Sean “Diddy” Combs’ former assistant, George Kaplan, was granted immunity this week to testify in the hip-hop mogul’s high-profile federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial. The move comes as prosecutors seek to bolster their case by compelling testimony from insiders who allegedly witnessed or participated in key events.
Kaplan, who worked for Combs during the period in question, told the court he would invoke his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination if forced to testify. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian granted him immunity, meaning Kaplan’s testimony cannot be used to prosecute him for crimes he may admit to on the stand—except for perjury if he lies under oath.
During his testimony, Kaplan described his role in organizing what he called “freak offs”—private gatherings where he was tasked with setting up hotel rooms, providing items such as lubricant, and cleaning up after the events. He also said Combs would sometimes ask him to procure drugs, though he did not specify which substances. Kaplan further testified that Combs frequently threatened his employment and that a significant part of his job involved protecting the music mogul’s public image.
The charges against Combs include sex trafficking by force, transportation for prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy. Prosecutors allege he led an enterprise that coerced women into drug-fueled sexual encounters and used threats to keep them silent. Combs has pleaded not guilty, maintaining that all encounters were consensual and denying all trafficking allegations.
Kaplan is expected to complete his testimony in the coming days, with cross-examination by Combs’ attorneys to follow. Rapper Kid Cudi is also scheduled to take the stand as the trial continues to unfold.
