Combs’ former assistant, David James, testified to some of Sean Combs dietary preferences, recalling a time in London where Combs “would not be happy” because the ketchup there was not the same as the brand he preferred.
“Ketchup was a big item he needed for his food,” James told the court.
“Were you aware he put applesauce on cheeseburgers?” defense attorney Marc Agnifilo asked.
“I was not aware of that but I knew he liked applesauce,” James replied.
Sean “Diddy” Combs, right, blows kisses to people in the audience during his sex trafficking and racketeering trial in Manhattan federal court, Monday, May 19, 2025, in New York.
James purchased these food items through Combs’ company, James testified, but he affirmed on cross-examination that he would use cash to purchase items such as baby oil, personal lubricant and condoms.
James also told the court about what he said were the demanding hours and the sometimes questionable things he did during his employment with Combs. He testified by way of example that he allegedly once purchased an “eight-ball of cocaine” in Saint-Tropez for a Combs associate.
Seven-day workweeks were common, according to James’ testimony.
“Something the security detail would tell us: ‘You know what rhymes with tired?’ And the answer is, ‘fired,'” James testified. He told the court about one night when Combs allegedly admonished him for driving through a red light.
“I turned around and said ‘I’m f—— tired, man. I’m exhausted,'” James told the court. He testified that Combs did not fire him for the remark.
James also testified about throngs of people in public who wanted to touch Combs or get his autograph.
“Did he tend to be gracious about these things?” Agnifilo asked.
“I don’t think gracious is a word to describe Mr. Combs,” James responded.
James was asked about Combs’ personal chef, a woman named Jourdan Atkinson, who is expected to testify later this week.
James testified that he personally once “got upset, squeezed her wrists and told her to stay in your f—— lane,” referring to Atkinson. James testified that the incident was reported and Combs called him into his room to talk about it.
“He asked me what happened, and I told him what happened. And he said, ‘You can’t be putting your hands on women.’ I said, ‘I know sir I f—– up.’ He told me to write her a note and buy her a gift,” James testified, adding. “I rolled up a blunt and gave her a blunt.”
“Did she appreciate it?” Agnifilo asked.
“She did,” James testified.
On re-direct examination, James testified about a time in Alpine, NJ, when, referring to a separate incident in which James said he physically confronted Atkinson, Combs asked James to file a police report saying Jourdan was the aggressor and hit James first.
“Did you file?” prosecutor Christy Slavik asked.
“I didn’t want to make a false police report and lie to the police,” James answered.
The defense asked James about a time when he and a security guard allegedly brought two prostitutes back to Combs’ house when he was not there.
“Security did it all the time,” James testified. “After we had intercourse, she asked me for $200 and I was surprised. I had no idea. I was against paying her.” James told the court that the security guard said, “You better pay her because we don’t want any problems at the house.'”
James testified that the woman wanted to shower, to which James said he responded, “If you want to take a shower give me my 200 back.'”
The response elicited laughter in the court. Defense attorney Agnifilo remarked, “You got your money back!”
James’ testimony has concluded. Court then took a break.
