In a New York courtroom, the legal team representing Sean “Diddy” Combs presented social media evidence on Friday, aiming to challenge the rape accusation brought against him by his former personal assistant. The assistant, using the pseudonym “Mia,” had referred to Combs affectionately in various social media posts, labeling him as a mentor, brother, and lifelong friend, even years after the alleged incident. These posts became a focal point during the cross-examination led by defense attorney Brian Steel, who argued that her positive portrayal of Combs contradicts her current claims of a toxic and fear-inducing work environment.
Mia, testifying for a second day in Combs’ federal sex trafficking trial, responded by explaining that her social media posts were not a true reflection of her experiences, stating that platforms like Instagram often depict a life that may not be accurate. This revelation came amid the defense highlighting posts from 2013 where Mia had celebrated Combs’ 44th birthday with enthusiastic compliments. Steel questioned how Mia could laud Combs publicly if her accusations were genuine, especially considering one post depicted a comedic skit involving Combs as a doctor.
During the trial, Mia recounted a troubling event where she claimed Combs raped her in his Los Angeles home in 2009, just months after an unwanted advance at his 40th birthday party. Despite these serious accusations, Mia admitted to attempting to remain supportive and cordial in public, driven by the high-powered and erratic nature of her job. This situation has been emotionally challenging, leading her to suffer from post-traumatic stress that she claims has prevented her from maintaining employment since leaving Combs’ company in 2017.
The defense presented further communications and a heartfelt written note she gave Combs for his 45th birthday, suggesting a continued, positive relationship. Steel repeatedly questioned why she would portray such admiration for someone she accuses of stealing her happiness. Mia countered that it felt natural to highlight her positive experiences, which balanced out her traumatic encounters.
Mia’s psychological distress, she claimed, has led her to misinterpret benign inquiries as scoldings due to Combs’ past treatment. Even simple actions, like hearing someone call her name, would trigger anxiety. An incident involving a phone call from Combs left Mia highly distressed, triggering a spectrum of emotions from fear to panic.
After departing from her role as an assistant, Mia was part of a financial settlement covering unpaid wages but withheld her sexual assault claims from her attorneys at the time. During the trial, it was revealed that potential intimidation tactics were used by Combs and his associates, attempting to influence or silence witnesses. Mia stated that indirect contact attempts from Combs through intermediaries filled her with fear for her safety.
These proceedings follow a civil lawsuit filed by singer Cassie, which was swiftly settled, but spurred a criminal investigation, leading to the current charges against Combs, who has remained incarcerated since September. Concerns over potential witness tampering have been a key factor in denying him bail.