To Sean “Diddy” Combs’ former bodyguard, the embattled music mogul and alcohol entrepreneur has a “God syndrome.”
“He’s a king manipulator. He can manipulate anything, anyone,” mentioned Roger Bonds, Combs’ former head of safety. “Money and power is all he’s all about.”
Bonds, who served on Combs’ safety employees for practically a decade, from 2003 to 2012, mentioned in a current interview with Piers Morgan that Combs’ ex-girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura was one of many folks manipulated by the Bad Boy Records co-founder. He additionally claimed on Monday that Ventura — who sued the rapper in November, alleging assault — wasn’t the one lady who allegedly suffered bodily violence from Combs.
Late mannequin and actor Kim Porter was additionally subjected to the hip-hop star’s violent assaults, Bonds alleged. The ex-bodyguard mentioned he witnessed Combs “smack” and “grab” Porter. Combs and Porter had been romantically linked from 1994 to 2007 and share three kids. Their son Christian “King” Combs was sued for alleged sexual assault in April. Porter died in 2018 of lobar pneumonia. She was 47.
A consultant for Combs didn’t instantly reply Tuesday to The Times’ request for remark.
Bonds instructed Morgan he noticed Combs get violent with ladies “around four or five times” throughout his tenure and added, “I’ve seen him get bodily… seize ‘em up.”
Combs, who is facing several sexual assault lawsuits and a federal probe, became the centre of renewed controversy last week when CNN published hotel security footage showing the 2016 assault alleged by Ventura.
During the incident, which the singer detailed in her since-settled lawsuit, Combs can be seen chasing, grabbing, kicking and throwing a glass vase at her. Combs apologised over the weekend for his actions in the video — but some critics, including Bonds, didn’t purchase his Instagram apology.
“I think he said what people wanted to hear, not what he felt,” Bonds mentioned. He additionally instructed Morgan that he didn’t discover the video of Combs’ 2016 assault stunning, noting, “I’ve seen things to this nature before.”
Bonds, whom Ventura named in her lawsuit, described a number of alleged accounts of Combs’ violence towards the ladies in his shut circles — together with an incident with Porter in entrance of the Beverly Hills Hotel. He didn’t share when the alleged incident occurred, however mentioned the previous companions had been combating in a automobile.
“Kim got out the car like nothing happened, and she fixed her hair, and she told him, ‘I want to see you explain to the media that scratch I’m gonna put across your face if you put your hands on me again,’” Bonds recalled.
He added: “That was Kim’s attitude… she realised that what (Combs) had to explain meant more to him than anything. Once she realised she had that power, she said, ‘Nah… no more.’”
Since Ventura’s grievance in November, extra ladies have come ahead with allegations of sexual assault, amongst different accusations of unlawful conduct, towards Combs.
“When you have a problem with every woman that you’re dealing with, then I think that problem is inside of you,” Bonds mentioned Monday.
While Bonds didn’t go into an excessive amount of element about different mounting allegations towards Combs — together with sex-trafficking — he mentioned he feels extra revelations about his former boss’ conduct will come to gentle.
Bonds concluded his Piers Morgan Uncensored look by saying, “I don’t think he belongs in prison. I think he needs help.”
Amid the controversies, Combs has taken hits to each his skilled and private lives. The disturbing CNN footage prompted New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Monday to contemplate rescinding Combs’ key to the town. Stationary bike firm Peloton additionally reportedly pulled Combs’ music from its train courses within the wake of the lodge video.
Additionally, different names within the hip-hop group have taken purpose at Combs’ Instagram apology.
“Diddy, how (are) we supposed to believe anything that comes outta your mouth?,” Charlamagne Tha God mentioned on The Breakfast Club over the weekend.
Rapper 50 Cent, who beforehand shaded Combs and his son King Combs, shared a portion of Bonds’ interview on Instagram. “Brother love, brother love, brother love, this ain’t looking good,” he captioned the video.
Other musicians who’ve spoken out about Combs since video of his 2016 assault on Ventura surfaced embrace Lil’ Scrappy, former Bad Boy Records artiste Shyne and singer Kelly Price.
On Monday evening, CNN added rapper Cam’ron to the combo of superstar reactions — although he mentioned he didn’t have a lot to say.
On Monday night, Cam’ron condemned Combs’ “egregious” actions within the 2016 safety footage, however questioned why the highlight was on him.
“I don’t really know Puff,” he instructed anchor Abby Phillip earlier than selling his YouTube present. “For me to tell you how Puff acting and all that, I don’t know. I never was signed to him.”
He added within the now-viral section: “Who’s the talent agent for this joint? You think I be sitting around watching what Diddy do… who booked me for this joint?” – Los Angeles Times/Tribune News Service
