Graphic designer Bryana Bongolan testified against Sean “Diddy” Combs, alleging he dangled her from a 17th-floor balcony and threw a knife at her friend, Casandra Ventura. Photos of Bongolan’s resulting bruises, taken by her and her then-girlfriend, were presented as evidence.
Combs’ defense team rigorously cross-examined Bongolan, attempting to discredit her testimony by highlighting inconsistencies in her previous statements to authorities.
Combs faces charges of racketeering, conspiracy, and sex trafficking, all pleas of which he has denied. This federal case, now in its fourth week, follows numerous civil lawsuits alleging abuse against Combs, including those filed by Ventura and Bongolan.
Bongolan detailed her relationship with Ventura, whom she met in 2014 while working for Young and Reckless, later collaborating with her at Diamond Supply Co. She admitted to past drug use with Ventura, including cocaine, ketamine, and marijuana, stating that she procured drugs for Ventura at Combs’ request and even received payment for them. She is currently sober.
Bongolan described witnessing Combs’ alleged abusive behavior towards Ventura, including instances of physical violence and intimidating nighttime visits to Ventura’s apartment.
Bongolan recounted a September 2016 incident where Combs allegedly forcefully removed her from Ventura’s apartment balcony, shouting threats before throwing her onto balcony furniture. Photographs of injuries, timestamped to corroborate the date, were presented to the jury. She further testified to enduring subsequent night terrors and paranoia.
She also described another incident where Combs allegedly threw a knife at Ventura, who subsequently threw it back. Additionally, Bongolan alleged that Combs once threatened her during a Malibu photoshoot, stating, “I’m the devil and I could kill you.” She expressed significant fear at this encounter.
The defense attorney, Nicole Westmoreland, focused on inconsistencies between Bongolan’s current testimony and earlier statements given to prosecutors, challenging her recollection of key details, including the balcony incident and the Malibu threat.
Ventura’s previous testimony, a key element of the prosecution’s case, corroborated Bongolan’s account of the balcony incident. Westmoreland also highlighted discrepancies in Bongolan’s accounts, referencing previous meetings with government prosecutors where details were reportedly recalled differently.
Forensic video editor Frank Piazza authenticated recordings of a 2016 incident showing Combs physically assaulting Ventura in a hotel hallway, confirming their integrity and accuracy.
Bongolan is expected to continue her testimony, followed by the testimony of “Jane,” a witness testifying under a pseudonym, whose testimony is anticipated to span several days.