO Fest in Canada, which was Drake's music festival. He said Diddy came to the house in a rage because Cassie didn't answer the phone. Diddy grabbed her off the couch by her hair and started to hit her. Nash said he and Mia ran into Cassie's bedroom and attempted to close the door, but Diddy pushed it open and continued attacking Cassie with his fists and kicking her.

[Hermania Rodriguez Poleo]

Yeah. He said that he remembered Diddy saying, quote, y' all got to stop fucking with me. Nash said that he jumped on Diddy's back, but he threw him off and onto the floor. He said Mia also jumped on Diddy's back and she was thrown off and onto the floor as well.

[Host 1]

He continued to hit Cassie until her head hit the edge of the bed frame. He still continued to hit her for a short time. When he noticed the blood, he panicked. Blood coming from her head a lot.

[Hermania Rodriguez Poleo]

But Nash said that Diddy didn't even stop when he saw the blood until a couple of seconds later. He said. Then Diddy's response was, quote, look what y' all made me do.

[Kayla Brantley]

Yeah. Nash said that he tried to call 911 but was told to immediately hang up. And Diddy said that Cassie was going to the plastic surgeon with drock. He said the next time he saw Cassie after that incident was the next day on FaceTime, when she had seen stitches in her eyebrow and a gash on her forehead. Now, this is all corroborated with Cassie's testimony. She mentioned this specific scenario during her testimony.

[Hermania Rodriguez Poleo]

Nash also testified that around 2013 or 2014, a little after the bed frame incident, he and Cassie were in her apartment when Diddy came over and said he wanted to talk to her for a minute and they went to Cassie's bedroom. He said he then saw Diddy grab Cassie by her hair while he screamed, quote, I don't give a fuck. Y' all got to get the fuck out of my house. Here is the prosecutor, Comey and Nash again. They're voiced by actors.

[Witness 1]

Did you hear how this started?

[Host 1]

Nope.

[Witness 1]

What did he do?

[Host 1]

Grabbing her by the hair in the back of her shirt. Was pushing her out.

[Witness 1]

Where did he push her?

[Host 1]

I halfway out of the door. He began to do the same to me. He told me to go downstairs and she'll be right down. He was popping me in the back of my head because I don't have any hair slapping.

[Witness 1]

Where did you go?

[Host 1]

Downstairs.

[Witness 1]

Who saw you downstairs?

[Host 1]

Security for Puff.

[Witness 1]

What instructions did security give you?

[Host 1]

I needed to wait for Puff to come down. I was blocked in, so I waited.

[Hermania Rodriguez Poleo]

Nash said that Diddy and Cassie then got into his car and Diddy began to berate both of them. Eventually, he let them go, saying they were not going to be playing with him and, quote, you can take your broke ass and ride into the sunset. He said they began to drive off without Diddy, but then got a call from him to pull over. He said Diddy came to the car window and began to talk to Cassie, saying that she, quote, fucked up and that he was going to put her sex tapes on the Internet. He said that Cassie was in tears as they drove away to Nash's house. This is what he told her.

[Host 1]

I said, if he wants to release the sex tapes, then let him because he's on them, too.

[Kayla Brantley]

But Cassie said that Diddy was not on the tapes. It was just her with other guys. He also spoke about a third time at the Le Montrose Hotel, where he went to Cassie's room, and when he opened the door and turned on the lights, she jumped. He said she was frightened that Diddy was downstairs, and she said, oh, no. And then she went toward the balcony saying she was going to go over. Here's Ms. Comey and Nash again. Again, voiced by actors.

[Witness 1]

Did Cassie make any statements about her intent in the immediate future?

[Host 1]

Yes. She said she was going to climb over the balcony.

[Witness 3]

How high up?

[Host 1]

It wasn't the first floor.

[Witness 1]

How did you all react?

[Host 1]

We told her no, and that we'd sneak her out the side.

[Kayla Brantley]

Where did she go?

[Host 1]

I assume at the side.

[Hermania Rodriguez Poleo]

He said that when Diddy called, he told him that Cassie left the room. And Diddy told Nash that he, quote, played him. He said during the call, he hopped in the car to drive home, and then he noticed a car was following him. He said it was the same car as Diddy's security. So he went to the Universal Sheraton Hotel because he didn't think his home was safe. Nash said that when he eventually arrived back home, he noticed that his backpack was stolen. Inside was his ID, $1,000 in cash, and his iPad.

[Host 1]

Generally, when Puff would be irate, I kept $500 deposits for the hotel and $500 for the room, so I didn't have to put my name on a hotel room.

[Witness 1]

Why did you not want to put your name on a hotel?

[Host 1]

I didn't want Puff to find me.

[Kayla Brantley]

We'll be back with more after this. All right, now. On Tuesday, we heard from Diddy's former assistant, Capricorn Clark, who gave dramatic testimony about the many times Diddy threatened her life, as well as a string of alleged abuses, violence and kidnapping. In fact, she said that when she first started working for Diddy in 2004, and during her very first day on the job, she was kidnapped by Diddy and his head of security, Uncle Paulie. Prosecutor Mitzi Steiner asked Clark about this incident. Their words are voiced by actors.

[H]

I want to direct your attention, Ms. Clark, to your very first day on the job. Where, if at all, did Mr. Combs take you on your first day?

[Witness 3]

Central Park.

[H]

At approximately what time of day?

[Witness 3]

It was dark after 9 o' clock.

[H]

Who was present, if anyone, when Mr. Combs took you to Central Park?

[Witness 3]

Myself, Puff and Paul Offert.

[H]

Who is Paul Offert, Head of security.

[Witness 3]

For Sean Combs, owner of Green Gate Security.

[H]

And can you please describe his general appearance?

[Witness 3]

Quiet, stoic, a bit menacing. Physically, he looks like a linebacker.

[H]

Were there any other individuals around you aside from Mr. Combs and Mr. Offert in Central park that night?

[Witness 3]

No.

[H]

What, if anything, did Mr. Combs tell you at that time?

[Witness 3]

He told me he didn't know that I had anything to do with Suge Knight, and if anything happened, he would have to kill me.

[Hermania Rodriguez Poleo]

So as a reminder for our listeners, Clark previously worked for Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight as an assistant before working for Diddy. Suge Knight is Diddy's arch nemesis. Clark also testified to the night that Diddy showed up at her home in 2011 in rage, wearing Ripped clothes and carrying a gun. This was, as we now know, because he found out that Cassie was dating the rapper Kid Cudi. She said that it was around five or six o' clock in the morning when she heard loud banging on her metal front door. She said that through the peephole she could see Diddy pacing anxiously with something in his hands, which she later realized was a gun.

[Kayla Brantley]

Capricorn. Clark said that she could see that he was upset and that a big part of her job at the time was to make sure that his name and likeness were okay, which basically means his image and reputation is intact. So she opened the door to make sure that everything was okay. She said that Diddy came in screaming, quote, why didn't you tell me? When Clark inquired about what he was referring to, he said, quote, who is Scott referring to? Kid Cudi's real name, Scott Mascudi. She replied, quote, oh, Cassie's friend. To which Diddy then replied, get dressed. We're going to kill this N word.

[Hermania Rodriguez Poleo]

Clark then apparently told Diddy that she did not want to go, but he said, quote, I don't give a fuck what you want to do. Go get dressed. She told the jury that she was very concerned for her safety.

[Witness 3]

I never seen anything like this. He never come to my house. I never seen him with a weapon. Never seen him making me do something like this.

[Hermania Rodriguez Poleo]

She then admitted to getting Cassie a burner phone so she could talk to Cudi, telling her, quote, you cannot do this on your bad boy phone. Following Diddy's orders, she got in the Escalade, driven by Drock's younger brother Ruben, with Diddy sitting in the back seat next to her with the gun in his lap. They headed to Cudi's house in the Hollywood Hills. Here's the exchange with Steiner.

[H]

How long does it take to drive from your home at the time to Cudi's house in the Hollywood Hills?

[Witness 3]

If you push it, 15 to 20 minutes.

[H]

What did Mr. Combs and Rube do at Cudi's house?

[Witness 3]

They went in.

[H]

Could you see in?

[Witness 3]

Yes.

[H]

What did you do?

[Witness 3]

I called Cassie on her burner. I said, cassie, where the. I told her Puff was at Cudi's house. Then I changed her number in my phone to my best friend Stormy.

[H]

What did you hear on the phone?

[Witness 3]

That Scott was at Cassie's.

[H]

When Mr. Combs came back, he took.

[Witness 3]

My phone and called the last number. Then I saw Cudi driving up. Mr. Combs saw my face and said, there's that end right there. We drove off and Saw the police driving the other way towards Cuddies. Puff is pulling himself together. We stopped at the Key Club and he told me to call Cassie.

[H]

What did he tell you to tell Cassie?

[Witness 3]

That he had me and wouldn't let me go.

[H]

How did Ms. Ventura respond?

[Witness 3]

She said, okay, come get me. She was calm.

[H]

Who drove you home, Reuben? What did Mr. Combs then tell you.

[Witness 3]

To convince Cudi not to say that it had been him at his house? I picked up Cassie.

[H]

Where did you go?

[Witness 3]

We went to Cudi's and tried to convince him not to file a police report.

[H]

What did you tell them?

[Witness 3]

That Puff came to my house with a gun.

[H]

What did you tell them?

[Witness 3]

He said if you tell on him, he'll hurt us all.

[Hermania Rodriguez Poleo]

We will be right back after a quick break when we'll find out whether he filed that report. So just picking up on that incident. On Wednesday morning, May 28th the jury heard from an LAPD officer called Christopher Ignacio who responded to a 911 call from Cuddy's home on December 22nd, 2011. He says that when he showed up at the residence at around 8am he saw a black Escalade speeding away. The prosecutor, Maureen Comey, and Officer Ignacio have been voiced by actors.

[Witness 1]

What do you remember?

[Witness 2]

Got a call around 8am Code 3 with lights and sirens to 8925 Hollywood Hills Road.

[Witness 1]

What did you find there?

[Witness 2]

An Escalade. I memorized the license plate.

[Witness 1]

Why?

[Witness 2]

I thought it could be involved in a crime, the way it left as soon as we got there.

[Witness 1]

Why didn't you go after it?

[Witness 2]

We didn't have a crime yet.

[Witness 1]

You ran the plate of the Escalade?

[Witness 2]

Yes. It came back as Bad Boy records.

[Kayla Brantley]

In an attempt to discredit Officer Ignacio's account of what happened at Cudi's house. Diddy's attorney, Brian Steele, cross examined him. He asked him about how he remembered the details of an incident from 13 years ago and why he did not follow the black Escalade if he suspected that it could be part of a crime. Here's Brian Steele, voiced by an actor. This was 13 years ago, right?

[Witness 2]

Yes.

[Kayla Brantley]

It's a beautiful neighborhood, right?

[Witness 1]

Called a sack.

[Witness 2]

Sure.

[Kayla Brantley]

You don't follow the car as it drives away, right?

[Witness 2]

Right.

[Hermania Rodriguez Poleo]

There was also tension in the courtroom when LA firefighter Lance Jimenez testified about a break in at Kid Cudi's home. We heard Kid Cudi testify that someone who he assumed was Diddy broke into his home unwrapped his family's Christmas gifts and locked up his dog in the bathroom. Jimenez Testified to what he saw at the scene. Here are Maureen Comey and Lance Jimenez. Their words are voiced by actors.

[Witness 1]

Did you respond as an expert to an auto fire at 8925 Hollywood Hills Road?

[Witness 2]

Yes. There was a cut in the roof of the Porsche.

[Witness 1]

What about inside the Porsche?

[Witness 2]

Burn patterns inside Any items? A bottle on the front seat, a handkerchief burned, a lighter on the ground.

[Witness 1]

What hypothesis did you draw?

[Witness 2]

Molotov cocktail.

[Witness 1]

How did you think it got in?

[Witness 2]

Someone lit it, cut the roof and dropped it in.

[Witness 1]

Let me show you some photos. This is the black Porsche that was burned?

[Witness 2]

Yes.

[Witness 1]

What kind of bottle was used?

[Witness 2]

Old English 800 malt liquor.

[Witness 1]

And the wick?

[Witness 2]

A designer type scarf. Silky. In my opinion, this was targeted.

[Kayla Brantley]

He also caused outrage in the courtroom when he indicated that the fingerprint evidence from that incident had been destroyed in August 2012, and he claimed it was authorized by within the LAPD.

[Witness 1]

What happened to the print cards?

[Witness 2]

They were destroyed in 2012.

[Witness 1]

On whose orders?

[Witness 2]

Someone in LAPD.

[Witness 1]

Not you or anyone on your team?

[Witness 2]

No.

[Hermania Rodriguez Poleo]

Now, this is when the defense objected to Jimenez testimony and actually demanded a whole mistrial, arguing that the prosecution had implied that Diddy was behind the destruction of this evidence. The defense said it was misleading, and they said the testimony amounted to misconduct on the part of the prosecution. They said conspiracy theories had already dominated parts of the trial and suggestions Diddy could, quote, buy his way out of things were a deliberate attempt to create an impression on the jury. Diddy's lawyers said to the judge that it was clear that what the government was doing was to paint an idea in the minds of the jurors that his client was responsible for the destruction of these fingerprints. He called it outrageous and demanded a mistrial.

[Kayla Brantley]

But the judge denied the motion, telling the jury to disregard the question, and he allowed the trial to proceed. The well, that's it for today. We'll be back as usual next week with every detail from the case and just a quick shout out for another episode the trial is covering on the other side of the world in Australia. That's the trial of Erin Patterson, who was accused of killing and attempting to kill members of her husband's family with death cap mushrooms. She denies the charges. A new episode is landing in a few hours, so search for the trial of Aaron Patterson wherever you get your podcasts. And don't forget, we'll be back next week with everything here in New York.

[Narrator]

In 2022, a group of divers were sucked into an oil pipe and trapped deep beneath the sea. They could have been saved, but they weren't following. Their story has led us to lucrative contracts, failing safety standards, and secretive political relationships. As we ask, why were those men left to die? This is Pipeline. Episodes one and two are out now. Follow Pipeline wherever you get your podcasts to make sure you never miss an episode.