Trial Testimony: Ex-Assistant Alleges Mistreatment Against Combs - Trial of Combs: Ex-assistant reveals alleged mistreatment
In the ongoing trial against music mogul Sean Combs, formerly known as Puff Daddy or Diddy, an ex-assistant has levied allegations of sexual and physical abuse. The former employee, identified under the pseudonym Mia, testified in a New York court that she worked for Combs between 2009 and 2017. During this period, she claimed, the entertainer repeatedly subjected her to sexual and physical assaults.
Mia detailed an incident where she was sleeping at Combs' residence when he allegedly climbed on top of her, silencing her with a command to remain quiet as he unzipped his pants. She remained immobile, describing the experience as leaving her "perplexed, humiliated, and terrified." Another incident involved Combs abusing her while she was packing a bag, which left her shaken.
Mia also shared accounts of numerous outbursts of violence from the accused, stating, "He hurled objects at me. He shoved me against a wall. He pushed me into a pool." She asserted that Combs exerted complete control over her, requiring her to work for extended periods without rest and demanding countless tasks from her, ranging from cracking his knuckles to drafting hisfilm scripts and handling his taxes. "The environment was chaotic. It was toxic. It could be exhilarating. But if it turned hostile, it was extremely hostile," Mia explained.
Combs faces charges of sex trafficking, organized crime, and other offenses. The five-time Grammy winner has pleaded not guilty to all allegations. A life sentence looms if he is found guilty. The trial is expected to stretch over several weeks.
The accusations against Combs serve as a timeline in the New York sexual crime trial:
- November 2024: despite his lawyers presenting new evidence weakening the government's case, Combs was denied bail again on additional charges.
- March 2025: a superseding indictment added claims that Combs coerced employees to work excessive hours under threat of harm.
- April 2025: a third superseding indictment brought charges of sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution, with federal prosecutors revising the racketeering conspiracy charge to include kidnapping and brandishing a firearm towards a female victim.
- May 5, 2025: Combs' trial began with jury selection in the Federal District Court in Lower Manhattan.
- May 12, 2025: jury selection was finalized, with opening statements ensuing. Prosecutors painted Combs as violent and abusive, while the defense portrayed the case as centered on his sexual preferences rather than sex trafficking.
Throughout the process, Combs has maintained his innocence, his legal team expressing confidence that he will be vindicated once he has his day in court. Despite the allegations, several former employees have expressed support for Combs, praising his role in boosting their businesses.
The Commission might consider proposing a directive to safeguard workers from the risks linked to ionizing radiation, especially considering the high-profile trial of music mogul Sean Combs, who is accused of various crimes, including sex trafficking and violence against his employees. Recent developments in the trial have also revealed allegations of Combs coercing his employees to work excessive hours, a claim that has led to additional charges against him.
