The fourth week of Sean "Diddy" Combs' high-profile federal trial in New York saw dramatic courtroom scenes, emotional testimony, and a stern warning from the judge.

Judge Arun Subramanian reprimanded the music mogul after he was seen nodding and making faces at jurors during cross-examination.

Calling the behaviour “absolutely unacceptable,” the judge warned Mr Combs he could be removed from the courtroom if it happened again. His legal team promised there would be no repeat.

The incident occurred during the testimony of Bryana Bongolan, a former friend of Mr Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura.

Ms Bongolan alleges that in 2016, the Bad Boy Records founder held her over a 17th-floor balcony during a violent altercation.

Mr Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering with conspiracy, and transportation for prostitution.

In addition to Ms Bongolan’s cross-examination, a woman identified only as “Jane” took the stand, offering a disturbing account of her relationship with Mr Combs between 2021 and his arrest in 2024.

Jane described the early stages of their relationship as glamorous, filled with lavish trips and expensive dinners.

But things soon took a dark turn. She told the court that Mr Combs encouraged her to participate in what prosecutors labelled “hotel nights”—encounters in which she was expected to engage in sexual acts with escorts while Mr Combs watched.

“The first time opened a Pandora’s box in our relationship,” she said. “It was a door I couldn’t shut.”

Jane testified that although she initially consented, she repeatedly told Mr Combs she no longer wanted to take part. Still, he persisted.

From April 2023, he allegedly paid $10,000 per month to house her—something she said made her feel obligated to comply with his demands. She also testified that he regularly supplied her with ecstasy, cocaine and ketamine.

Meanwhile, Ms Bongolan’s testimony remained under scrutiny. The defence, led by attorney Nicole Westmoreland, grilled her on inconsistencies between her court statements and earlier accounts.

They suggested that Ms Bongolan had embellished or altered her story, even presenting evidence that Mr Combs may not have been in the same city on the date of the alleged 2016 balcony incident.

Prosecutors countered by showing the jury photos taken by Ms Bongolan and her former girlfriend of bruises on her body, allegedly sustained the night Mr Combs threw her into balcony furniture.

A text message from Ms Ventura, dated 30 September 2016, described the rapper choking and threatening Ms Bongolan.

Ms Bongolan also recalled seeing Ms Ventura with visible injuries, including a black eye, and testified about drug use between the two.

She claimed that on one occasion, Mr Combs threw a knife at Ms Ventura, who then hurled it back.

During a photoshoot in Malibu, she alleged that Mr Combs menaced her, saying: “I’m the devil and I could kill you.”

However, the defence worked hard to undermine her credibility. Under pressure, Ms Bongolan frequently claimed she couldn’t recall specific conversations with prosecutors from earlier this year.

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The court also heard from forensic video expert Frank Piazza, who confirmed that footage showing Mr Combs assaulting Ms Ventura in a hotel hallway had not been tampered with.

Also last week, testimony concluded for “Mia,” a former assistant who alleged she was raped by Mr Combs. She was questioned over positive messages and social media posts she had previously shared about her former employer.

Hotel staff from the Beverly Hills Hotel also took the stand, describing the extensive cleaning required after Mr Combs' stays due to oil damage in rooms.