In recent developments within a closely scrutinized trial, some former employees of hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs have taken the stand, sharing explosive claims about their time working for him. Accounts from personal assistants depict Combs as erratic, controlling, and at times, violent.
This week’s proceedings kicked off with testimony from Capricorn Clark, a former personal assistant who advanced to a global brand director role within Combs’ company. Clark recounted disturbing incidents, including witnessing Combs physically assault his longtime partner, the R&B singer Cassie. She also testified about Combs expressing violent intentions towards rapper Kid Cudi, a figure entwined in a romantic rivalry. The week concluded with harrowing accusations from another previous assistant, identified only as “Mia,” who testified that Combs raped her over the course of her employment, which spanned eight years. Combs, facing charges of sex trafficking, has pleaded not guilty, with the trial set to continue on Monday in a Manhattan federal court.
Key testimonies emerged over the week, highlighting a culture of fear within Combs’ team that deterred them from alerting authorities. Former employees of Bad Boy Entertainment revealed repeated instances of Combs assaulting Cassie but refrained from contacting police, fearing for their own safety. According to Clark, on her first day as Combs’ assistant in 2004, he warned her about the consequences if her previous job interfered with her new role. She described a shocking episode in 2011 where Combs violently attacked Cassie upon discovering her relationship with Cudi. Despite her efforts to intervene by calling Cassie’s mother for help, neither Clark nor Combs’ bodyguard stepped in. Clark later confided in the president of Bad Boy Records about the abuse and shared her own experiences of being coerced by Combs, including a traumatic incident where she was forced into Cudi’s home during Combs’ rage. Her employment ended shortly afterward on what she asserts were fraudulent grounds.
Notable developments also transpired outside the courtroom. Much attention was drawn to Cassie, who gave birth to her third child following her pivotal four-day testimony. Her news was shared with the jury by Deonte Nash, Cassie’s long-time stylist, who offered his congratulations. Known for her hit single “Me & U,” Cassie has since moved on from her relationship with Combs, marrying Alex Fine in 2019.
The trial also included testimonies from law enforcement regarding attacks on Kid Cudi’s property. A Los Angeles police officer recalled responding to a 2011 break-in at Cudi’s home and an arson investigator explained his findings related to the firebombing of Cudi’s car. Their testimonies aimed to demonstrate Combs’ involvement in these incidents, including the use of an improvised explosive device made from a liquor bottle.
Deonte Nash brought a unique energy to the stand this week, presenting lively testimony filled with humor and insight. While recounting his tenure at Bad Boy Entertainment, Nash added levity with candid remarks about his role and relationships within the company. He testified about the derogatory language Combs used towards women and shared that Cassie confided in him about not wanting to comply with Combs’ sexually coercive demands.
In significant testimony, “Mia” recounted multiple instances of sexual assault by Combs. Her detailed account included being forcibly kissed and inappropriately touched at Combs’ birthday party, coerced into performing oral sex, and ultimately raped at his home. She continued working under Combs with hopes that the abuse would cease, driven by shame and fear of repercussions. Her testimony corroborated previous statements from Cassie, who described similar abuse after ending her relationship with Combs.
As the prosecution moves steadily with their case, aiming to conclude in mid-June, the defense indicates their argument might extend longer, possibly into July. Combs’ defense team plans to expand their case in response to some significant changes in the prosecution’s strategy.