The federal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs continued Thursday with harrowing testimony from a former assistant known as Mia, who described years of emotional manipulation and alleged abuse. Her appearance marked the second day on the witness stand, where she recounted a dynamic shaped by fear, blurred power lines, and psychological trauma.
Mia testified that Diddy weaponized professional opportunities, including a shelved ABC series, as a tool of control. She detailed a work environment that she said veered between luxury and coercion, describing a life where approval had to be earned and dissent felt dangerous. “I was young and manipulated,” she said, reflecting on the psychological toll.
Witness details trauma as defense questions credibility
Her statements echoed earlier testimony from Deonte Nash, a former stylist and close friend of Cassie Ventura, who previously alleged that Diddy exerted control over nearly every aspect of Ventura’s life. Together, their accounts sketched a picture of prolonged emotional strain and uneven power dynamics behind closed doors. Diddy, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges including sex trafficking and racketeering.
His defense team, led by Brian Steel, has pushed back, challenging the credibility of witnesses and pointing to inconsistencies in public and private behavior. During cross-examination, Steel questioned Mia about social media posts that appeared to show her in good spirits around Diddy. He played a video of her celebrating his birthday, suggesting it conflicted with her claims of fear and mistreatment. The judge ultimately ruled the footage largely irrelevant, and the trial moved forward.
Mia, who said she was diagnosed with complex PTSD, described how the impact of those years still lingers. Ordinary interactions, she testified, can trigger panic. “I would have to leave work because I would be triggered by very normal situations,” she said, attributing the distress to her time with Diddy.
