• Sean “Diddy” Combs sexually assaulted and abused his former assistant over several years.
• Mia described a toxic work environment with unpredictable violence and harsh control.
• Other women also testified about drug-fueled sex parties and violent abuse by Combs.

A former personal assistant to Sean “Diddy” Combs gave powerful testimony at his sex trafficking trial. She said the hip-hop mogul sexually assaulted her and used violence to control her during the eight years she worked for him. The woman, called “Mia” to protect her identity, said the abuse began at Combs’ 40th birthday party in 2009. She described how he put his hand inside her dress and forced her to kiss him. The abuse continued as Combs forced her to perform oral sex while she packed for a trip. In 2010, he raped her at his Los Angeles home after climbing into her bed. Mia told the court she never felt able to refuse him. She said, “I couldn’t tell him ‘no’ about anything.” She described feeling “terrified and confused and ashamed and scared” after the rape. Mia also said the assaults came without warning and were “always random, sporadic,” so she never knew when to expect them again. She shared, “If I hadn’t been called to testify, I was going to die with this. I didn’t want anyone to know ever.”

Mia Describes Harsh, Unpredictable Work Life Under Combs’ Control

Mia portrayed Combs as a demanding boss who put his desires above everyone else’s well-being. She said he constantly berated her for mistakes, even if others caused them. He gave her so many tasks that she sometimes went days without sleep. Mia called the environment “chaotic” and “toxic.” She explained that while the high points could feel exciting, the lows were very low. The mood in the workplace depended on “Puff’s mood,” one of Combs’ nicknames. Staff stayed on edge because Combs’ emotions changed suddenly. Mia said he could shift from happy to angry “in a split second.” She recalled one incident when Combs threw a computer at her out of frustration over a Wi-Fi problem. This behavior matched what other assistants and Combs’ longtime girlfriend, Cassie (real name Casandra Ventura), said in their testimonies.

Other Women Testify About Drug-Fueled Sexual Abuse at Combs’ Direction

Cassie testified for four days earlier in the trial. She described hundreds of “freak-offs,” wild, drug-fueled parties. During these events, Cassie said she had sex with male sex workers while Combs watched, filmed, and coached the acts. Another woman, known as “Jane,” is expected to testify soon about her role in these “freak-offs.” The judge allowed the use of fake names to protect the women’s privacy and safety. The Associated Press respects victims’ privacy and only uses real names when victims agree. Combs denies the sex trafficking and racketeering charges against him. His lawyers say he can act violently but deny that he used threats or power to abuse anyone.

Mia Witnessed Brutal Violence Against Cassie and Tried to Protect Her

Mia also said she saw Combs attack Cassie violently many times. She described one brutal assault at Cassie’s Los Angeles home in 2013. Cassie and her stylist, Deonte Nash, also testified about this event. Mia called it “a little tornado” because of how violent and chaotic it was. She said she jumped on Combs’ back to try to stop him from hurting Cassie and Nash. Combs threw Mia into a wall and slammed Cassie’s head into the corner of a bed. This caused a deep, bloody cut on Cassie’s forehead. Other times, Combs’ abuse left Cassie with black eyes and swollen lips. Mia said these attacks terrified her and made her fear for their lives.

Long Working Hours, Constant Travel, and Strict Control Over Staff

Mia said Combs often forced her to work for five days straight without rest. He moved quickly from city to city for club appearances and other events. The nonstop schedule left her exhausted. To keep going, Mia said she started using Adderall, a stimulant usually prescribed for ADHD, as a substitute for sleep. Combs owns homes in Miami, Los Angeles, and New York. He allowed Mia and other employees to stay in guest houses on his properties. However, Mia said she could not leave without his permission. She also could not lock the doors for privacy or safety. This control added to the stressful and fearful environment Combs created for his staff.