Cassie Ventura’s longtime friend testifies in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ trial

Testimony continues in the Sean “Diddy” Combs’ criminal trial. Follow for live updates.

• Happening now: Sean “Diddy” Combs’ criminal trial is in recess for a lunch break. When the jury returns, they’ll hear more testimony from Bryana Bongolan, a longtime friend of Cassie Ventura. • Previous testimony: The jury this morning heard from forensic video expert Frank Piazza, who said the March 2016 video from the InterContinental Hotel that captured Combs assaulting Ventura was not manually altered. Yesterday, Eddy Garcia, a former security officer at the hotel, testified about how Combs allegedly tried to cover up the video, saying he accepted $100,000 from Combs in exchange for the footage. • Federal charges: Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges that include racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. If convicted on all counts, he could face up to life in prison. • Editor’s Note: If you or someone you know is struggling with intimate partner violence, there are resources available, including the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Frank Piazza, a forensic audio and video editor, was the first witness to take the stand this morning in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal criminal trial. Piazza is an expert witness who testified that he is being paid $295 per hour for his work on this case and that he has no knowledge of the case but reviewed cell phone video, surveillance footage and “sex videos.” Bryana Bongolan was called to the stand next and testified about a physical altercation she alleged happened at the hands of Combs. Her testimony is expected to continue after the lunch break.