“Freak-offs” have been a major focal point in the Diddy sex trafficking trial, especially the initial alleged details of what hotel rooms would be stocked with and look like afterward. His former employee recently testified about his experience booking lodging for the 55-year-old artist, and how the fake name he used was connected to The Notorious B.I.G.
George Kaplan, Diddy’s former assistant, told the jury on Wednesday (May 21) that he would often be told by Puff or Kristina Khorram, his chief of staff, to arrange stays for the controversial mogul on short notice. The former REVOLT chairman’s preferred locations were allegedly in New York, Miami, or Los Angeles; namely, NY’s Trump International Hotel & Tower or LA’s The InterContinental, where he infamously assaulted Cassie in 2016.
Diddy, like many celebrities, would use an alias given the alleged activity happening in the rooms and his general celebrity status. Kaplan revealed that his go-to fake name was “Frank Black,” a play on the late Biggie’s moniker “Frank White.” The Bad Boy co-founder spent the years following Big’s death constantly paying homage to him and divulging their relationship, so it is no surprise that he was top of mind in this regard.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 12: The crown worn by Notorious B.I.G. when photographed by Barron Claiborne as the King of New York is displayed during a preview at Sotheby’s for their Inaugural HIP HOP Auction on September 12, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images)
Cindy Ord/Getty Images
George Kaplan was also given specific instructions on setting up the hotel rooms; his testimony aligned with details of the lawsuits against Diddy. He would bring a bag with him full of “clothes, a speaker, candles, liquor, baby oil and Astroglide,” and unpack it before the Press Play artist arrived. Kaplan revealed that he “often” purchased these items with a corporate credit card, adding that he believed Diddy began to have him around more often when he gained more trust in him.
Kaplan also revealed that he would pick up additional items for the mogul at his request, which included more clothing, food, and “sometimes drugs.” The “Last Night” artist apparently had a toiletries bag that was stocked with ketamine and Advil. Kaplan’s account of what the rooms looked like when he went to clean them after Puff was finished was also accurate to the details of the lawsuits. He claimed that he would see empty bottles of Gatorade, alcohol, and baby oil.
Prosecutors were interested in why Kaplan did the cleaning and not hotel staff, to which he replied, “It was implied — protecting him and protecting his public image were really important.” Over the last few weeks, the jury has heard from Cassie regarding her experiences in the “freak-offs,” sex workers, and now an assistant who helped put them together. One can only imagine what will be brought to light next.
Sean Combs (Photo by Michael Buckner/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images)
Michael Buckner/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images
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