Diddy’s former employee takes witness stand in rapper’s sex trafficking trial

Derek Ferguson was asked during the Sean "Diddy" Combs federal trial about his work as the former Bad Boy Entertainment Chief Financial Officer.

Ferguson worked for Diddy for nearly 20 years and served as the CFO of Bad Boy Entertainment and the COO for Revolt Media & TV.

During cross-examination, Diddy's lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, asked Ferguson to determine the differences between business and personal expenses, and corporate returns. He testified that he didn't have a list, but knew he signed off on a number of corporate returns.

Agnifilo asked if Diddy employed personal assistants, to which Ferguson said "yes," but the titles would vary.

Ferguson agreed security personnel were part of the business to keep Diddy and his family safe. He said he did "everything to make sure there was no financial impropriety."

He confirmed that sometimes Diddy was paid in cash.

Fox News Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ former CFO explained why he took a role at the rapper’s company in the ‘90s.

During cross-examination Diddy’s defense lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, asked about Ferguson’s educational background. The former employee said he attended the University of Pennsylvania and then Harvard’s business school.

According to Ferguson, he wanted to work for Bad Boy because he observed the company as giving a lot of young executives opportunities - especially from the communities he came from.

The former CFO testified he did not know Diddy personally before working at Bad Boy.

Agnifilo then asked how Bad Boy changed between 1998 and 2012. Ferguson explained the business moved away from being primarily a record company.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

The court released a sketch of the woman that was removed from Sean “Diddy” Combs’ courtroom Tuesday morning before testimony began.

In the sketch, three men escort the yelling woman out.

While the prosecution was explaining that somebody broke the pseudonym order regarding one of Diddy’s victims, there was an outburst in the courtroom. The woman began yelling about people coming for Diddy. Judge Arun Subramanian immediately had the woman removed from the courtroom.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

While Sean “Diddy” Combs’ former CFO was testifying Tuesday, the jury was shown wire money transfers.

A bank statement addressed to Bad Boy Entertainment Worldwide was examined. The time period was December of 2011. During this period, there were several internal money transfers.

The bank statement showed an outgoing wire transfer on Dec 14, 2011 for $20K to Cassie Ventura.

There was then an incoming wire transfer on Dec 23, 2011 for $20K from Rodrick Ventura, Cassie's father.

There was also an additional incoming wire transfer on Dec 27, 2011 for $20K.

Cassie’s mother previously testified Diddy demanded $20,000 from the Venturas or he would release sex tapes of the singer-songwriter with other men in 2011.

Regina Ventura explained she understood that the “Last Night” singer wanted $20K to recoup the money he spent on Cassie. At the time, Diddy was allegedly angry that Cassie was with another person. It was expected the money would come from Regina and her husband.

Regina claimed they took out a home equity loan to pay Diddy. The money was allegedly returned.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Derek Ferguson told the court Tuesday in Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal trial that the rapper last contacted him toward the end of 2024.

Ferguson, who worked for Diddy for nearly 20 years and served as the CFO of Bad Boy Entertainment and the COO for Revolt Media & TV, testified that his last communication from Diddy was in September 2024.

He told Christine Slavik with the United State's Attorney's Office said that Diddy texted him on Sept. 16, 2024, the day that the "Last Night" rapper was arrested in New York.

Ferguson said Diddy reached out shortly after, wanting to get together. He claimed that his first reaction was that he wasn't in New York. He also wasn't sure how to respond to make sure it was truly Diddy.

Fox News Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

The government claimed a media outlet is reporting the true identity of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ victim, who testified under the pseudonym “Mia,” on X with the birthday video shown in court and asked the judge to direct that outlet to remove the post.

Judge Arun Subramanian said he’d consider it.

This is the second time the government has brought up the pseudonym order being broken.

According to the prosecution, an individual broke the pseudonym order regarding “Mia" yesterday by broadcasting her real name after court. This person was allegedly in the courtroom yesterday and then began broadcasting in Foley Square.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Judge Arun Subramanian is presiding over the federal trial against rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs for allegations of sex crimes.

Subramanian was the first Indian-American to serve as the District Judge for the Southern District of New York, with the United States Senate confirming his position in March 2023.

He earned his law degree in 2004 from Columbia Law School and went on to work as a law clerk for many famous names, including Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, for many years.

He landed a position at Susman Godfrey LLP in 2007, and eventually worked his way up to partner.

Subramanian was assigned to oversee Diddy’s case in October 2024, taking over the case from Judge Andrew Carter.

Prior to the start of the trial, Subramanian denied Diddy’s request for bail. The rapper is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, where he has been since his arrest on September 16, 2024.

Sean "Diddy" Combs' family continued to support the rapper during his ongoing federal trial for sex crimes.

Justin Combs, Diddy's oldest son with ex Misa Hylton, arrived at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse in Manhattan Tuesday for day 15 of testimony.

Diddy's mother, Janice Combs, was also seen entering the courthouse.

Hylton previously admitted she was "triggered" upon seeing the video from 2016 showing Diddy abusing Cassie Ventura at the Intercontinental Hotel.

"I am heartbroken that Cassie must relive the horror of her abuse, and my heart goes out to her," Hylton shared on Instagram with two photos including all seven of Combs' children.

"I know exactly how she feels, and through my empathy, it has triggered my own trauma."

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ former CFO testified he handled the rapper’s personal finances from time to time.

According to Derek Ferguson, his involvement in Diddy’s personal finances varied from third party to internal management. Ferguson explained he planned for the year and budgeted for the year.

While Ferguson did not manage Diddy’s properties themselves, he did manage the inflows and outflows. These properties were in the Hamptons, New York City and Miami. The former CFO testified the finance department would make mortgage payments, pay taxes and perform maintenance via check or wire transfer through the LLC that held the properties.

Ferguson told the court he believed at certain points Combs had separate, personal bank accounts.

He testified that Diddy also provided financial support for friends and family that came from his personal funds.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Shawn Dearing, a former escort allegedly hired for Sean "Diddy" Combs' "freak off" events, shared an emotional message to Cassie Ventura.

Dearing's identity, along with a handful of former escorts, was included as evidence by the Southern District of New York in the case against the fallen rap mogul.

Cassie testified for four days against her ex-boyfriend in his federal trial for sex crimes. She took the stand and detailed the alleged abuse she experienced at the hands of the rapper.

Cassie claimed she was physically abused and forced into participating in "freak offs," where Diddy would coerce her into having sex with a male escort while he watched.

"She was so uplifting - the kindest and most respectful person," Dearing told People magazine. "She was so genuine throughout the whole experience."

Dearing said he wanted to speak out now to give "some credence" to Cassie's story.

“I never wanted to open my mouth,” he said. “I don't seek attention. I don’t want to go out there and make it seem like I’m trying to get my name known off of this experience."

When discussing Cassie, he said, “You got me tearing up! I want what’s best for her, honestly, because she … she's a bada-- lady, man. She's awesome. So I want her respect first and foremost.”

Derek Ferguson, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ former employee, testified that a majority of the rapper’s businesses were profitable.

According to Ferguson, Combs drew salaries from the record company, Sean John and Revolt. It was dictated by the operating agreement between parties, he claimed. Diddy also made money via distributions. The amount of distribution would allegedly be determined by the profits.

Ferguson said the businesses and partnerships had their own bank accounts. These were overseen by finance, according to the former employee. Combs and Ferguson had access to the accounts and signature authority, which meant they could both sign checks. Bad Boy allegedly had accounts at Citi Bank, HSBC and Signature Bank.

The jury was shown a bank application for Janice Combs Music Inc. It was 100% owned by Diddy. Combs & Ferguson signed the document on Sept. 29. 2009.

Ferguson explained this account was primarily used for providing Combs’ name and likeness. The account was self-funded and the revenues exceed the expenses, according to Ferguson.

Another bank application for Combs Enterprises LLC., was shown. Combs and Ferguson had both signed the document.

Ferguson explained this account was used as the partner for the Ciroc brand. It also did not need funding.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Another former employee of Sean “Diddy” Combs took the stand Tuesday after testimony concluded from Eddy Garcia, the security guard who sold the rapper surveillance footage of the attack on Cassie Ventura.

Derek Ferguson told the court he is here testifying today because he received a subpoena.

He previously worked for Combs from 1998 until 2017 as CFO at Bad Boy Entertainment and COO for Revolt Media & TV.

Ferguson was CFO at Bad Boy from 1998 until 2012. He explained that Bad Boy was a collection of companies and the offices were in New York City and Los Angeles. He worked in the finance department. According to Ferguson, he would receive bonuses based on company results and work performance.

Ferguson testified he set the budgets, managed the budgets, managed accounts receivable & payable, did record keeping and some deal making.

Ferguson was allegedly responsible for Diddy’s personal finances during different periods of time.

Ferguson said he reported to the president of Bad Boy or Combs directly. Over time, he said contact with Diddy decreased. When they did communicate, they met in person or used calls, email and pagers.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense and the prosecution went back and forth over the wording of the NDA signed by an InterContinental Hotel employee.

During cross-examination, the rapper’s attorney Brian Steel had Eddy Garcia read through the NDA he signed after selling the surveillance footage of Combs attacking Cassie to the musician.

Garcia and Steel read through a few pieces together regarding exclusions. Garcia testified that it is his understanding you can’t speak with an NDA. Steel pointed out that nothing in the NDA prohibits truthful statements to law enforcement.

During the re-direct, the prosecution pulled up the same exhibit showing the NDA. Garcia read a paragraph about disclosing to law enforcement. The NDA stated the “company,” Diddy, must be notified before speaking to law enforcement. There was an objection from the defense and a sidebar.

The objection was sustained, meaning the jury was instructed to disregard the question or answer.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

An InterContinental Hotel security guard testified that he lied to police about his involvement with the surveillance video showing Sean “Diddy” Combs attacking Cassie Ventura in 2016.

Eddy Garcia testified he next saw the video of Diddy beating Cassie again on the news in 2024. He said he was unaware of any other copies of the video.

Garcia said Israel Florez, another security guard at the InterContinental Hotel, showed him a screenshot of the video via text. Garcia claimed he deleted the texts because he didn’t want anything to do with it. He also deleted texts with another security guard.

Garcia said he met with law enforcement in 2024, but was not truthful regarding his involvement with the video.

Later in 2024, once Garcia had obtained his own counsel, the security guard met with the government again and was truthful about the videos.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Sean “Diddy” Combs had the InterContinental Hotel security guard sign an NDA after selling the rapper surveillance video showing him beating Cassie Ventura.

After handing over his ID to the "Gotta Move On" rapper, Eddy Garcia said he was presented with an NDA stating this was the only copy of the video. The jury was shown a copy of the NDA. Garcia read some of the NDA in court which says he provided the only copy of the video. Garcia testified he did not read the document fully before signing it because he was nervous. He claimed he did not receive a copy.

The jury was shown another copy of an NDA dated Nov 6, 2016, which was not the correct date of the incident. Garcia read a portion of the document to the court. He allegedly would owe $1 million in liquidated damages if he violated the NDA.

Garcia again said he did not read this document fully before signing nor did he receive a copy.

After signing the documents, Garcia claimed Diddy left and returned with a brown bag and money counter. He allegedly took money out of the bag and counted $100K. Garcia said the additional money was for him and the responding officer.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Sean “Diddy” Combs allegedly said he’d “take care of” the InterContinental Hotel security guards who were on shift the day he attacked Cassie Ventura.

According to Eddy Garcia, Diddy requested his ID along with the IDs of the other officers on duty. The InterContinental security guard said Diddy promised to “take care of” them.  Garcia testified he took this to mean financially. The security officer explained he was nervous because he knew Israel Florez, a responding security officer and the prosecution’s first witness, was by the book.

Florez previously testified that he did not take a bribe from Diddy.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Sean “Diddy” Combs allegedly called his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura on FaceTime while buying the surveillance video that showed the rapper attacking her.

InterContinental Hotel employee Eddy Garcia testified Tuesday that he told Diddy he was concerned about a police report and how it might affect him. The “I’ll Be Missing You” rapper allegedly told the hotel employee that Cassie wanted the video gone too.

According to Garcia, Combs contacted Cassie via FaceTime. Garcia claimed he was “able to see enough” to think it was Cassie. He testified that Cassie was wearing a hoodie. While on FaceTime, Diddy allegedly told Cassie to let Garcia know she wanted “this to go away too.”

Garcia recalled Cassie being “normal” on the phone.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

Sean “Diddy” Combs allegedly called the hotel security guard who handed over surveillance video of the rapper attacking Cassie Ventura his “angel.”

Eddy Garcia, who worked at the InterContinental Hotel in 2016, called Diddy’s chief of staff and told the rapper he had a USB with the video on it and asked how fast he could turn it over. They met in West LA, according to Garcia. The security guard said Combs again referred to him as “Eddy, my Angel.”

Garcia notified his boss about dropping off the USB and then went to the location at a high-rise building. Upon arriving, he called Diddy’s chief of staff, waited in the lobby and then Combs’ bodyguard came down to get him.

Garcia claimed when he arrived, Combs was smiling, looked happy, called him Eddy my angel and made him feel comfortable. According to Garcia, he “was nervous so my voice kept cracking.” He recalled Diddy telling his assistant to get Garcia “that tea I like.”

Garcia then handed over the USB. Combs allegedly left the room and came back a few minutes later. Diddy asked if there were other copies of the video on the cloud. Garcia contacted his boss who told him he had the video pulled from the server.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.

A security guard at the InterContinental hotel claimed his manager offered to sell the surveillance footage of Sean “Diddy” Combs' attack on Cassie Ventura to the rapper for $50,000.

Eddy Garcia testified when he went to work after receiving multiple phone calls from the rapper, he notified the head of security that Combs was offering to pay for the video. The head of security told Garcia he would do it for “50” which Garcia testified he took to mean $50K.

According to Garcia, he then called Diddy’s chief of staff who gave the phone to Combs. When he told Diddy his boss was willing to sell the video, Garcia recalled Combs becoming excited. He allegedly called Garcia his “angel.”

Garcia then told his boss it was a go. His boss allegedly came into the security office, and accessed the server room. Afterwards, Garcia said he was handed a black USB as his boss told him it was “done.” Garcia understood that to mean the video was on the USB.

Fox News' Maria Paronich contributed to this report.