The former personal assistant of Sean “Diddy” Combs took the stand in his sex trafficking trial on Thursday, detailing alleged incidents of physical and sexual assault during her employment.
The woman, who used the pseudonym “Mia,” is a Virginia Beach native who worked for Combs from 2009 to 2017. Prior to that, she worked as a personal assistant for comedian Mike Myers.
Mia described working for Combs, who used to go by Puff Daddy, as “chaotic” and “toxic,” but also exciting at times.
“The highs were really high and the lows really low. Puff’s mood determined the environment,” she said. “He threw things at me, threw me against the wall, threw me in the pool, he threw something against my head. Sexually assaulted me.”
Why It Matters
Mia is one of Combs’ alleged victims whose experiences were first introduced to jurors in opening statements. She is considered to be a key witness for prosecutors as they attempt to prove the charged offenses.
Combs is facing federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
What To Know
Mia said Combs answered the door to his apartment for her initial interview in his underwear before getting dressed.
She testified that, on her first day of employment, she spent the whole day at Combs’ New Jersey home. She said they went to a studio the following day and stayed there until 1 p.m., then went to Combs’ apartment.
“I was so excited, so nervous and just really eager and excited, I guess,” she said, describing her mindset upon starting her job.
Mia said she did not sleep during that period and was often required to work through the night. She testified that she once worked five days straight without sleeping.
“We were traveling, Las Vegas, there was always things going on,” she said.
Mia said Combs once sent security staff to track her down after she left his home around 2 a.m. without his permission.
Mia later worked as director of development for Revolt Films, the media company founded by Combs. The company announced in June of last year that “shares held by the company’s former chair have been fully redeemed and retired.”
Mia also detailed her friendship with Combs’ former partner Cassie Ventura, the prosecution’s star witness in the trial. Mia said she and Ventura “became like sisters, best friends” and are still in contact.
Mia said she witnessed Combs attack Ventura on multiple occasions, including one incident at Mia’s apartment.
“It was so fast, but I felt like I was in slow motion,” Mia said in testimony that gripped the packed courtroom. “I saw him grab Cass and I couldn’t get there fast enough, the bed platform was the sharpest I had ever seen and he threw her and she hit her head on the corner of the bed.”
Mia said she tried to jump on Combs’ back to stop the beating, but Combs threw her against the wall.
Ventura was left with a “big scar on her forehead which was split open and blood was coming out,” Mia testified.
Earlier on Thursday, the defense finished its cross-examination of celebrity stylist Deonte Nash. The defense asked Nash about Ventura’s relationships with other men while she was dating Combs, including actor Michael B. Jordan and former NFL player Andre Branch.
Nash said Ventura and Jordan were “dating, talking, getting to know each other.”
What People Are Saying
Mia, describing her employment with Combs during her testimony: “I had a physical breakdown, my hearing went, it felt like I was under water, my equilibrium was off, blurred vision, out of nowhere I was hysterical and could not stop crying, at that point Puff said [I] could go to sleep.”
Nash, recalling the incident at Mia’s apartment, in his testimony Wednesday: “When [Combs] noticed the blood he just panicked.”
What Happens Next
Combs’ trial, which is currently in its third week, is expected to last eight to 10 weeks. He is facing life in prison if convicted.
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