Sean Combs trial: Defense uses social media to challenge rape allegations

In a high-stakes moment in the ongoing sex trafficking and racketeering trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, defense lawyers turned to social media evidence to challenge the testimony of a key witness. The proceedings took place in a federal courtroom in Manhattan on Friday, May 30, 2025, as the third week of the trial concluded. The former assistant, referred to by the pseudonym “Mia,” returned to the stand to defend her testimony against efforts by Combs’ legal team to portray her allegations as inconsistent with years of public praise for the music mogul.

Attorney Brian Steel, representing Combs, introduced a series of social media posts and personal notes authored by Mia during her employment with the defendant. These included Instagram captions, birthday cards, and a scrapbook containing positive messages directed toward Combs, written at various points after the alleged incidents of abuse. The defense argued that the tone and language in these posts were inconsistent with the witness’s courtroom allegations of sexual assault, psychological manipulation, and workplace intimidation.

Why Is Mia’s Testimony Central to the Prosecution’s Case?

Mia’s account is considered one of the most pivotal elements in the federal government’s attempt to demonstrate that Sean Combs used his position of power to operate what prosecutors described as a criminal enterprise. In her testimony, Mia stated that Combs had sexually assaulted her on three occasions and subjected her to long-term psychological and physical abuse during her years of employment.

On the witness stand, she acknowledged having made the social media posts in question but insisted they were written under emotional duress and did not reflect her true experience. She described her time working for Combs as a cycle of emotional highs and lows, calling it a situation marked by psychological dependency and manipulation. “It’s called psychological abuse,” Mia told jurors, adding that she felt compelled to maintain a façade of gratitude and loyalty to avoid retaliation or isolation within Combs’ inner circle.

What Social Media Posts Were Used in Court?

One of the highlighted posts included a birthday message from November 2014—five years after the first alleged assault—in which Mia thanked Combs for “being the good kind of crazy” and “bringing friends into my life.” Steel used the post to question how such praise could align with claims of prolonged abuse. Mia, speaking with more emotion than in her previous testimony, responded that outward expressions did not always align with her internal reality. She described the environment as deeply toxic, noting that her survival often depended on appearing content and loyal.

Steel also displayed physical artifacts, such as a birthday scrapbook, which included handwritten messages celebrating Combs’ achievements and wishing him peace. In one note, Mia had written, “I hope on this day you get to sit back and take it all in.” Asked by Steel how such messages were consistent with her current allegations, Mia again invoked psychological pressure and said such gestures were a coping mechanism.

Did Mia Attempt to Leave Combs’ Employment?

The defense presented additional evidence showing that Mia had become emotionally distressed when she was removed from her role in Combs’ media operations. One text exchange showed Mia expressing suicidal thoughts after learning that Combs’ film company was shutting down. “I’m going to kill myself. My life is over,” she texted Kristina Khorram, Combs’ chief of staff, according to messages entered into the court record.

Steel cited this message in an attempt to argue that Mia’s mental distress may not have been rooted in abuse, but rather in professional disappointment. Mia disagreed, stating that the intensity of her reaction was a product of years of trauma and that her entire sense of identity had become entangled with Combs’ business operations. “It was the only world I knew,” she said, describing the emotional aftermath as being “overwhelmingly horrific.”

Did Combs Contact Mia After the Ventura Lawsuit?

In a separate part of her testimony, Mia revealed that Combs’ longtime bodyguard, known publicly as “D Roc,” contacted her after Cassie Ventura filed her civil lawsuit against Combs in late 2023. Mia told the jury that D Roc’s outreach felt suspicious and staged. According to her, he downplayed the allegations and suggested that Cassie and Combs merely had intense disagreements. Mia said she believed the real purpose of the outreach was to monitor her position and possibly dissuade her from cooperating with authorities.

She stated that Combs himself reached out in February 2024 via text, requesting a 10-minute conversation “to jog his memory.” Mia said she refused to respond and interpreted the contact as an attempt to manipulate her recollections or even influence her testimony. Prosecutors have stated they intend to introduce similar messages from other women—specifically one referred to as “Jane”—who allegedly received financial support offers from Combs in exchange for remaining silent.

What Is the Broader Legal Strategy of Combs’ Defense?

Combs’ attorneys appear focused on challenging the credibility of individual witnesses rather than disputing every element of the case. Their argument hinges on painting the witnesses as emotionally unstable or financially motivated, while contending that even if Combs engaged in morally questionable behavior, it does not meet the legal threshold for racketeering or sex trafficking.

Throughout the trial, the defense has emphasized inconsistencies in witness accounts and sought to portray the prosecution as overly reliant on testimonies rather than hard evidence. In cross-examining Mia, the goal was to depict her as someone whose narrative could shift depending on circumstance—particularly in public versus private settings.

What Did Donald Trump Say About the Case?

In a development that added a political layer to the trial, U.S. President Donald Trump said during a press briefing on May 30 that he would not rule out the possibility of granting a pardon to Combs if he is convicted. While stating that no request had yet been made, Trump noted that he was aware of conversations happening behind the scenes. “I would certainly look at the facts,” he told reporters, adding that he believed Combs was treated unfairly in the public eye at times.

Trump and Combs, both New York-born businessmen with past reality television careers, have had a complicated relationship. Trump said the two were once on friendly terms but drifted apart after Trump entered politics. His statement prompted widespread speculation on whether presidential intervention could shift public perceptions of the case.

What Are Prosecutors Planning Next?

Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson indicated on Friday that more evidence will be presented to show Combs engaged in witness manipulation. She stated that the prosecution intends to reveal messages Combs sent to ensure that “Jane’s” rent was paid following their alleged contact. Johnson described these payments as attempts to buy silence.

The prosecution continues to rely on the cumulative weight of multiple testimonies, digital records, and financial transactions to support its case. With several witnesses still expected to take the stand, including those with direct knowledge of Combs’ business and personal relationships, the trial is entering a phase where the prosecution’s ability to link individual actions into a broader conspiracy will be critically examined.

What’s Next in the Sean Combs Trial?

As the fourth week of testimony begins on Monday, June 2, prosecutors are expected to conduct a redirect examination of Mia to reinforce her statements and address the inconsistencies raised during cross-examination. More witness accounts and digital communications are expected to surface, with court watchers looking for any testimony that could sway the jury’s perception of Combs’ intent and conduct.

If convicted on all counts, Sean Combs could face a life sentence. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The trial continues to draw national attention due to its mix of celebrity, alleged abuse, and high-stakes legal maneuvering.