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Diddy’s Mistrial Request Denied Again in Tumultuous Court Battle
The judge presiding over Sean “Diddy” Combs’ criminal trial has denied the defense’s second mistrial request, dismissing claims of prosecutorial misconduct.
The defense team argued that witness Bryana Bongolan’s testimony was false. Bongolan, a close friend of Cassie Ventura, testified that Combs dangled her over a 17th-floor balcony at Ventura’s home in 2016. However, the defense presented hotel records placing Combs in New York at the time of the alleged incident.
Judge Arun Subramanian ruled that the defense’s rigorous cross-examination of Bongolan, particularly regarding the timing of the incident, negated any prejudice. He likened the defense’s questioning to a “Perry Mason moment.”
While Bongolan admitted uncertainty about the exact date, she maintained the incident occurred, citing “night terrors” and a photographed leg bruise as evidence. Prosecutors conceded Bongolan may have misremembered the date of the photos and some details of the event.
The defense insists the prosecution knowingly presented perjured testimony, possessing evidence of Combs’ East Coast whereabouts during the alleged incident. They also contend Ventura’s testimony about witnessing the incident was inaccurate, claiming she only heard about it secondhand. A text message Ventura sent describing the incident is now being interpreted by the defense as proof she didn’t witness it.
Prosecutors argued Bongolan’s testimony demonstrates Combs’ alleged violence extended to Ventura’s circle. The defense countered that the prosecution used the allegation to portray Combs negatively.
This marks the second mistrial request from Combs’ team. The first followed questioning of an arson investigator about destroyed fingerprint evidence related to an alleged car bombing incident involving Kid Cudi, which the defense deemed prejudicial.
The judge denied that request as well, instructing the jury to disregard the testimony. The defense also alleges another witness was questioned about Combs’ alleged influence over LAPD officers.