NEED TO KNOW
Defense attorneys for Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is facing dozens of sex crimes allegations, implied in court on Monday, June 2, that one of the prosecution’s witnesses in his trial has financial motivations.
A former assistant to Combs who is testifying under the pseudonym “Mia” was on the stand in a Manhattan federal court on Monday for the third day. Over three days of testimony, Mia has repeatedly accused Combs of sexually, physically and mentally abusing her during her employment with him. Combs is not charged with sexual assault in connection with her allegations.
On Monday, defense attorney Brian Steel accused Mia of engaging in a “money grab” against Combs.
“You joined the #MeToo money grab against Mr. Combs?” he asked, referring to the #MeToo movement.
The prosecution immediately objected and Judge Arun Subramanian quickly sustained it.
Steel made the claim while attempting to establish the timeline of when Mia got involved in the prosecution’s case.
Mia first met with federal prosecutors in January 2024, but didn’t tell the government about her own alleged assault until months later in June, she told the jury on Monday.
Mia said she spoke to Casandra “Cassie” Ventura after Ventura filed her bombshell lawsuit against Combs in 2023, alleging years of physical and sexual abuse. Mia said she did not tell Ventura that she had allegedly been sexually assaulted by Combs.
As part of what has seemed like a recurring defense tactic, Steel questioned why Mia never told friends or family about Combs’ alleged sexual assault.
Mia reiterated her testimony from last week, saying she didn’t have the opportunity to spend meaningful time with people close to her, and sometimes Combs didn’t allow her to.
“I was never outside of his grip,” she testified.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.
