Twenty-five years ago in 1999, a young reporter for the East Hampton Star named Ted Ammon found himself at a party hosted by hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs at his waterfront mansion in East Hampton. Initially just intending to jot down the names of arriving guests for a story, Ted ended up partying with hip-hop legends like Jay-Z and designer Betsey Johnson. He was able to gain entry into the party thanks to an unknown woman who claimed to be his guest after seeing his name on the guest list.
The party was a star-studded event with paparazzi, fans, and lookie-loos lining up outside Diddy’s mansion. Inside, the party was in full swing with music, topless women in the swimming pool, and models handing out champagne. The guests included celebrities like Busta Rhymes, Russell Simmons, Ivanka Trump, and Carmen Electra. Diddy was dressed in white with gold chains, and the atmosphere was one of extravagance and excess.
The party had an air of exclusivity, with only famous guests allowed inside Diddy’s mansion, which he later sold in 2020. Despite not being a notable figure or a recognized guest, Ted was not questioned or removed from the party. He took advantage of the situation, mingling with celebrities and even flirting with Carmen Electra. Ted thanked Diddy for hosting the party, with Diddy’s response being a casual “Okay, yeah.”
Despite the wild atmosphere and the presence of celebrities, Ted noted that he did not witness any extreme behavior such as the use of drugs or explicit sexual activities. Instead, he enjoyed the music, food, and interactions with the guests. The experience of partying with celebrities and being part of an extravagant event was a memorable one for Ted, who reflected on the surreal evening. The murder of Ted Ammon two years later added a chilling aspect to his memories of the party and the night he spent living a life of luxury and excess.
