In the third week of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal trial in Manhattan, former employees stepped into the spotlight with powerful testimonies detailing a pattern of control, abuse, and sexual violence. The testimony came as part of the government’s effort to prove sex trafficking and racketeering charges against the music mogul. Combs has pleaded not guilty.
The week was bookended by two explosive testimonies—from a former assistant-turned-brand executive who recalled Combs’ violent jealousy, to another ex-employee, testifying under the pseudonym “Mia,” who alleged years of sexual assault while working for Combs.
Fear and Silence: Former Aide Says She Couldn’t Call the Police
Capricorn Clark, who began working as Combs’ personal assistant in 2004 and later became a brand director for his company, shared disturbing accounts of her early days with the artist. On her first day, Clark testified, Combs threatened to kill her if her previous affiliations with rival artists affected her loyalty to him.
One of the most harrowing incidents Clark described occurred in 2011, when she witnessed Combs viciously beating his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, after discovering she had been romantically involved with rapper Kid Cudi. Clark said she was devastated and felt helpless to intervene, later calling Cassie’s mother to plead for help, saying, “Please help her. I can’t call the police, but you can.”
Clark claimed she did eventually report the abuse—internally—to the president of Bad Boy Records. She also recounted being kidnapped at gunpoint by Combs, who drove her to Cudi’s home, threatening to kill him. Though she stayed in the car during the break-in, Clark said she was fired shortly afterward under questionable circumstances.
Cassie Gives Birth Shortly After Four Days on the Witness Stand
Outside the courtroom, a major personal milestone made headlines: Cassie, now 38, gave birth to her third child just two weeks after delivering four days of key testimony. Jurors learned of the birth when Cassie’s longtime stylist, Deonte Nash, mentioned congratulating her while on the stand.
Cassie, best known for her 2006 hit “Me & U,” has been married to personal trainer Alex Fine since 2019. Together, they have two daughters, Frankie and Sunny, and now a newborn son.
Arson and Break-In: Law Enforcement Testifies About Attacks on Kid Cudi’s Property
Jurors also heard from Los Angeles law enforcement officials about a 2011 break-in at Kid Cudi’s home and the subsequent arson attack on his Porsche 911. Officer Chris Ignacio described arriving at the scene to find high-end gifts, some opened, and Cudi’s traumatized dog locked in a bathroom. Though a car registered to Bad Boy Entertainment was spotted nearby, the officer said he lacked sufficient evidence to act at the time.
Lance Jimenez, an arson investigator, testified that the car was destroyed by a Molotov cocktail made with a 40-ounce malt liquor bottle and a designer handkerchief—suggesting the attack was calculated and intentional. “I personally felt it was targeted,” he said.
Deonte Nash Adds Personality—and Revelations—From the Witness Stand
Celebrity stylist Deonte Nash brought humor and candidness to the courtroom during his testimony. “Absolutely not!” he quipped when asked if he wanted to testify, eliciting laughter.
Having worked at Bad Boy from 2008 to 2018, Nash provided insights into Combs’ demeanor and treatment of Cassie. He recalled Combs frequently calling Cassie a mix of affectionate nicknames and misogynistic slurs, adding that Cassie had once confided in him about not wanting to engage in the “freak-off” sexual encounters Combs arranged with other men, often under the influence of drugs.
Second Alleged Rape Survivor Testifies: ‘Mia’ Shares Years of Abuse
“Mia,” another former assistant, testified that she was subjected to repeated sexual assaults by Combs over an eight-year period. She described how the abuse began with him kissing her and touching her inappropriately during his 40th birthday party, escalating to forced oral sex and rape.
Mia said she remained silent for years out of fear, shame, and the misguided hope that the assaults would stop. Her testimony mirrored that of Cassie, who previously stated that Combs raped her after they broke up in 2018.
Mia also reported witnessing frequent violent outbursts from Combs toward Cassie and herself. She recounted being thrown into a pool, doused with ice water, and having a bowl of spaghetti hurled at her—all examples of his erratic and abusive behavior.
Legal Strategy: Prosecution Nears Completion as Defense Gears Up
Prosecutors indicated they are ahead of schedule and could conclude their case by mid-June. However, Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, suggested the defense may present a longer case than initially expected. With prosecutors reportedly revising their witness list and strategy, the defense team may introduce additional evidence or testimonies—potentially extending the trial into July. —AP
Click here for the summary of week two of the trial.
Image— Jane Rosenberg / REUTERS
