Diddy’s former assistant details his gruelling work schedule for rapper as he testifies in trial
Warning: This article contains discussion of alleged sexual harassment and domestic violence which some readers may find distressing.
The former assistant of Diddy has shared details about his gruelling work schedule as the rapper's trial continues in New York.
David James worked as the 55-year-old's personal assistant for two years between May 2007 and May 2009, after seeing an advert in the New York Times.
Diddy stands accused of sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy charges, and as the trial enters its second week, we have already heard evidence from the musician's ex-partner Cassie Ventura, fellow American singer Dawn Richard and a male escort who was allegedly hired on a number of occasions.
Advert
On Monday afternoon, it was the turn of James, and he discussed his two conversations with Ventura, as well as suggesting that he overheard Combs describe Cassie as 'his queen' and 'very mouldable'.
He also says Ventura said: "This place is crazy," to which he replied: "If it's so crazy, why don't you get out?" and says she answered: "I can't, he controls my career, pays my allowance, and pays my rent."
However, he didn't go into any great detail about any alleged violence between Combs and Ventura, suggesting that any disagreements that he witnessed were 'about her professional career.'
At the court's request, James then shared details about his own personal work schedule, saying that his typical hours were 8am-4am, for six to seven days a week, sometimes three weeks straight.
His typical duties included:
Diddy's assistant's work schedule
- Arriving at Combs's house before he woke;
- Organising his personal items;
- Laying out his business documents, press clippings and a schedule;
- Turning on the TV to Combs's preferred channel;
- Telling the chef about food requests;
- Knocking on Combs's door to wake him up;
- Calling down security to let them know when Combs was ready to go out for the day;
- Having meetings all day;
- Having dinner;
- Going with Combs to his studio to work on his album, which he says would go on to 3-4am;
- Sending a call time for the next day to the executive staff;
- Clocking off.
James' brutal work hours are perhaps no surprise considering he was allegedly told by another member of staff during his interview that: "This is Mr Combs's kingdom, and we are all here to serve in it."
The defence attorneys in the trial have accepted that Mr Combs may well be guilty of domestic violence but they deny all the other charges.
The trial continues will resume later today (20 May).
Topics: Diddy, Cassie Ventura, Celebrity News
James Moorhouse