by Suchismita Pal
In early June 2025, Dr. Keshia Gaines found herself in the middle of a media frenzy that had all of New York and the rest of the world buzzing—the Sean “Diddy” Combs federal trial. Since Dr. Gaines was visiting the heart of Manhattan, she decided to explore the scene. The high-profile federal trial had transformed the Daniel Patrick Moynihan U.S. Courthouse into a media magnet, and she decided to step right into the action. Dr. Keshia Gaines attended Day 14 and 15 of this world-famous trial.
Day 14: Media Mayhem and Street Buzz
Dr. Gaines’ first day outside the courthouse was anything but ordinary. Wearing a grey hoodie, she mingled with a unique mix of YouTubers, news reporters, security guards, and curious onlookers. The courthouse plaza buzzed with speculation, live videos, and spontaneous interviews. Everyone was waiting for a celebrity glimpse or just a story to tell via social media or on the sidewalk.
Dr. Gaines had the chance to meet Darla Miles, an Emmy-Winning news reporter for WABC-TV in New York City and Kara Scanell, a top reporter and anchor for CNN News. Also, Dr. Gaines met Aaron Katersky, a senior investigative reporter for ABC News. “It was really nice to network with these top news reporters in the journalism field!” said Dr. Gaines, who holds a Ph.D. in educational leadership and a National Board Teacher Certification.
Day 15: Entering the Courtroom—With a Gold Coin and No Phone
Things took a serious turn on day 15. Dr. Keshia Gaines made it inside the federal building—but not without surrendering her phone.
“After I was screened by security, I had to power off my cell phone and turn it in for an engraved gold coin about the size of a half dollar,” she explained. “As I left the courthouse, I traded in my gold coin for my cell phone.”
Dressed in a grey blazer, blue jeans, and tennis shoes, Dr. Gaines entered into the courtroom. The courthouse itself was stunning: marble-clad walls and floors, modern sculptures, and museum-worthy artwork. As she stepped into the courtroom, the tone shifted entirely.
“I remember walking into the courtroom. It was very silent. Reporters and onlookers were taking notes and listening to the case carefully,” Dr. Gaines recalled.
This solemn setting stood in sharp contrast to the chaos outside— it was all about being quiet and listening to the trial unfold.
Familiar Faces: Gene Deal, ABC News, and YouTube Stars
Among the spectators, one person stood out immediately: Mr. Gene Deal, Diddy’s towering former bodyguard from the 1990’s and 2000’s.
“When I entered the courtroom, the first person I noticed was Gene Deal. He was hard to miss—he was very tall and muscular. His knees almost touched the back of the next row of bench seats, which looked like church pews,” Dr. Gaines recalled.
Being a fan of Gene Deal’s YouTube interviews, Dr. Gaines seized the moment. “During one of the trial’s recesses, I told Gene Deal that I was a big fan and that I really enjoyed his book : My World of Bodyguarding a Hip-Hop Star. I regret that I didn’t get a chance to take a picture with Gene Deal.”
Dr. Gaines also spotted ABC News reporter, attorney Brian Buckmire, and a mix of influencers, legal buffs, and curious citizens.
On the Stand: Eddy Garcia and the $100,000 Bribe
The main testimony from day 15 came from Mr. Eddy Garcia, a former hotel security guard who accepted a $100,000 bribe to bury a violent 2016 video of Sean “Diddy” Combs attacking ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura.
As Garcia testified about COMBS Enterprises, the courtroom screen displayed sections of the lengthy non-disclosure agreement and two driver’s licenses. Some aspects of the courtroom scene stood out from others.
“There was a lady sitting one row behind me who hid a cell phone (or an object that looked like a cell phone) under her thigh—but it was none of my business,” Dr. Gaines remembered.
In her notes, Dr. Gaines included Eddy Garcia’s $10.50/hour salary from 2016, how the $100,000 bribe was spent, lunch break times, and a stick-figure sketch of Diddy.
Diddy’s Look: Bright Orange in a Sea of Black
On day 15, Sean “Diddy” Combs was very easy to spot.
“Diddy’s hair was very grey, like Santa Claus,” Dr. Gaines observed. “He was the only person wearing bright orange, while his attorneys and others wore dark colored business suits.”
That contrast mirrored the surreal nature of the trial—a celebrity known for glitz and glamour now appearing in federal court wearing orange while his past is under a harsh legal microscope.
Final Thoughts: A Real-Life Soap Opera
“I’m just here for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of witnessing a celebrity trial at a federal courthouse,” Dr. Keshia Gaines continued. “It was a very interesting experience, like watching a real-life soap opera. I’m not sure how this court case will turn out, but everyone involved needs prayer.”
As the trial continues to unfold, Dr. Gaines’ firsthand account offers a rare and compelling peek inside the federal courthouse—where this case is continuing to be investigated.