Why Did Diddy Make Assistant Take Lie Detector Test — Administered by Ex-FBI Agent?

David James, a former personal assistant to Sean “Diddy” Combs, took the witness stand Tuesday morning in the federal case against the hip-hop mogul. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik asked James about his employment with Combs, which went from May 2007 to 2009. James said he was originally hired as a “personal liaison” and later became Combs’ personal assistant.

James testified that he was forced to take two lie detector tests during his time working for Combs. The first occurred in 2007, after Combs noticed cash went missing.

“It was very intimidating,” James said. He explained that he was strapped into a machine that monitored “every movement,” with sensors attached to his chest and head. When asked if he could have refused, he replied, “Not if I wanted to maintain my employment.” 

James said no discrepancies were found during that test.

About six months later, he said he was required to take another polygraph after a Cartier watch was stolen. 

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“I was more nervous the second time,” James said. “It was extremely intimidating.” He again passed the test, but the former FBI agent administering the test told him he seemed nervous and asked if he had ever stolen from Combs. 

James testified that he had taken some Cîroc vodka and Sean John jeans.

He also testified that the Director of Marketing at Sean Jean, Capricorn Clarke, also had to take a lie detector after she was robbed of Combs’ “jewels.” She was cleared, but Combs then allegedly replaced some of the stolen diamonds with fakes. 

Combs is being held without bail at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. He faces charges of racketeering and sex trafficking and could face life in prison if convicted.