Donald Trump Hotel Gets Dragged Into Sean 'Diddy' Combs Trial
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Sean "Diddy" Combs' former assistant said the rapper and music mogul's favorite hotel in New York City was the Trump International Hotel.
David James, who worked as Combs' assistant from 2007 to 2009, continued his testimony on Tuesday. He detailed how he would set up hotel rooms for Combs with his clothes, toiletry bag, medicine bag, applesauce, Jell-O and Fiji Water.
'Trump International, they knew me very well, they gave me a key," James said.
Why It Matters
Combs is charged federally with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The trial has included various mentions of celebrities, high-profile individuals and famous locations, now including President Donald Trump's New York City hotel.
Trump International Hotel at One Central Park West in New York City, as seen on February 18, 2024.
Trump International Hotel at One Central Park West in New York City, as seen on February 18, 2024.
zz/Andrea Renault/STAR MAX/IPx
What To Know
James said Combs' toiletry bag had about 40 products, including hair dye. He said Combs also had a Louis Vuitton pouch with about $10,000 in cash and up to 30 medicine bottles, with some unmarked.
James said the medications included Viagra, sperm count pills, ecstasy and Percocet. He testified that one of the medications featured former President Barack Obama's face.
"There were various pills, but one was in the form of a former president's face," James said.
James said he saw Combs take ecstasy and Percocet on a regular basis.
"I would say every day," James said.
James recalled taking ecstasy at a New Year's Eve party in Miami. He later learned that the party had been videotaped.
He said he was also tasked with purchasing baby oil, lube and condoms for Combs. Combs told James to pay for the items in cash so they would not be linked back to Combs, according to James' testimony.
James said he had to take lie detector tests twice during his employment: once after cash went missing and once after a watch went missing. He passed both times.
James said he decided to leave the position after a 2008 incident involving record executive Marion Hugh "Suge" Knight Jr.
James said a friend of Combs spotted Knight at Mel's Diner in Los Angeles. When the friend informed Combs, Combs grabbed three guns and told James to drive to the diner.
"This was the first time as his assistant that I realized my life was in danger. I told them I want to leave but give six months notice so I could train the next assistant," James said.
Sharay Hayes, a male escort, also testified on Tuesday. Hayes said he had his first encounter with Combs and former partner Cassie Ventura at Trump International Hotel in New York City.
He testified that Ventura told him to "create a sexy scene of me and her applying baby oil on each other and create a sexy environment" for Combs to watch.
What People Are Saying
David James recalled taking the lie detector tests in his testimony: "It was very intimidating."
Sharay Hayes recalled Cassie Ventura's instructions regarding Sean "Diddy" Combs in his testimony: "Try not to look at him and no communication."
What Happens Next
The prosecution is expected to continue calling witnesses as the second week of Combs' trial unfolds. The trial is expected to last eight to 10 weeks.
Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
38 minutes ago
- Newsweek
US Ally Thailand Warns of War With China-Backed Cambodia
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Thailand's acting prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai warned that the escalating clashes with Cambodia could descend into a full war, as the two sides exchanged artillery fire in a second day of violence along the disputed border. "This present incident of aggression is escalating and could develop to the stage of war," Wechayachai told the media in Bangkok, The Guardian reported. "However, right now we are still at altercation level, battling with heavy weapons. What we have done so far [is] to protect our land and [the] sovereignty of our nation." Thailand is a major non-NATO ally of the U.S., while Cambodia is one of China's closest regional allies. The two countries began fighting after a recent dispute over landmines erupted into exchanges of fire on Thursday, July 24, with each side accusing the other of initiating the current hostilities. Thai officials said there were a number of civilian casualties as a result of Cambodian artillery fire. This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
Newsweek
4 hours ago
- Newsweek
Internet Reacts After Florida Man in Chuck E. Cheese Costume Arrested
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Social media erupted after a man in a Chuck E. Cheese costume was arrested and led out of the restaurant in Tallahassee, Florida, while families and kids watched the detainment of the man wearing a giant mouse head. A photo of the employee's arrest was widely distributed and viewed online in a Facebook post from freelance writer and former trial lawyer Chuck Hobbs. Ok, Tallahassee Police Department, y'all couldn't let this man change out of his Chuck E. Cheese costume before arresting him in front of those kids? 🤔😭🙄 "Ok, Tallahassee Police Department, y'all couldn't let this man change out of his Chuck E. Cheese costume before arresting him in front of those kids?" he wrote in a caption accompanying the photo. Why It Matters The Leon County Sheriff's Office confirmed to Newsweek that the suspect is 41-year-old Jermell Jarreau Jones. According to police records, Jones was arrested on three felony counts: criminal use of personal identification information, theft of a credit card and fraudulent use of a credit card over two times within six months. Contact information for an attorney representing Jones was not immediately available. Video footage and photos of him being taken into custody were widely circulated on social media, given the nature of the arrest and the circumstances surrounding it. Multiple photos and videos also showed shocked patrons looking on while Jones was handcuffed and led out into the restaurant's parking lot before officers had him remove his costume outside a police car. Chuck E. Cheese is pictured in Laurel, Maryland, on June 23, 2020. Chuck E. Cheese is pictured in Laurel, Maryland, on June 23, 2020. Julia Weeks/AP What To Know The internet flew into a frenzy after Jones' arrest, with a slew of users making Chuck E. Cheese references while discussing the news. "Bail has been set at 3,500 tickets," Chase Mitchell, writer for The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon, wrote on X in response to the news. Bail has been set at 3,500 tickets — Chase Mitchell (@ChaseMit) July 24, 2025 Emily C. Singer, writer for left-wing outlet Daily Kos, posted a screenshot of an officer leading Jones out of the restaurant in handcuffs while he was still dressed in the famous mouse's costume. "Record scratch, freeze frame ... 'You're probably wondering how I found myself in this situation,'" Singer wrote. Barstool Sports posted on X: "NOOOO THEY GOT CHUCK E. CHEESE." The post was accompanied by a video of the suspect having the head of the costume removed by police officers while he was standing while handcuffed outside the establishment. Right-wing commentator Nick Sortor wrote: "JUST IN: 'Chuck E. Cheese' has been ARRESTED in Florida ... Man, Chuck's finally hit rock bottom, it seems. What a shame." What People Are Saying The Tallahassee Democrat cited an employee at the restaurant who said of the arrest: "It's unfortunate that it happened here." The employee, who was not identified in the report, told the news outlet that Jones' arrest did not have anything to do with the company. What Happens Next Jones has been released on bond, according to police records.
Newsweek
7 hours ago
- Newsweek
WSJ Report Reveals Bill Clinton's 50th-Birthday Note to Jeffrey Epstein
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Wall Street Journal on Thursday reported that former President Bill Clinton was among the many well-wishers who wrote a birthday letter to sex offender and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein for his 50th birthday in 2003. Why It Matters Clinton's name has appeared several times in documents related to Epstein, who died six years ago while in prison, and those documents and related testimony have been publicly reported on. Thursday's report comes as President Donald Trump's administration continues grappling with the fallout from its handling of the investigation of Epstein's 2019 death, which the Department of Justice (DOJ) concluded was a suicide. Clinton was among several powerful and wealthy figures whose names appeared in Epstein court documents released last year. Democrats, Republicans and Trump's MAGA base have clamored to also have the complete Epstein files released to the public. Clinton has repeatedly said he knew nothing of Epstein's "terrible crimes" while they were associated, while Trump has called Epstein a "creep" in recent weeks and also distanced himself from the disgraced businessman. Former President Bill Clinton discusses his book "The First Gentlemen" at The 92nd Street Y on June 11 in New York City. Former President Bill Clinton discusses his book "The First Gentlemen" at The 92nd Street Y on June 11 in New York City. Greg Allen/Invision/AP What To Know According to the Journal, Clinton's note to Epstein was written in the former president's "distinctive scrawl." "It's reassuring isn't it, to have lasted as long, across all the years of learning and knowing, adventures and [illegible word], and also to have your childlike curiosity, the drive to make a difference and the solace of friends." In May 2016, one of Epstein's alleged victims, Johanna Sjoberg, was asked about Clinton in a deposition. Sjoberg has said that she was in Epstein's circle from 2001 to 2006. "[Epstein] said one time that Clinton likes them young, referring to girls," Sjoberg testified during the deposition. A spokesperson for the former president declined to comment on the birthday message reviewed by the Journal and referred the outlet to a previous statement saying Clinton had cut off ties with Epstein more than a decade before he was arrested in 2019 and was unaware of his crimes. Thursday's report from the Journal follows an article it published last week featuring a birthday letter that Trump had allegedly penned for Epstein's 50th birthday. The note featured typewritten text surrounded by the outline of a naked woman, complete with Trump's signature below the woman's waist, which was meant to mimic pubic hair. "Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret," the note concluded, according to the Journal. Trump and Clinton's notes were part of a trove of birthday letters that Epstein's longtime associate and former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, compiled in a leather-bound album that she gave to Epstein as a gift for his 50th birthday. This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
