On June 4, Wednesday, a fashion designer who previously accused Sean "Diddy" Combs of dangling her precariously over a 17th-story balcony is poised to take the stand during the music mogul's trial. Bryana Bongolan will be summoned by the prosecution to provide her testimony. In November 2024, she initiated legal proceedings against Combs, accusing him of sexual battery.
According to the lawsuit, "On or around September 26, 2016, Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs sexually assaulted Ms. Bryana 'Bana' Bongolan, swung her precariously over a balcony 17 stories high, and subsequently slammed her onto the patio furniture located there." The suit further alleged, "His egregious and reprehensible behavior violated Ms. Bongolan's fundamental dignity, bodily autonomy, and sense of security."
In response to the lawsuit, a legal representative for Combs issued a statement to Rolling Stone, denying Bongolan's allegations. "While anyone has the right to file a lawsuit, regardless of the evidence they possess or lack, Ms. Bongolan has expressed her intention to sue Mr. Combs since last year and has sought legal representation to pursue her claims," the representative stated. "Mr. Combs steadfastly denies these grave allegations and remains confident that they will ultimately be proven groundless."
Currently, Combs faces criminal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for the purpose of prostitution in federal court. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
In the indictment against him, prosecutors contend that Combs is accused of dangling someone over a balcony on one occasion. Bongolan's lawsuit recounts that she was sleeping in the apartment of Combs' then-girlfriend, Casandra "Cassie" Ventura.
In the lawsuit, Bongolan narrated that she was suddenly awakened by Combs shouting and pounding on the apartment door. "Mr. Combs gained access to the apartment and, upon sighting Ms. Bongolan on the balcony, approached her aggressively," the suit alleges. "He grasped her, turned her back to his chest, and molested her by fondling her breasts while she cried out for him to leave her alone. As Ms. Bongolan physically resisted, Mr. Combs shifted his hands from her breasts to her armpit area and hoisted her onto the banister of the 17th-floor balcony, repeatedly shouting, 'Do you know what the f— you did!'"
After descending from the banister, Bongolan claims that Combs lifted her even higher over the balcony. The suit asserts that the alleged assault ceased when Ventura appeared and began screaming at Combs to stop, before he allegedly pulled Bongolan back and slammed her onto a table.
Ventura herself had previously testified for four days during Combs' trial, making allegations of abuse, including rape, spanning their 11-year relationship.
