Ex-Assistant Testifies Diddy Carried Ecstasy Pills Stamped With Obama’s Face
In a Manhattan federal courtroom, the ongoing trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs took a startling turn as his former personal assistant, David James, delivered testimony that sent ripples through the packed gallery. James, who worked for Combs from 2007 to 2009, recounted a vivid and unsettling detail: among the music mogul’s extensive collection of pills were ecstasy tablets embossed with the likeness of former President Barack Obama. The revelation, which emerged during the second week of Combs’ high-profile trial on charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, underscored the surreal and troubling nature of the allegations against the Bad Boy Records founder.
The testimony came on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, as prosecutors pressed James to elaborate on Combs’ drug use during his time as an assistant. James described a routine where Combs consumed drugs daily, often carrying a toiletry bag containing 25 to 30 pill bottles. These included not only the Obama-shaped ecstasy pills but also Percocet, Viagra, weight loss supplements, and pills purportedly used to boost sperm count. The assistant’s account painted a picture of a lifestyle steeped in excess, with drugs playing a central role in the exclusive parties—infamously dubbed “freak offs”—that have become a focal point of the prosecution’s case. These gatherings, prosecutors allege, were orchestrated by Combs to facilitate coerced sexual encounters, often involving paid sex workers and fueled by drugs and alcohol.
James’ testimony followed a week of emotionally charged accounts from Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, Combs’ former girlfriend and a rhythm-and-blues singer. Ventura, who dated Combs for over a decade, provided graphic descriptions of alleged physical and emotional abuse, as well as coerced participation in the so-called “freak off” parties. Her testimony, which spanned four days, included allegations of violent assaults, including a 2016 incident captured on hotel surveillance video showing Combs attacking her in a Los Angeles hallway. Ventura’s accounts have been corroborated by other witnesses, including Dawn Richard, a former member of the musical group Danity Kane, who testified to witnessing Combs strike Ventura on multiple occasions.
The mention of Obama-shaped ecstasy pills introduced a bizarre element to an already sensational trial. James clarified that there was no indication that the former president was involved in or aware of the pills bearing his image, but the detail nonetheless captivated public attention, amplifying the trial’s media frenzy. The courtroom, already a magnet for journalists, fans, and curious onlookers, buzzed with reactions as James recounted the contents of Combs’ traveling medicine bag. Beyond the pills, authorities presented evidence from a 2024 search of Combs’ hotel room, where they seized $9,000 in cash, substances testing positive for ketamine and MDMA, and bottles of baby oil—items prosecutors claim were linked to the alleged “freak off” events.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to the charges of racketeering, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. His defense team has sought to undermine the credibility of witnesses like Ventura, pointing to inconsistencies in their accounts and suggesting that some allegations may be financially motivated. Ventura, however, firmly rejected such claims, stating she would return a $20 million settlement from Combs if it meant erasing the trauma of the alleged abuse and coerced sexual encounters. The defense has also argued that Combs’ drug use, while acknowledged, does not equate to the criminal enterprise alleged by prosecutors.
As the trial progresses, additional witnesses, including Ventura’s mother and an alleged escort referred to as “The Punisher,” are expected to testify, potentially shedding further light on the inner workings of Combs’ world. The prosecution contends that Combs operated a criminal network that relied on loyal associates to enable and conceal his actions, a narrative bolstered by James’ descriptions of preparing hotel rooms for the mogul’s parties. The case, unfolding under intense public scrutiny, continues to unravel the legacy of a man once celebrated as a hip-hop titan, whose influence extended from chart-topping hits to shaping the careers of artists like Mary J. Blige and The Notorious B.I.G.
The trial’s revelations, from the grotesque to the grotesque, have sparked widespread discussion, with social media platforms abuzz over the Obama pill detail. While the courtroom remains a no-electronics zone, forcing journalists to scribble notes by hand, the story has transcended its walls, drawing global attention to the downfall of a cultural icon. As testimony continues, the question looms: will the prosecution’s case, anchored by Ventura’s harrowing accounts and corroborated by figures like James, prove sufficient to convict Combs? For now, the trial remains a gripping saga, blending celebrity, scandal, and allegations of profound misconduct, with each day bringing new and often shocking disclosures.
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