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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ assistant, Brendan Paul, was set to take the stand in mid-June 2025 for Combs’ federal trial. Who is he, and why is known as Combs’ ‘drug mule’?
As hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial unfolds, a diverse group of witnesses has taken the stand. Among the most significant testimonies is that of Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, Combs’ ex-girlfriend. She described enduring years of abuse and coercion. Former associates, like stylist Deonte Nash and former assistant George Kaplan, supported Ventura’s claims. Now, Combs’ former assistant, Brendan Paul, is set to testify. Who is Paul? Here’s what to know.
Who is Brendan Paul? He allegedly acted as Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ ‘drug mule’
According to NBC News, Brendan Paul was set to take the stand on June 17, 2025, in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial.
So, what does Paul have to do with the case? Police arrested the 25-year-old assistant and aspiring music producer in March 2024 on felony charges of cocaine and marijuana possession. The arrest coincided with federal raids on Combs’ properties in Miami and Los Angeles. Former producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones alleged that Paul acted as Combs’ “drug mule.” Paul allegedly transported drugs and guns across state and international lines. The charges against Paul were later dropped after he completed a pretrial diversion program.
While in court, Paul invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. The judge granted him an immunity order. This means he will tell the truth to receive protection from prosecution.
According to the New York Post, Paul is from Shaker Heights, Ohio, and listed his current address in Chagrin Falls near Cleveland. He still lives with his parents, Curt and Mary Jo. Paul attended three years of private boarding school at Brewster Academy and then transferred to Hawken High for his last year. He then attended Syracuse University in New York for two years and transferred to Fairmont State University for his junior and senior years.
Those keeping up with Combs’ case know Paul was a college basketball player. He reportedly played Division I school basketball from 2018 to 2020 and transferred to a Division II team in 2020. Paul leaned into his amateur music producer career after his basketball career failed to materialize. He produced on Combs’ album The Love Album.
How to get help: In the U.S., call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
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