Who Is Bryana ‘Bana’ Bongolan in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Trial?
This week, the federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial of hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has intensified in Manhattan, with harrowing testimonies shedding light on alleged abuse and manipulation. Bryana “Bana” Bongolan, a former associate of Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, recounted a chilling 2016 incident where Combs allegedly dangled her over a 17th-floor balcony. Combs allegedly shouted, “You know what the f*** you did,” before throwing her onto patio furniture. Here’s what to know about Bongolan and her testimony.
Who is Bryana ‘Bana’ Bongolan? She testified regarding Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ violence
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal trial continued with witness testimonies. Bryana “Bana” Bongolan, a 33-year-old fashion designer and former associate of Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, explained what she allegedly experienced.
Appearing under immunity, Bongolan recounted a September 2016 incident at Ventura’s Los Angeles apartment, where Combs allegedly dangled her over a 17th-floor balcony. “You know what the f*** you did,” Combs allegedly shouted at her before slamming her onto patio furniture. She described enduring lasting psychological trauma from the event, including night terrors and paranoia.
Bongolan also testified to witnessing Combs’ abusive behavior toward Ventura, including an incident where Combs allegedly threw a knife at Ventura, narrowly missing her. These accounts are part of a broader case in which Combs faces charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and abuse spanning two decades. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
So, how did Bongolan connect with Combs in the first place? According to DailyMail.com, she worked with Ventura at Diamond Supply Co., a popular skate shop in Los Angeles, in 2014. She became good friends with Ventura during their work together. Bongolan considered meeting Combs as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to collaborate, as she considered herself a “starving artist.” She went on to design the Bad Boy Entertainment jackets, album covers, music videos, and a clothing line for Ventura.
Last year, Bongolan sued Combs for $10 million. She accused him of sexual battery and physical abuse, noting Combs molested her and attacked her at Ventura’s apartment in 2016. In another alleged incident, Bongolan said Combs told her, “I’m the motherf****** devil. I could kill you,” during a photoshoot.
Bana Bongolan started designing fashion in high school
Despite her harrowing alleged abuse at the hands of Sean “Diddy” Combs, Bryana “Bana” Bongolan became a successful fashion designer. According to the bio on her BANA website, she began designing clothing in high school. She then found herself designing for Crooks and Castles, one of the most prominent streetwear companies in West Hollywood.
At just 15, she launched her first clothing line, BEINHABITED, which gained traction among celebrities like Chris Brown, Meek Mill, and Cassie Ventura. Her designs, including graphic tees and leather accessories, were featured in prominent publications such as Nylon, Complex, and XXL. Bongolan’s collaborations further solidified her reputation, notably with Nylon on the “Orange by BANA” collection, blending streetwear with high fashion.
In addition to her design work, she founded POSTERCHILD Art Factory, a creative consultancy offering fashion styling and consulting services.
The fashion designer was given an immunity order in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ trial
Bryana “Bana” Bongolan testified under immunity in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial. Law&Crime Reporter Elizabeth Millner explained why she would want immunity.
“I think it had a lot to do with just the drugs and how she would either provide drugs to Cassie,” Millner reported. “At the time, she would give Diddy drugs. And she explained that she gave Cassie drugs, or sold Cassie drugs, like Oxy pills or ketamine, whereas with Diddy, in particular, that she had at one point given or sold Diddy cocaine.”
Bongolan’s testimony also recounted how Combs gave her drugs like ecstasy, cocaine, ketamine, and GHB.
How to get help: In the U.S., call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
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