Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial: Ex-assistant George Kaplan testifies to 100-hour weeks, drug pickups; rapper Kid Cudi set to appear next

Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial: The federal racketeering and sex-trafficking trial of Sean ¡°Diddy¡± Combs continued Wednesday (Day 8) with testimony from a forensic psychologist, Dr. Dawn Hughes, and his former executive assistant, George Kalpan, offering insight into the alleged abuse and operations surrounding the music mogul. The court heard from three witnesses before the jury was dismissed for the day, with rapper Kid Cudi scheduled to testify next.

Psychologist outlines patterns of abuse

According to a CNN report, Dr. Dawn Hughes, a board-certified forensic psychologist, testified as a ¡°blind expert¡± to explain the psychological dynamics common in abusive relationships. Without referencing Combs or the accusers directly, Hughes informed the jury that it¡¯s not uncommon for victims of sexual assault or domestic abuse to stay in toxic relationships or delay disclosing the abuse.

She described the concept of trauma bonding and noted how fear, emotional manipulation, and control can make it difficult for victims to leave. Under cross-examination, defense attorney Jonathan Bach challenged Hughes¡¯ credibility, suggesting she was a professional witness biased toward prosecutors. Hughes maintained neutrality, though she admitted, "I do not evaluate offenders."

However, Assistant US Attorney Mitzi Steiner clarified that Hughes had previously been retained by one of Combs¡¯ own defense attorneys, Brian Steel, in a separate case though Hughes did not testify in that instance.

Ex-assistant George Kaplan describes Diddy's drug pickups and hotel room cleanup

One of the most anticipated testimonies came from Diddy's ex-assistant George Kaplan, who provided more direct insight into the music mogul¡¯s private activities, confessing he worked more than 100 hours a week.

Kaplan testified that his duties extended beyond traditional assistant responsibilities, including preparing Combs¡¯ hotel rooms under the alias ¡°Frank Black¡± and cleaning them after his departure.

He described frequently finding liquor, baby oil, and sometimes drugs, once even cleaning up a ¡°brown crystallized powder¡± without knowing what it was. Kaplan said he picked up drugs for Combs in both Miami and Los Angeles using cash provided to him, once acquiring MDMA. Kaplan also shared that Combs regularly threatened his job despite him working long hours across cities¡ªall while also protecting Diddy's image.

Notably, Kaplan will return for his testimony on Thursday. He is one of the five people expected to testify on May 22.

Kid Cudi expected to testify Thursday

Rapper Kid Cudi is expected to take the stand Thursday morning following Kaplan¡¯s continued testimony. Cudi, who previously had a brief relationship with Combs¡¯ former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, may provide relevant testimony given Cassie¡¯s central role in the allegations against Combs. Prosecutors indicated they plan to call five additional witnesses after Kaplan, anticipating that the court may end early depending on the length of their testimonies.

Silence from Diddy's inner circle raises questions

As the trial continues to unfold and shocking allegations surface, attention has turned to the silence from Diddy's celebrity circle. Many have questioned why so few of his high-profile associates have publicly addressed the case. Among them, former prot¨¦g¨¦ Justin Bieber is the only one who has broken his silence. In a brief statement, Bieber clarified that he is not a victim of Combs but expressed hope that those who were harmed will receive the justice they deserve.

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