Sean “Diddy” Combs’ former assistant, testifying under the name “Mia,” concluded her testimony in his ongoing federal sex trafficking trial on Monday (June 2) after delivering emotional and, at times, contradictory revelations.
As she was cross-examined for the third day, Mia revealed how she once viewed the music mogul not only as her employer — but as her “protector,” even once dreaming of him saving her from fellow disgraced star, R. Kelly.
According to Mia, the dream came in early 2019, just weeks after the death of Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Kim Porter, and days after the harrowing Surviving R. Kelly docuseries aired. In a text to Combs at the time, Mia shared the details of the nightmare, where she was trapped in an elevator with R. Kelly — until Diddy came to her rescue.
Singer R. Kelly appears during a hearing at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse on September 17, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. Kelly is facing multiple sexual assault charges and is being held without bail.
Antonio Perez/ Getty Images
The moment added to the complicated relationship Mia says she had with the 55-year-old, which she now describes as manipulation, trauma, and abuse. Mia has accused Diddy of multiple instances of sexual assault and physical violence during her time working for him. Yet even after she left his employment, she admitted on the stand that she continued to stay in touch — especially during vulnerable times.
When asked why she would maintain a relationship with someone she claims caused her such pain and suffering, Mia said she was “brainwashed.” She added, “Nobody acted like what was happening to me was wrong.” She, however, admitted to internalizing shame and blame, particularly after the Bad Boy founder allegedly threatened to expose their sexual relationship to his then-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura.
During the trial, defense attorney Brian Steel pointed to messages and moments between Diddy and Mia that painted a far more cordial, and perhaps affectionate, relationship between them. His cross-examination aimed to cast doubt on Mia’s testimony by highlighting the contradictory continued connection she had with Diddy during and after her employment.
Despite some calling her testimony bluff, Mia maintained her stance that she felt trapped in a series of emotional “highs and lows.” According to her, that cycle made it difficult to see the relationship for what it truly was until much later.
Diddy is facing serious federal charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transporting individuals for the purpose of prostitution. If convicted, the 55-year-old music mogul could spend the rest of his life in prison.
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