20-hour days and seven days a week: Diddy’s former assistant reveals monstrous work schedule

On Monday afternoon, after damning revelations from Cassie Ventura, Diddy’s former assistant David James gave his testimony to the jury as his former boss faces charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.

David initially began working for Diddy after seeing an advert in the New York Times, staying with him from May 2007 to May 2009. Over his two years of service, he allegedly witnessed Diddy’s treatment of then-girlfriend Cassie and how she wanted to escape.

“This place is crazy,” she reportedly said, to which he replied, “If it’s so crazy, why don’t you get out?”

“I can’t, he controls my career, pays my allowance, and pays my rent,” Cassie answered.

Though he didn’t witness any of the alleged violence, revealing how the only disagreements he saw were “about her professional career”, David James did detail his gruelling work schedule for Diddy.

David James was really keen to work for Diddy

After noticing the job advert in the paper, David James applied for Diddy’s personal assistant role “multiple” times, sending his resume via fax, email, and dropping it off in person. Upon interviewing for the position, Bad Boy Entertainment’s vice president of human resources pointed to a picture of Diddy and allegedly said, “This is Mr. Combs’ kingdom. We’re all here to serve in it.”

According to CNN’s live reporting of the federal trial in New York City, David James’ job was to make sure Diddy “was able to operate as a chairman of company” and to “get every environment comfortable.”

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David would get to his employer’s house before he woke up, organising his personal items, laying out his business documents, press clippings and schedules, before turning on the TV to Diddy’s preferred channel. After talking to the chef about food choices for the day, David James would then wake Diddy up by knocking on his door.

Once Diddy was up, well fed, and dressed for the day, his assistant would liaise with security before heading out. Most of the time, the day would be taken up by meetings, a formal dinner, and working at the music studio until somewhere between three am and four am. Only after setting up the following day’s activities would David be allowed to turn in.

Over the course of his two-year employment, David James would regularly work seven days a week and a staggering 20 hours a day. He would allegedly work continuously for three weeks before getting a day off, though when Diddy hired additional help, he was allowed a five-day week on occasion.

It’s not immediately clear why David James stopped working for Diddy.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Contact the national domestic violence helpline on 0808 2000 247. Lines are open 24/7.