A former personal assistant to Sean “Diddy” Combs has provided testimony in court describing a tense, late-night incident in 2008 that allegedly involved firearms and a confrontation with Combs’ rap industry rival, Suge Knight.
David James, who worked for the music mogul, recounted the events under questioning. According to his account, after a studio session, he and a security guard were sent to a Los Angeles diner to retrieve food. Upon arrival, they reportedly spotted Knight in the parking lot. After the security guard briefly approached Knight, four black SUVs entered the lot, and James testified that Knight was seen standing among them holding a gun.
The two men left and returned to Combs’ residence, where they found him with his then-partner, singer Cassie Ventura, who appeared upset. After being informed of the encounter, Combs allegedly instructed James to drive him and the security guard back to the diner. James stated that during this drive, Combs sat in the back seat with three handguns in his lap.
However, upon returning to the location, Knight was no longer there. A search of the surrounding area proved unsuccessful. James testified that this was the first time during his employment that he feared for his life, noting he had been unaware Combs possessed firearms. He stated he felt he had no choice but to comply with the directions given. Shortly after this incident, James submitted his resignation.
The testimony was presented as part of ongoing legal proceedings against Combs, who faces charges including s– trafficking and racketeering. Knight is currently incarcerated on unrelated charges. The defense questioned James’s role, to which he replied his function was simply to drive the vehicle.
