A former assistant to Sean “Diddy” Combs has accused the music mogul of repeated sexual assault during her eight years of employment, according to testimony in a New York court.
Testifying anonymously as “Mia,” the witness emotionally recounted a pervasive atmosphere of fear, fueled by Combs’ alleged violent outbursts.
Combs, 55, observed the proceedings from the defense table, his arms folded, as Mia detailed her apprehension about potential retaliation for reporting the alleged abuse.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to federal charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution.
Warning: This story contains details some readers may find distressing
Mia testified, “I couldn’t tell him no about a sandwich. I couldn’t tell him no about anything.” Combs’ legal team has yet to cross-examine Mia or respond to her claims.
She is the second witness in the trial to allege sexual abuse by Combs, following his ex-girlfriend, Casandra Ventura.
Mia described beginning her work as a personal assistant in 2009 at age 25, entering what she characterized as a volatile and toxic environment.
“The highs were really high and the lows were really, really low,” she stated on Thursday.
The role demanded constant proximity to Combs, she testified, requiring her to anticipate his every need and mood.
She was often confined to his residences, unable to lock doors or leave without his permission.
Mia detailed instances of alleged violence, including an incident where Combs reportedly threw a spaghetti bowl that narrowly missed her head.
In another alleged incident, Combs allegedly hurled a computer at her head after she informed him about ongoing wifi issues.
She also recounted witnessing Combs’ alleged violence toward Ventura, with whom Mia had developed a close friendship.
During a trip to Turks and Caicos, Mia testified that Ventura fled their room screaming that Combs would kill her, leading to a desperate escape to the beach. Another time, they used a paddleboard to escape his wrath, facing a looming storm.
“I was trying to weigh if it was scarier to face mother nature, or go back to Puff [Combs],” Mia testified.
Mia also described an incident in 2013 in Los Angeles where Combs allegedly attacked Ventura, resulting in a cut eyebrow. Mia intervened, but was allegedly thrown against a wall.
“He’s actually going to kill her,” Mia recalled thinking.
Mia explained that she hadn’t reported Combs’s alleged abuse due to fear of his power and influence, citing the firing of another assistant who had reported Combs’ violence against Ventura. Combs also allegedly threatened to reveal their sexual encounters to Ventura.
Mia detailed several alleged instances of sexual assault by Combs, including an alleged attempted rape. One alleged assault occurred on Combs’ 40th birthday at the Plaza Hotel, involving what Mia described as forced kissing and unwanted touching after being given alcohol. Another involved waking up to Combs allegedly raping her at his Los Angeles home.
“I just froze,” she said. “It was very quick but it felt like forever.”
Mia described the alleged assaults as sporadic throughout her employment, acknowledging gaps in her memory but recalling a persistent feeling of dread.
When questioned about her silence, Mia emphasized her fear of losing her job and facing retribution from Combs.
“I knew his power,” she said. “I knew his control over me and I didn’t want to lose everything I worked so hard for.”
After the alleged assaults, Mia attempted to suppress the experience, but ultimately decided to testify.
When asked why she was sharing her story, she responded, “I had to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.” Mia’s testimony will continue on Friday, following which the defense will have the opportunity to question her.
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