Testimony Reveals Years of Alleged Abuse in the Music Industry
Grammy-winning hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing explosive new allegations in a New York courtroom as a former assistant — testifying anonymously as “Mia” — accused him of years of sexual abuse, physical violence, and psychological control during her eight-year employment with the artist.
The testimony is part of a federal racketeering and sex trafficking trial involving Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Mia, often tearful, shared harrowing details of alleged rape, violent outbursts, and threats while Combs sat silently at the defense table.
“I Couldn’t Tell Him No About a Sandwich”
Mia began working for Combs in 2009 when she was in her mid-20s. She described the work environment as “chaotic and toxic,” where she had to always be “within his line of sight,” anticipating his needs, moods, and whims — with no right to privacy or refusal.
She said she was forced to stay at his homes, unable to lock doors or leave without permission, and suffered regular verbal and physical assaults. In one instance, Combs allegedly threw a bowl of spaghetti at her head. In another, he reportedly hurled a laptop at her for mentioning the internet was down.
Alleged Sexual Assaults
Mia also accused Combs of repeatedly sexually assaulting her over the course of her employment. One alleged incident took place on his 40th birthday at the Plaza Hotel, where she said he intoxicated her before groping her. In another incident, she testified that she woke up to him raping her in a bunk bed at his Los Angeles home Diddy.
“I just froze… It was very quick but it felt like forever,” she told the court, her voice breaking.
Fear, Silence, and Witnessing Abuse of Others
Mia said she did not report the abuse due to fear of retaliation, stating: “I believed Puff’s authority was above the police.” She also witnessed abuse against Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Casandra Ventura (Cassie), including a terrifying night when the two women hid on a beach in the Turks and Caicos to escape his rage during a storm Diddy.
“I was trying to weigh if it was scarier to face mother nature, or go back to Puff,” she said.
The Power Dynamic and Threats
Mia testified that another assistant was fired for reporting violence against Ventura. She claimed Combs used emotional manipulation, even threatening to reveal sexual encounters to Ventura to maintain control.
“I knew his power. I knew his control over me and I didn’t want to lose everything I worked so hard for,” she said.
Ongoing Trial and Public Backlash
This is not the first sexual misconduct allegation Combs has faced. Ms. Ventura previously filed a lawsuit alleging rape and prolonged abuse, which reportedly contributed to this ongoing criminal case. Mia is the second woman to testify about sex trafficking and coercion by Combs under federal scrutiny.
The defense has yet to cross-examine Mia. Her testimony will continue Friday as the trial progresses.
Public Reactions and Legal Ramifications
The case has reignited debates about power abuse in the entertainment industry, echoing the #MeToo movement’s calls for accountability. Legal experts suggest the charges could lead to decades in prison if Combs is convicted. You can read a legal breakdown of the charges at Justice.gov’s Sex Trafficking section.
Why This Matters
Sean Combs has long been a dominant figure in music and business, with decades of influence. These allegations, if proven, would mark one of the most significant downfalls in celebrity legal history.
