In a dramatic turn at Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ongoing criminal trial in New York City, the hip-hop mogul’s former assistant, Brendan Paul, took the stand to deny explosive allegations linking him to drug trafficking and coerced sexual encounters involving the music icon.
Testifying under subpoena, Paul rejected claims that Diddy ever forced a woman referred to as “Jane” into participating in alleged “freak-offs”, a term used in court to describe drug- and alcohol-fueled sex parties with male sex workers. According to Paul, who worked as Diddy’s assistant for 18 months, Jane appeared to participate willingly and showed no signs of coercion during the events he witnessed. “She never seemed uncomfortable,” he said, stating clearly, “Diddy didn’t force her.”
The prosecution has built its case around allegations from Jane and singer Cassie, asserting that Diddy orchestrated a series of abusive and exploitative encounters under the influence of drugs and alcohol. However, Paul’s testimony appears to align more with the defense’s argument that the relationships and events were consensual.
Pressed during cross-examination on whether he was present during the alleged “freak-offs,” Paul responded, “No,” further distancing himself from the accusations. He also emphasized that he would never have continued working for Diddy had he believed the music mogul was engaging in criminal behavior.
Brendan Paul also addressed the March 2024 incident at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport, where he was arrested after federal agents discovered cocaine in his bag while preparing to board a private jet with Diddy. Paul claimed the drugs belonged to Diddy and that he had found the cocaine while cleaning Diddy’s room, forgetting to remove it from his bag before the trip. “I didn’t tell the police at the time because I wanted to protect him,” Paul said, explaining that loyalty kept him silent during the arrest.
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Despite admitting to purchasing marijuana and other drugs for Diddy and occasionally rolling joints in the rapper’s garage, Paul vehemently denied being a “drug mule.” He described his role in Diddy’s circle as broader than sourcing narcotics, insisting that drug errands were only a “small part” of his duties and that claims in lawsuits portraying him as a full-time trafficker were “completely false.”
In court, Diddy was seen dressed in a gray sweater and black trousers, quietly listening to Paul’s testimony. The two have reportedly not spoken since the airport drug incident, and Paul described their relationship as “complicated,” hinting at a loyalty that had frayed over time.
Following the testimony, Paul’s attorney, Brian Bieber, told TMZ that his client had been “truthful and clear,” asserting Brendan was “never a drug mule for Diddy or anyone else.” Bieber emphasized that Paul was legally compelled to testify and did so with full honesty under oath.
As the case continues to unfold, Paul’s testimony may prove pivotal in shaping the narrative around the most damning claims against Diddy. With legal pressure mounting and multiple lawsuits swirling around the Bad Boy Records founder, public interest remains high, and courtroom revelations continue to dominate headlines.
