Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Legal Team Claims Ex-Assistant’s Social Media Posts Undermine Rape Allegation

NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs’ lawyers are challenging his former assistant, who has accused him of rape. They highlighted her social media posts, which praised him as a mentor and friend, while she claims she suffered abuse during her time working for him.

The assistant, referred to as “Mia,” testified for a second day in Combs’ federal sex trafficking trial. She read aloud messages that show her warm sentiments towards him, raising questions about her allegations. During cross-examination, defense attorney Brian Steel emphasized a post celebrating Combs’ birthday, where Mia expressed gratitude for his mentorship, questioning the validity of her claims.

Mia insisted these posts masked her true feelings, stating, “Instagram was a place to show how great your life was, even if it was not true.” She recalled an incident in 2009 where she was forcibly kissed by Combs at his birthday party, later stating he raped her in his home. She described a cycle of assault that made her believe it wouldn’t happen again. Mia is one of three women expected to testify in this trial.

Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to serious charges that could lead to life imprisonment. Recent developments include President Donald Trump stating he wouldn’t rule out a pardon for Combs.

In her posts, Mia often thanked Combs for his inspiration. She joked about him treating her to coffee after he was recognized as a top earner by Forbes. Steel pointed out a letter Mia wrote for Combs’ birthday, filled with admiration. He repeatedly asked her why she would post positively about someone who allegedly took joy from her life. Mia explained that sharing good moments was a common practice in their workplace.

Mia, who worked with Combs from 2009 to 2017, shared that she struggles to find employment due to trauma. Her experiences with him left her easily startled and anxious about communication, even interpreting benign messages as criticism. She testified about a panic attack she had after receiving a call from him after a lawsuit involving another former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.

After leaving Combs’ employment, Mia received a fraction of a settlement intended for her unpaid bonuses, with much of it diverted to legal fees.

Mia described feeling threatened when Combs’ former bodyguard tried to reconnect her with him. This sense of danger led her to create a plan to protect herself, fearing for her safety.

In the background, Combs settled Cassie’s lawsuit for $20 million just a day after it was filed. The fallout from this case has contributed to a federal investigation, leading to Combs’ indictment. Witnesses have been encouraged to cooperate, prompting judges to deny bail based on concerns for safety.

This ongoing trial sheds light on the complex dynamics of power and abuse in high-profile environments, where the fear of retaliation can silence victims long after the alleged abuse.

For more information on the effects of workplace trauma, check out a report by the National Institutes of Health here.

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