Sean 'Diddy' Combs is facing federal trial, and many allegedly inappropriate incidents from his career and personal life are coming to light. One of these involves his former assistant, David James, who claims he was made to take two lie detector tests while working for the music mogul.
James worked for Diddy between May 2007 and 2009. He says he was forced to take polygraph tests after items went missing. These tests, he claims, were part of a larger pattern of control and fear within Combs’ inner circle.
Why did Diddy make his assistant take lie detector tests?

As reported by AOL News on May 20, 2025, David James said he was first asked to take a lie detector test in 2007. This happened after Diddy noticed that some cash was missing. James said he felt he had no choice but to say yes if he wanted to keep his job.
About six months later, a second test was administered on him. This time, it was after a Cartier watch was stolen. James said he was more nervous the second time. The examiner noted his anxiety and asked if he had ever stolen anything before. He admitted to taking Cîroc vodka and Sean John jeans, but not the cash or the watch.
According to a People report on May 20, 2025, James passed both tests. However, he described the experience as “very intimidating.” He had wires on his chest and head and said the whole thing made him feel trapped.
Was this part of a larger culture of fear at Diddy’s company?

James said he was not the only person asked to take a polygraph test. He claimed that other employees were also made to take lie detector tests, including a Director of Marketing at Sean John, Diddy’s clothing brand. That employee was cleared in a different theft investigation.
James described Diddy’s workplace as one where fear was the dominant mood. He claimed many staff members felt they had to agree to things they didn’t want to do because saying no could reportedly get them fired.
According to The Brooklyn Eagle on May 20, 2025, James said the lie detector tests were one of many tools used to keep staff in check. He felt there was a pattern of control and intimidation that started from the top and affected everyone.
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How does this fit into the larger case against Diddy?

As reported by USA Today on May 20, 2025, the polygraph story is one piece of a bigger case. Federal prosecutors are showing that Diddy allegedly used fear to control people around him. This includes not just employees, but also artists, partners, and his former girlfriend Cassie Ventura.
According to The Washington Post on May 20, 2025, the case includes claims of abuse, threats, and illegal activity. Testimony has covered drugs, weapons, and sex parties. Prosecutors say all of this shows that Diddy ran his businesses and personal life through fear and control.
The polygraph tests are being used as early proof of how Diddy allegedly treated people close to him. The tests may not be crimes on their own, but they help understand how he handled problems behind closed doors.
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Diddy’s former assistant says he was made to take lie detector tests after cash and a watch went missing. These events happened during his time working for Diddy from 2007 to 2009. James says he felt pressured and afraid to say no.
Other employees were also reportedly tested, and this fits into what prosecutors say was a pattern of fear and control. These claims are now part of a much larger trial where Diddy faces serious charges related to abuse, threats, and misconduct.
As the trial continues, more stories are likely to come out. For now, the lie detector tests are an example of how Diddy allegedly ran his world behind the scenes.