The sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs continued Friday with harrowing testimony from “Mia,” a former assistant to the music mogul and longtime friend of singer Cassie Ventura.
Testifying under a pseudonym to protect her identity, Mia described enduring years of physical, verbal, and sexual abuse while employed by Combs — allegations he has categorically denied.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and other serious offenses. The ongoing trial stems from sweeping allegations that he used his wealth and influence to coerce and exploit women through a web of manipulation, violence, and control — including orchestrated drug-fueled sex parties known as “Freak Offs,” detailed extensively in Ventura’s own 20 hours of testimony.
Cross-Examination Continues Monday
Mia is expected to return to the stand Monday for further cross-examination. On Friday, defense attorney Brian Steel questioned her motivations and credibility, pointing to seemingly celebratory social media posts she made in honor of Combs’ birthdays — including one in 2009, when she alleges he first sexually assaulted her at the Plaza Hotel in New York City during his 40th birthday celebration.
When asked why she continued working for Combs and even helped curate a scrapbook and birthday video for his 45th birthday, Mia responded:
“I was young and manipulated and eager to survive,” she said. “There’s a cycle of violence in abusive relationships. Nobody ever even flinched at his behavior. I was always in trouble and just trying to find a way not to be.”
Mia acknowledged the psychological toll of her experience, stating that she is only now “unraveling” what she endured in therapy.
“I Have Not Lied to Anyone”
Steel repeatedly suggested that Mia fabricated the sexual assault allegations, directly asking if Combs ever had “unwanted nonconsensual forcible sexual contact” with her. Mia firmly maintained the truth of her testimony:
“What I said in this courtroom is true. I have not lied to anyone at all,” she replied.
She also described the emotional devastation she felt when Revolt Films, where she had worked under Combs, shut down in 2016:
“I didn’t want to leave the company that I built, where I was actually starting to see my dreams come to fruition.”
Broader Legal and Political Implications
The high-profile case has drawn attention from legal experts and political figures alike.
On Friday, former President Donald Trump remarked that he would “look at the facts” before considering a pardon for Combs, should he be convicted — a rare public comment on an active federal criminal proceeding.
The case against Combs continues to unfold in federal court, with testimony resuming next week.
