Sean “Diddy” Combs’s former personal assistant was allegedly told “this is Mr Combs’s kingdom, we’re all here to serve in it” while interviewing for the job.

David James, who worked for Combs from 2007 to 2009, became emotional as he told Manhattan federal court about applying for a position at Badboy Worldwide Entertainment Group after seeing an advert in the New York Times.

Describing his interview with Vashta Wilson, the senior vice-president of HR, he said: “I remember sitting at her desk and there was a picture of Mr Combs on the wall… She pointed at the wall, she said: ‘This is Mr Combs’s kingdom, we’re all here to serve in it.’”

Mr James is the seventh witness called by the prosecution in the trial of Combs, 55, who is charged with racketeering, sex-trafficking and the transportation of prostitutes. If convicted on all counts he could face life in prison.

He has pleaded not guilty on all counts.