### Nicole Westmoreland's Fiery Cross-Examination of Bryana Bongolan in Sean Combs Trial

In a dramatic turn during the Sean Combs trial, defense attorney Nicole Westmoreland took a markedly aggressive approach in her cross-examination of Bryana Bongolan, contrasting sharply with the respectful demeanor exhibited by other defense attorneys when questioning the alleged victims. From the outset, Westmoreland challenged Bongolan’s testimony regarding Combs's alleged assault, spending a significant 15 minutes probing her on the various drugs she consumed and shared with Cassie Ventura.

Bongolan enumerated substances including ecstasy, molly, GHB, and cannabis, among others, even detailing a blunt mixed with cocaine, which she referred to as a "cocoa puff," reportedly Ventura's favorite. This line of questioning aimed to cast doubt on Bongolan’s credibility. Westmoreland, who joined Combs’s extensive legal team relatively late and previously cross-examined only one witness, Danity Kane singer Dawn Richard, pounded Bongolan with questions.

Bongolan is actively seeking $10 million in damages from Combs in a separate lawsuit filed in Los Angeles State Supreme Court, claiming it’s a pursuit of justice for an incident on Ventura’s balcony. The defense sought to undermine this claim, with Westmoreland starting her cross-examination by asking, “Who gets to decide if you have lied?”

Tensions rose further when the prosecution attempted to question Bongolan about a purported settlement offer, only to be stopped by the judge sustaining the defense's objections after a lengthy sidebar. Throughout her testimony, Bongolan maintained that seeking $10 million was her lawyer’s suggestion.

During the court session, photos displaying Bongolan’s injuries—a bandaged back, neck brace, and a substantial bruise—were shown, eliciting a reaction from Sean Combs, who reviewed the images intently with his attorney Teny Geragos. Bongolan recounted how Combs allegedly dangled her over a 17th-story balcony railing, causing these injuries, before throwing her into patio furniture. She graphically detailed the harrowing moments, including Combs's accusatory shouts.

Her testimony aligns with her previous allegations, including the moment she instructed her girlfriend to hide as Combs pounded on the door. The jury was shown surveillance footage from the InterContinental Hotel elevator in 2016, where Combs allegedly attacked Cassie Ventura.

Despite technical difficulties with courtroom monitors delaying proceedings, Bongolan’s testimony continued. She described the drug-fueled environment around Combs, stating that she and Ventura frequently used drugs together, including marijuana, cocaine, and ketamine.

Westmoreland's confrontational cross-examination signifies a pivotal moment in the trial, setting the stage for further intense legal battles as Sean Combs's defense team continues its vigorous campaign to counter the allegations against him.