NEW YORK – Sean “Diddy” Combs once took an ecstasy pill shaped like President Barack Obama’s face, the hip-hop mogul’s former personal assistant testified on Tuesday at Combs’ racketeering and sex trafficking trial.
David James, who worked for Combs from 2007 to 2009, told jurors during the second week of the trial in Manhattan federal court that he frequently saw Combs take drugs, including opiates during the day and ecstasy at night. James said he sometimes picked up drugs for Combs and his friends, and often brought narcotics and other personal items like lubricant and condoms to Combs’ hotel rooms.
He said he once saw Combs take an ecstasy pill shaped like a “former president’s face.” When prosecutor Christy Slavik asked him which president, James responded, “President Obama.”
Prosecutors say Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records, forced women to take part in days-long, drug-fueled sexual performances known as “Freak Offs” from 2004 to 2024. They say his employees helped by buying drugs, booking and stocking hotel rooms, and giving Combs cash to pay male sex workers to take part in the parties.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty. His lawyers have acknowledged that Combs had substance abuse issues and was an abusive romantic partner, but say the sex acts described by prosecutors were consensual.
Known also during his career as Puff Daddy and P. Diddy, Combs helped turn artists like Notorious B.I.G. and Usher into stars. In the process, he elevated the role of hip-hop in American culture, and became a billionaire.
