The testimony, presented at Combs's federal trial on Tuesday, came from Eddy Garcia, who spoke under an immunity order after initially planning to invoke his Fifth Amendment rights. Garcia revealed that Combs’s employee, Kristina Khorram, contacted him on March 5, 2016, seeking the footage. Despite his initial refusals, Garcia agreed to sell it after further pressure and an offer of payment from Combs.

According to Garcia, Combs, anxious and admitting to having "a little too much" to drink on the day of the assault, feared the release of the video could ruin his career. Garcia's supervisor consented to the sale for $50,000. When Garcia conveyed this to Combs, the mogul expressed gratitude, calling Garcia "my angel."

On March 7, Garcia delivered the footage to Combs in Los Angeles, where he met with Combs, a bodyguard, and Khorram. Concerned about potential legal repercussions, Garcia spoke to Ventura via FaceTime, at Combs's request. Ventura confirmed she wanted the matter to disappear, citing an upcoming movie release.

Garcia signed documents, including a nondisclosure agreement, affirming he handed over the only existing copy of the footage. Combs then counted out $100,000 in cash, twice the amount initially agreed upon, splitting the sum among Garcia, his supervisor, and a colleague.

Although the origin of the footage's subsequent leak to CNN remains unknown, Combs's lawyers acknowledge he paid to conceal the video but argue it was to avert unwanted publicity rather than obstruct justice.

Combs faces charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, with accusations spanning two decades. His defense claims all activities were lawful, and the sexual encounters were consensual. The case also involves allegations of bribery and obstruction relating to the aftermath of the hotel assault.

The video evidence, shown to jurors, depicts Combs attacking Ventura in the hotel's elevator bank, with Ventura testifying about her efforts to escape him. Combs has publicly apologized for the incident, accepting responsibility for his actions on the video while denying criminal conspiracy or trafficking charges.

Further testimony includes earlier efforts by Combs to bribe another hotel staffer, Israel Florez, who also witnessed the assault footage. Despite attempts to downplay Combs's actions as damage control for their reputations, the detailed accounts highlight serious accusations beyond mere misbehavior.

As the trial continues, jurors are expected to hear more about the sex trafficking charges, particularly involving Ventura, and other serious allegations against Combs.