On Thursday, an anonymous former employee of Sean “Diddy” Combs took the stand in his sex trafficking trial, accusing him of sexual assault and violence.
The witness, testifying under the pseudonym “Mia,” worked as a personal assistant and then executive for Combs from 2009 to 2017. Her real identity was revealed to the jury as an image of her passport was shown under seal. (Variety will refrain from describing her physical appearance as to respect the witness’ anonymity.)
Mia described her time working under Combs as “chaotic” and “toxic.” Being his assistant was a relentless job with an initial salary of $50,000. Mia said she once worked five days straight without sleep, and used the drug Adderall to stay awake.
Looking down and speaking in a nervous, soft voice, Mia said Combs “sexually assaulted me” on multiple occasions. At the beginning of the trial, prosecutors previewed that Mia would testify that Combs forced her to perform oral sex and once entered “her bed to penetrate her against her will.”
Mia became close friends with Combs’ then-girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, describing their relationship as “like sisters.” She said Combs exerted control over nearly every aspect of Ventura’s life and career, including how her nails looked and what music she was allowed to put out. He paid for Ventura’s homes and cars and would take them away from her “when he was upset” or “couldn’t get her on the phone,” Mia testified.
Asked about whether she witnessed any violence in Combs and Ventura’s relationship, Mia stuttered and took heavy breaths. “I’ve seen him attack her, I’ve seen him throw her on the ground, I’ve seen him crack her head open. I’ve seen him chase her,” she said.
On one occasion that has been previously referenced in the trial, Mia was hanging out with Ventura and her stylist, Deonte Nash, when an “irate” Combs knocked on the door, came into Ventura’s apartment and allegedly began beating her. Mia and Nash jumped on Combs to try to stop him, and Combs “threw me against a wall so quick and so easily,” Mia said. “I realized we were in real danger.”
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Mia said she watched Combs pick up Ventura, and “he slammed her head into the corner of the bed.” Ventura’s head began gushing blood and she developed a scar on her forehead. Mia said that in the moment, she feared that Combs “would kill her.”
Mia said Combs then demanded that she call one of his assistants and tell her that Ventura “was drunk and hit her head,” and that she needed to see a doctor immediately.
During these fits of rage, Combs’ eyes would “turn black” and “it was like he was looking through me,” Mia said.
On another occasion, around 2011 or 2012, Mia and Ventura decided to go to a party in Los Angeles hosted by the artist Prince, going against Combs’ instructions that they stay in. At the party, Mia and Ventura were dancing and “having fun,” when Combs suddenly entered and made eye contact with Mia. “Oh crap,” she thought.
To avoid Combs, Mia said she and Ventura ran out of the house and tried to hide in the bushes, but Combs “caught” Ventura and “had her on the ground.”
“He started to attack her, but Prince’s security swiftly intervened,” she recalled.
The next day, Mia was informed that she had been suspended without pay. “Puff said I was being insubordinate,” she said.
Mia’s testimony matches up with many of the events described by Ventura, Nash and other witnesses. Combs is not accused of sex trafficking Mia. Rather, her testimony that Combs subjected her to forced labor — including sexual activity — through violence and threats, relates to the racketeering charge. Combs is accused of running a criminal enterprise, with security guards and other employees who allegedly helped him commit crimes and cover them up for decades.
If convicted, Combs could spend the rest of his life behind bars.
From Variety US