Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial: Assistant ‘Mia’ alleges sexual assault in court testimony

What Happened in the Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Trial on May 29?

A federal courtroom in Manhattan heard explosive testimony on May 28–29, 2025, from a woman known as “Mia,” who previously worked as a personal assistant to hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. Testifying under a pseudonym for safety reasons, Mia alleged that Combs sexually assaulted her multiple times, subjected her to violent outbursts, and forced her into physically grueling conditions over several years.

Her statements come as part of the U.S. government’s case accusing Combs of operating a years-long sex trafficking ring under the guise of a music and entertainment empire. Prosecutors have charged Combs with sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and obstruction, in what is fast becoming one of the most high-profile celebrity trials of the decade.

What Did ‘Mia’ Say About Working for Sean Combs?

According to courtroom accounts published by Business Insider and People, Mia first met Combs in 2009, when she responded to an assistant job opening. She claimed the music executive opened the door to his apartment wearing only underwear. Despite this unsettling start, she accepted the position and began what would become, in her words, “a nightmare.”

Mia testified that her responsibilities extended far beyond professional duties. She was expected to do everything from preparing tax documents to “cracking his knuckles” on demand. “I didn’t have hours—I had to be ready all the time,” she reportedly told jurors through tears. Her schedule was so demanding that, at one point, she worked five consecutive days without sleep and eventually collapsed, requiring emergency medical attention.

This testimony paints a picture of life inside Combs’ inner circle as one of extreme control, verbal degradation, and nonstop pressure—consistent with broader accusations that his public persona masked deeply abusive behavior.

What Allegations of Assault Were Made?

Mia detailed several instances of alleged physical and sexual assault at the hands of Combs. She testified that he threw glass objects at her, slammed her into furniture, and touched her inappropriately without consent. “There were times when he would get so angry he’d throw phones or bottles—whatever he had near him,” she said, describing his behavior as “volatile and unpredictable.”

The most damning part of her testimony involved multiple claims of sexual assault, which she says took place at Combs’ various residences and on the road. Though specific dates were not revealed for all incidents, she asserted that these encounters were non-consensual and occurred under duress during her employment.

In a particularly harrowing moment, Mia also described how Combs allegedly attacked his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2013—throwing her into a bed frame so forcefully that she required stitches. This aligns with claims made by Ventura in a 2023 civil lawsuit that was later settled.

What Are Prosecutors Arguing?

The U.S. Department of Justice has built a case that centers on Combs’ alleged use of wealth, celebrity status, and intimidation to traffic and exploit women. According to Assistant U.S. Attorneys leading the case, Combs created a “criminal enterprise cloaked in the entertainment industry,” enabling a culture of coercion, fear, and abuse.

Mia’s testimony is considered foundational to the prosecution’s narrative, establishing the psychological dominance Combs allegedly held over his staff and partners. Prosecutors contend that the systematic nature of the abuse—and the fact that it spanned over a decade—demonstrates not only criminal liability, but premeditated orchestration of a sex trafficking ring.

What Is Sean Combs’ Defense?

Sean Combs has denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges. His legal team claims that all sexual encounters were consensual and that the U.S. government is pursuing a “misleading and sensationalist” campaign against a high-profile Black entrepreneur. In previous filings, defense attorneys argued that Combs is the victim of opportunistic claims designed to extract financial settlements or media attention.

His lawyers are expected to challenge Mia’s credibility and motivations when the defense presents its arguments later in the trial. They have not yet cross-examined Mia, but are preparing to discredit her testimony by referencing her continued employment and financial ties to Combs during the alleged abuse period.

How Does Mia’s Testimony Fit Into the Larger Case?

Mia’s testimony is the latest in a series of damning accounts against Combs, following earlier statements by former stylists, dancers, and romantic partners. Many of these witnesses allege that Combs routinely used fear, surveillance, and rewards to control women around him.

Her narrative dovetails with the wider legal strategy that portrays Combs as orchestrating a sophisticated and secretive exploitation ring disguised as a fast-paced lifestyle. The court is now expected to hear from additional former staff members, medical professionals, and expert witnesses in trauma and coercion.

Legal analysts suggest that Mia’s detailed, emotionally resonant statements could significantly influence the jury, especially if corroborating evidence—such as texts, emails, or security footage—supports her claims.

Has There Been Any Institutional Reaction?

Reactions from the music industry have ranged from muted to distancing. In the wake of the initial charges, companies like Revolt, the Black-owned media company co-founded by Combs, saw executive departures and board-level resignations. Brand partnerships and event appearances were cancelled across the board.

Behind the scenes, several music executives have expressed concern that the trial could expose a broader undercurrent of normalized abuse in entertainment circles, leading to potential legal risk across multiple labels and agencies.

Advocacy groups like Time’s Up and RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) have called for systemic change and greater protection for employees in artist entourages and tour ecosystems.

What Comes Next in the Trial?

Court proceedings are set to resume later this week with the prosecution continuing to call witnesses. The defense is expected to begin presenting its side within the next two weeks. Legal observers believe that if additional testimonies match the level of detail provided by Mia, the case could tip decisively against Combs—even before closing arguments.

Depending on the volume of evidence and counter-arguments, the trial could extend into early summer, with sentencing to follow shortly if a conviction is reached. Should Combs be found guilty on multiple counts, he could face several decades in prison under federal sentencing guidelines for sex trafficking and conspiracy.

Why This Trial Is Dominating Headlines

The trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs is not just a reckoning for one man—it is a referendum on the power structures within the entertainment world. For years, Combs was considered a symbol of self-made success, carving an empire that included music, fashion, spirits, and media.

But the federal case against him now casts that legacy in a grim new light. As “Mia” and others speak out, the trial has already entered the public consciousness as another defining moment in the post-MeToo era—one that may signal a deeper institutional shift across celebrity culture.