Sean 'Diddy' Combs paid hotel security officer to hand over video, jury hears

Sean "Diddy" Combs paid a hotel security officer for surveillance footage. This footage showed him violently attacking his then-girlfriend, Casandra Ventura. The officer testified about this at Combs' sex trafficking trial on Tuesday.

Eddy Garcia worked at an Intercontinental hotel. He said Combs contacted him soon after the incident. Combs asked for the footage and promised to "take care" of Garcia if he complied.

Garcia expressed that Combs was worried about the video ruining his career. He received immunity from prosecution to testify in court.

Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to five charges. These include racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. Federal prosecutors claim that over two decades, Combs coerced women into drug-fueled sexual performances with male sex workers called "Freak Offs."

The trial is now in its fourth week. Jurors previously viewed a March 2016 surveillance video from the hotel hallway. In it, Combs, wearing only a towel, threw Ventura to the ground and kicked her.

Ventura stated that this incident happened after Combs gave her a black eye during a "Freak Off." Garcia relayed Combs' request about the video to his boss. His boss agreed to give the video for $50,000.

The next day, Garcia saw his boss enter the server room for surveillance cameras. His boss handed him a USB drive containing the footage. Garcia then gave it to Combs.

Later, Combs returned with a brown bag and a money counter. Garcia watched as Combs counted cash totaling $100,000 before putting it back in the bag and handing it over.

Combs' lawyers admit he was sometimes abusive but argue that women participated in "Freak Offs" consensually. Prosecutors claim bribery is part of the racketeering acts by Combs or his employees to facilitate these events and hide his abuse.

If convicted on all counts, Combs could face life in prison. Prosecutors may finish presenting their case next week, allowing the defense to begin its arguments.