Part of Wednesday’s testimony in the federal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs focused on former assistant George Kaplan, who took the stand to describe what he says was the chaotic and demanding work environment he experienced while working for the music mogul.
Kaplan told jurors that one of his regular duties was cleaning up hotel rooms after Combs checked out, noting that the rooms were often left in disarray, strewn with liquor bottles and baby oil. He said he was warned these types of scenes could be photographed and sold to tabloids, which made his role in managing the rapper’s image just as important as handling logistics.
Kaplan also testified that he once found white powder near a hotel sink, and that Combs’ medicine bag regularly included a mix of both over-the-counter and more serious drugs, including ketamine.
According to Kaplan, packing for Combs was no small task. His job included compiling and organizing toiletries for trips, down to arranging the bottles so they were all facing forward—a task he said could take 30 minutes or more.
He also told the court that he once accepted a delivery of MDMA for Combs in Miami.
Outside of the cleanup and drug-related tasks, Kaplan said the pressure to meet Combs’ expectations was intense. He claimed his job was frequently threatened, depending on the rapper’s mood, and that Combs often expressed that he only wanted “the best” staff, sometimes as motivation, and other times during outbursts.
Kaplan is one of several former staffers who have taken the stand to provide a behind-the-scenes view of Combs’ lifestyle and the high-pressure roles of those around him.
Court is now adjourned until Thursday, when the government is expected to call rapper Scott Mescudi, better known as Kid Cudi, as one of five remaining witnesses.
