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At Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’s Trial, Talk of Baby Oil, Guns and a Guest: Kanye West

The New York Times's profile
Original Story by The New York Times
June 14, 2025
At Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’s Trial, Talk of Baby Oil, Guns and a Guest: Kanye West

Context:

Sean Combs is standing trial on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, with allegations that his employees engaged in criminal activities on his behalf. Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, attempted to support Combs by visiting the courthouse but was not allowed into the courtroom, observing briefly via closed-circuit video instead. During the trial, Jonathan Perez, Combs's former assistant, testified about 'king nights' involving sexual encounters and preparations for these events, suggesting they were orchestrated by Combs's staff. Testimony also revealed the seizure of large quantities of lubricants and firearms from Combs's properties, prompting criticism of the raid's execution. The proceedings have been marked by Combs's courtroom demeanor, including nonverbal reactions that have drawn judicial attention.

Dive Deeper:

  • Sean Combs is facing serious allegations of sex trafficking and racketeering, with prosecutors claiming his staff engaged in a 'criminal enterprise' involving crimes like kidnapping and obstruction of justice. The charges are centered around orchestrated events known as 'king nights', which involved marathon sexual encounters.

  • Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, has been one of the few celebrities to publicly support Combs, though his attempt to attend the trial was thwarted when he was not on the approved entry list. His brief courthouse visit was marked by media attention, although he only observed proceedings from an overflow room.

  • Jonathan Perez, a former personal assistant to Combs, testified under an immunity deal, detailing his role in preparing supplies for the 'king nights'. Testimonies revealed that these nights included items like condoms and lubricants and involved Combs's girlfriends and hired escorts.

  • Evidence presented in court included images of a substantial quantity of lubricants and firearms seized from Combs's Los Angeles mansion. Authorities reported finding approximately 200 bottles of baby oil and 900 bottles of Astroglide, with firearms including rifles and a Glock pistol.

  • Combs's courtroom behavior, particularly his nonverbal communication like nodding, has been noted and admonished by the judge. His legal team continues to maintain his professional conduct, while the defense challenges the legitimacy of the raids conducted on his properties.

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