Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial live updates:
Cross-examination resumes for ex-assistant 'Mia'
Combs faces five criminal counts in total, including two of sex trafficking, and has denied all the allegations.
What to know about the sex trafficking trial
A woman who is only being referred to by a pseudonym, "Mia," who used to work as Sean “Diddy” Combs’ personal assistant for several years, returned to the stand Friday. She faced cross-examination after accusing Combs of sexually assaulting her on multiple occasions.
"Mia" is set to return today for her third day on the stand.
Combs faces five criminal counts: one count of racketeering conspiracy; two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs has vociferously denied the allegations against him.
This live briefing may include graphic descriptions of sexual violence. For resources on sexual assault, call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline.
MATTHEW RUSSELL LEE of I.C.P.
the ears to the inside for
MIND OF MONKEY STUDIO
1h / 12:13 PM
Judge: Until tomorrow.
1h / 12:11 PM
udge: Who's next?
AUSA: Eddy Garcia, for an hour and a half. Then, we think, the video expert. Witness Jane will be having an international flight so we'll try to get her on before
1h / 12:08 PM
AUSA: No further questions.
Cross
Defense: The accompanying guest was Cassie Ventura?
Oken: Yes.
Defense: Nothing more.
Judge: Is that a good place to let the jury go for the day?
Yes? OK, jurors, see you tomorrow.
[Jurors leave]
1h / 12:03 PM
AUSA: How is this paid for?
Oken: It's to tfletcher at Bad Boy; paid by AmEx of Sean Combs.
AUSA: What's this?
Oken: The folio or bill, for room 259.
AUSA: What's his?
Oken: A $500 charge for oil damage
1h / 11:59 AM
AUSA: Does Opera link a customer's alias to their real name?
Oken: Yes.
AUSA: And this one, who is it, really?
Oken: Sean Combs.
AUSA: Can a guest change his or her alias?
Oken: Yes.
1h / 11:46 AM
Judge: Next witness.
AUSA: The Government calls Sylvia Oken. Where do you work?
Oken: The Beverly Hill Hotel, for 17 years. I'm the director of sales and marketing.
AUSA: How do reservations work?
Oken: A system called Opera
1h / 11:42 AM
AUSA Smyser: Why are you here today?
Mia: If not I couldn't look my god daughters in the eye & ever advise them what to do in this situation
Judge: Mr Steel, any re-cross?
Combs' Steel: No, sir.
Judge: Mia, you may go. Unless you want to stay.
[Smiles. Mia leaves
1h / 11: 40 AM
AUSA Smyser: How do you feel about public speaking?
Mia: Terrified.
AUSA: Can you explain that, given that you've been in comedy?
Mia: I had Puff's permission for that.
AUSA: Any comparison to testifying about Mr. Combs' sexually assaulting you, here?
Mia: None
1h / 11:38 AM
AUSA Smyster: Why did you meet with the government so much?
Mia: So my story could be understood.
AUSA: Why were you terrified?
Mia: Of Puff and the repercussions.
AUSA: Did the Government tell you want to say?
Mia: No. Only to tell the truth.
1h / 11:36 AM
AUSA: Why did you want to make the person who abused you happy?
Mia: When he was happy, I was safe.
AUSA: Were you worried about your physical safety?
Mia: Yes. I'd been abused by Puff before. I knew his wrath.
AUSA: Did you engage a pro bono lawyer?
Mia: Yes.
1h / 11:29 AM
AUSA: The birthday video, was it for Club Diddy?
Mia: Yes.
AUSA: Did Mr. Combs' co-own the water you were drinking, and did you say Revolt - the project you worked on - at the end?
Mia: Yes.
AUSA: You posted about the good not bad times?
Mia: Yes.
1h / 11:27 AM
AUSA: As part of that did you post on your personal Instagram account?
Mia: Yes.
AUSA: What did Mr. Combs do if he thought you were not doing your job?
Mia: I'd be yelled at and humiliated.
AUSA: Did other employees also post for Mr. Combs' birthday?
Mia: Yes
1h / 11:26 AM
[They're back]
Combs' Steel: Nothing further.
Judge: Member of the jury, do not consider any of the testimony about this witness' communication with her therapist. Ms. Smyser?
AUSA Smyser: Mia, was posting to social media part of your job?
Mia: Yes.
1h / 11:08 AM
Judge: We'll reconvene.
1h / 11:07 AM
Mia: No, that's not even a thing.
Combs' Steel: Your Honor, can I set up those other matters?
Judge: Yes - we'll break for that.
[Jury leaves; witness leaves]
1h / 11:06 AM
Combs' Steel: Before the 5 days you say you were awake, did you ever stay awake that long?
Mia: Absolutely not.
Steel: You testified you would give up all of the money if there had not been sexual abuse- any discussion that you will make money by testifying?
A: No
1h / 11:00 AM
Combs' Steel: When you say Mr. Combs hurt your arm, did you seek medical help?
Mia: Nooo, I would not have been allowed.
Steel: Did you take photos?
Mia: No.
Steel: Did you scream?
Mia: No. I was in shock.
2h / 10:57 AM
[They're back]
Combs's Steel: You never called law enforcement, right?
Mia: I did not.
Steel: You said when you were stopped while speeding, in LA, Mr. Combs got you out of it, you remember?
Mia: I do.
Steel: Did you ever think of calling anonymously?
Mia: No.
2h / 10:49 AM
Combs' Steel: Do you recall being given the opportunity to have your therapist notes be seen by the parties?
AUSA: Objection!
Judge: Sidebar
2h / 10:41 AM
Combs' Steel: Do you if Mr. Combs' company put more money into promoting Ms. Ventura than any other of its artists?
Mia: I didn't absorb everything.
Steel: Who is Jason Wiley?
Mia: He worked for the record label.
Steel: In budgeting, right?
2h / 10:35 AM
Combs' Steel: You thought Mr. Combs was a genius?
Mia: At the time.
Steel: You wanted to continue to work with Mr. Combs, right?
Mia: I wanted to continue following my dream
2h / 10:32 AM
Combs' Steel: What other films do you work on?
Mia: Dope, Lawless, Undefeated...
Steel: You enjoyed the projects?
Mia: Yes.
Steel: And you called the people a second family?
Mia: We all called it that.
2h / 10:31 AM
Combs' Steel: The TV show you mentioned, what was it to be about?
Mia: My experience.
Steel: How a person from a small town dealt with a person such as Mr. Combs?
Mia: A comedic version.
2h / 10:25 AM
Combs' Steel: And Ms. Ventura did the song Numb with Rick Ross?
Mia: She did.
Steel: And I Love It, with Fabolous?
Mia: Yes.
Steel: And do you remember Ms. Ventura being in studio Kid Cudi?
Mia: I don't remember the specifics
Steel: And Mr. Combs himself?
A: Yes
2h / 10:22 AM
Combs' Steel: You remember Ms. Ventura's video called Official Girl?
Mia: Yes.
Steel: And King of Hearts, and her song with Nicki Minaj, The Boys?
Mia: Yes.
Steel: And Nicki Minaj is well known?
Mia: Yes.
2h / 10:19 AM
Combs' Steel: So you were not blacklisted?
Mia: No.
Steel: No retribution?
Mia: He took away the TV show, the credit I was promised
Steel: You told the jury you were surprised you were let go, right?
Mia: I did.
Steel: You were let go for drinking?
Mia: No
2h / 10:18 AM
Combs' Steel: Who have you worked for since?
Mia: Madonna.
Steel: For how long?
Mia: Eight months. From April 2019...
Steel: When you did that, did Mr. Combs assist you in getting that job?
Mia: Absolutely not.
2h / 10:16 AM
Combs' Steel: You never mentioned sexual abuse until you hired lawyer Shawn Crowley?
Mia: I have no idea when I first mentioned it, except that it was after I had representation.
Steel: You intend to sue Mr. Combs for compensation? You want money?
Mia: No.
2h / 10:14 AM
Mia: I don't remember each specific meeting. But I definitely didn't raise it i the first meeting.
Combs' Steel: And in this next document that you just reviewed-
Judge: Just ask her if her recollection is refreshed?
Mia: No, not to the specifics.
2h / 10:08 AM
Combs' Steel: In these notes, did you raise sexual abuse to the prosecutors?
AUSA: Objection. Improper refreshment.
Judge: Overruled.
Steel: Did you raise it in January 2024?
Mia: Definitely not in the first meeting
2h / 10:04 AM
Combs' Steel: Did you give all your materials to the government?
Mia: I gave them to my lawyer, they gave them to the government.
Steel: Look at this one...
2h / 9:58 AM
OK they're back.
Judge: Mr. Steel, you may proceed.
Combs' Steel: Mia, were you able to review over the bread some of your interviews with prosecutors?
Mia: Yes.
Steel: And you didn't mention sexual abuse until June 2024?
Mia: I don't remember the dates
3h / 9:16 AM
Judge: Break
3h / 9:14 AM
Judge: Jurors, you can leave
[Jurors leave]
Judge to Mia: When we come back you will be shown documents. Have a good break.
[Mia leaves]
Combs' Agnifilo: We'll talk with the Government over the break, about the witness' lawyer
Judge: OK
3h / 9:12 AM
AUSA: Objection!
Judge: Sustained.
Combs' Steel: Let me show you documents. Read it to yourself. And Your Honor, could we have a sidebar?
Judge: Yes.
[Sidebar ensues]
3h / 9:08 AM
AUSA: Objection!
Combs' Steel: You knew Ms. Ventura received money from her lawsuit against Mr. Combs?
Mia: It was public.
Steel: But you speak with Ms. Ventura?
Mia: Never about anything I discussed with the Government.
Steel: How would we know that?
3h / 9:07 AM
Combs' Steel: Until 2024 you never told anyone you were sexually abused?
Mia: Unless it was to my privileged therapist, that's true.
Steel: Could you waive that privilege?
AUSA: Objection!
Judge: Move on.
Steel: You joined the MeToo money grab against Mr. Combs?
3h / 9:06 AM
Combs' Steel: Isn't it true that other than the few times Mr. Combs was violent with Ms. Ventura, which is never okay, you were comfortable with Mr. Combs?
Judge: You'd have to rephrase.
Steel: You never advised Ms. Ventura to leave him?
Mia: No.
3h / 9:04 AM
Combs' Steel: You had times with others, right?
Mia: I had to be in communication 24/7. I was never outside his grip.
Steel: Outside of the work environment, why couldn't you explain the abuse you say you were experiencing?
Mia: It's more complicated than that.
3h / 9:03 AM
Combs' Steel: You said you had no time with family - did you ever go to events with your family and friends?
Mia: Sporadically, over 8 years. But few and far between
Steel: Weddings?
Mia: Sister and best friend's, I believe.
Steel: Halloween?
Mia: I don't remember
3h / 9:01 AM
Combs' Steel: You say you and Ms. Ventura got on a paddleboard, into a storm?
Mia: Yes
Steel: Any recording of that?
Mia: No
Steel: Any note or text message to prove it happened?
Mia: I don't think so. We were on a paddleboard.
Steel: Did you make it up?
Mia: No.
3h / 8:59 AM
[They've back]
Combs' Steel: Let's talk about Prince's party. You said you had no permission to go there - but you knew many people who knew Mr. Combs would be there?
Judge: Rephrase.
Steel: Did you wear a disguise?
Mia: No.
Steel: Any photo of a chase?
A: No.
3h / 8:53 AM
Sidebar
3h / 8:52 AM
Mia: I don't remember the timing of things. The rest I can't go into, I understand it's privileged-
AUSA: Objection!
Judge: That's sustained. Let's have a sidebar
3h / 8:51 AM
Combs' Steel: The lawyer - who had 45 days earlier obtained an enormous judgment-
AUSA: Objection!
Judge: Sustained.
Steel: Why did you hire her?
AUSA: Objection!
Judge: Sustained! Let's move on.
Steel: You only first alleged sexual assault in June 2024?
3h / 8:49 AM
Combs' Steel: Did you meet these prosecutors in January 2024?
Mia: I may have, I don't remember the timing.
Steel: Did you tell them Mr. Combs sexually assaulted you?
Mia: I don't remember when I told them.
Steel: Did you get a lawyer?
Mia: Yes
4h / 8:42 AM
Mia: I don't remember sending this.
Combs' Steel: You are in a tutu & Mr. Combs appears to be holding his private parts - in Ms. Ventura's lawsuit, she alleged sexual abuse?
Mia: Yes.
Steel: Why did you still communicate with Mr. Combs?
AUSA: Objection!
Sustained
4h / 8:37 AM
Mia: It was a mediation. My lawyers ended up getting $200,000.
Combs' Steel: You got $200,000?
Mia: Yes.
Steel: Please look at the screen. Is that you social media account?
Mia: Looks like a text message. Sounds like me.
Steel: Your text to Mr. Combs
4h / 8:34 AM
Mia: He could find out what I was telling her.
Combs' Steel: How?
Mia: He had stolen my phone, and Cassie's phone, many times. He's put tracking devices on her car.
Steel: But you were alone with Ms. Ventura
Mia: Yes.
Steel: You sued Mr. Combs for $10 million?
4h / 8:27 AM
[They've back]
Combs' Steel: Why would you cover up for Mr. Combs to Ms. Ventura, why writing that Mr. Combs is just misunderstood?
AUSA: Objection
Judge: Re-phrase.
Steel: Did you tell Ms. Ventura she needs to stay with Mr. Combs?
Mia: I don't remember that.
4h / 8:22 AM
Combs' Steel: Was Ms. Ventura in love with Mr. Combs?
Mia: I thought so.
Steel: Did you ever tell her the person she loved raped you?
Mia: No.
Steel: Do you remember telling her Mr. Combs' brain need to be rewired?
AUSA: May we have a sidebar?
Judge: You may
[Sidebar:
4h / 8:18 AM
Combs' Steel: You said she was your sister?
Mia: Yes.
Steel: You loved her?
Mia: Absolutely.
Steel: And you feel the same way today?
Mia: Yes.
Steel: You would never lie to her?
Mia: Puff didn't allow me to tell her things, like where he was, anything he said
4h / 8:16 AM
Judge: The problem is putting in the post, they are not relevant and they are cumulative. You already spent a lot of time to the scrapbook. Please bring Mia back in.
All rise!
Combs' Steel: You and Ms. Ventura were best friends, fair?
Mia: Yes.
4h / 8:11 AM
Combs' Steel: We want them in if there is an appeal.
AUSA: We'll put them in the case file, that's how we handle it
Steel: I asked Mia, You still have friends? And she said, I did not see them, I did not have an external sounding board. She said, There was no time
4h / 8:09 AM
Judge: Why would baby showers have relevance? Why not just ask questions about this? Why show these?
Combs' Steel: Because I like to do the impeachment that way.
Judge: Absent any further showing, they are excluded.
Steel: Admit them for the record?
Judge: No
4h / 8:07 AM
Judge: Just show them to me one by one... Next... Next... Mr. Steel, what is the relevance?
Combs' Steel: Impeachment. She said she had no time for herself to tell others. These images show Mia with friends and family over these years
4h / 8:04 AM
Judge: Can I see them?
AUSA: We don't have stamped versions of these.
Judge: Do you have the photos?
AUSA: Yes. But we won't know which one you are referring to.
Judge: Mr. Steel, why don't they have stamped copies of these?
Steel: Only saw this morning
4h / 8:02 AM
Judge: If I feel you are asking questions just to ask them, I'm going to tell you to move on, understood?
Combs' Steel: I understand.
Judge: I don't see improper treatment here, Ms. Comey. But I will continue to watch.
Steel: I saw photographs- 1799, 1 to 25
4h / 8:00 AM
AUSA: Other victims in other trials will become aware of this -
Judge: I have not seen yelling. My understanding is that his "God Forbid" is an apology, not an attempt to intimidate. But the argumentative questions - is Mr. Steel here? - you're repeating yourself
4h / 7:58 AM
AUSA: One by one your Honor let the exhibit in. But now, cumulatively, we have reached harassment. Given the tone, we do not think continuing this is appropriate. She has carried herself with grace. This is adding to trauma, eyes are on this trial.
4h / 7:56 AM
[They've back]
AUSA: Until now had been objecting to exhibits, and turning over private correspondence of this witness - we have now sat through hours of humiliating cross. Mr. Steel has insulted this witness, saying things like "God Forbid" after things she said
4h / 7:39 AM
Judge: Break
4h / 7:38 AM
[They've back]
Judge: It may be admitted.
5h / 7:35 AM
[Sidebar:
5h / 7:34 AM
Combs' Steel: Move to admit 1750 and 1750-R.
Judge: Ms. Smyser?
AUSA Smyser: We object. The proper basis for admission has not been established.
Judge: Let's have a sidebar
5h / 7:31 AM
Mia: My home town of Virginia Beach doesn't usually get this type of attention.
Combs' Steel: You're telling the jury you were scared of Mr. Combs, true?
Mia: True. I was scared of him when he was scary.
Steel: Listen to 1750, tell me if you recognize it.
5h / 7:25 AM
Combs' Steel: What was this about?
Mia: There had been some terrible event with the police, Pharrell organized an event to change the narrative of beach week, which I think is a college thing?
Steel: You wanted to see Mr. Combs.
Mia: I did not. I only said so.
5h / 7:24 AM
Combs' Steel: What did you write here?
Mia: My grandmom went into hospice, so I have to fly out, I have to miss your event here in my home town. C'est la vie. F*cking crush it and make history. Heart emoji.
Steel: Deepest sympathy for your grandmother
Mia: Thanks
5h / 7:21 AM
Mia: I wrote, I think I have PDFs, I think I gave it to you for a b-day in your house on Mapleton. I customized that purple leather suit so you could walk not giving an F. If y'all can't find it, I will. But I didn't
Combs' Steel: You had a PDF?
Mia: I thought so
5h / 7:19 AM
Combs' Steel: When did you first say, Me Too?
Mia: When I first saw him being held responsible. Now I have therapy -
Steel: Mr. Combs wrote, I gotta find that, you got a copy - what does it refer to?
Mia: I think he means the James Brown video
Steel: Scrapbook
5h / 7:17 AM
Combs' Steel: Why didn't you respond, Great, let's tell everyone what you did to me?
AUSA: Objection!
Judge: Sustained. Let's move on.
Steel: You said you have a moral obligation to speak up?
Mia: Now I do.
Steel: Why not in 2017?
Mia: I was brainwashed
5h / 7:15 AM
Combs' Steel: You were aware of the MeToo movement, no outcry out of you, why?
Mia: He said he was going to tell Cassie what happened, I internalized blame & shame.
Steel: Who threatened to tell Ms Ventura about Mr Combs supposedly sexually assaulting you?
A: Puff
5h / 7:13 AM
Combs' Steel: What does brainwashing mean?
Mia: The highs were really high and the lows were really low. I was punished whenever Puff was violent, making me believe I had done something wrong. He was praised by the public.
5h / 7:09 AM
Combs' Steel: Why didn't you write, You bamboozled me?
Mia: Because I was brainwashed.
Steel: By whom?
Mia: Puff.
Steel: How did he bamboozle you with a part of his body in your without your consent?
AUSA Smyser: Objection!
Judge: Sustained
5h / 7:08 AM
Mia: I wrote, So many crazy things, like Mick Jagger trying to take me home... And that baccarat game, my pink bedazzled iPhone. There're trillions of stories. Of course I'll send to you. I was bamboozled by Heather. Remember the scrapbook I made you. I've got you
5h / 7:06 AM
Combs' Steel: It's 2020. The MeToo movement is strong for 2 years. You could say, I remember the bad times, right?
Mia: I would never have said that.
Steel: Because it's not true.
AUSA Smyser: Objection!
Judge: Overruled.
Steel: You wrote what?
Mia: Love you too!
5h / 7:03 AM
Combs' Steel: Mia, didn't you have time away from Mr. Combs to write, today he sexually assaulted me?
Mia: I did not have time, and would not have written that
Steel: August 29, 2020, he wrote to you, Glad you're well, Love. Please send me the footage, for the doc
5h / 7:01 AM
Combs' Steel: What did you write here?
Mia: I wrote, We had so many funny memories, OMGGG.
Steel: Anything in your phone about being brutalized by Mr. Combs?
Mia: I don't think so...
Steel: How would we find out?
AUSA Smyser: Objection!
Judge: Sustained.
5h / 6:59 AM
Combs' Steel: You have no text messages -
Mia: They should me one on direct.
Steel: Showing what?
Mia: Puff saying f*ck it, let's go to war.
Steel: Nothing else?
Mia: Only reaching out to other people in the office, things others had seen.
5h / 6:58 AM
Combs' Steel: Do you have any footage of Mr. Combs berating you?
AUSA Smyser: Objection!
Judge: Overruled.
Mia: I would not have been allowed to record that.
Steel: Do you have anything about Mr. Combs berating you?
Mia: It would have violated confidentiality
5h / 6:56 AM
Combs' Steel: What's this about?
Mia: He auditioned for the James Brown part that Chad Boseman got. I told Puff I'd email him videos of his audition.
Steel: You carried about a video camera?
Mia: He required me to do it, pre iPhone, I was required
5h / 6:54 AM
[They've back]
Combs' Steel: Now May 14, 2020 and you texted to Mr. Combs, what?
Mia: My heart is broken about Dre, in my spirituality I know that when people are done with the physical world, it's that they have completed their mission... I love you.
5h / 6:51 AM
[Sidebar
5h / 6:50 AM
Combs' Steel: What didn't you understand that Mr. Combs was brutal to you, how did you write this?
AUSA: Objection! Argumentative!
Judge: Mr. Steel, let's have a very brief sidebar
5h / 6:48 AM
Combs' Steel: You were not in his grip anymore.
Mia: It's psychological-
Steel: Why do you keep referring to psychology? Why did you do this? Kim Porter's tragic death was five months before. Shy were you reaching out to Mr. Combs?
Mia: 5 months is not a lot
5h / 6:46 AM
Combs' Steel: This 2019 message?
Mia: I wrote, I had a nightmare I was being chased by R.Kelly & you saved me
Steel: The person you say raped you saved you?
Objection
Judge: Need to rephase
Steel: Here what did you write?
Mia: Sending you all the love in the world
5h / 6:45 AM
Combs' Steel: What did you wrote to Mr. Combs for Christmas 2018? Please read it.
Mia: Merry Christmas, I love you! and the New Years. I had just seen him at Kim's funeral.
Steel: You reached out to him?
Mia: Absolutely.
5h / 6:42 AM
Combs' Steel: You speak up for yourself?
Mia: No.
Steel: But you empower other people, true?
Mia: Yes.
Steel: Let's look at your text messages in 1730 et seq?
Mia: I sound like me.
Steel: Show the jury 1733. You left Mr. Combs' employ by March 2017?
Mia: Yes.
5h / 6:31 AM
Combs' Steel: So when you said they had your passport, they had everyone passport, true?
Mia: Yes.
Steel: You are a strong person?
Mia: I'm good at teaching people, not necessarily at enforcing things.
Steel: You're a leader?
Mia: I don't know about that
5h / 6:29 AM
Combs' Steel: In 2008-09, you say you provided round the clock support, all personal and professional needs, keeping passports - they were all collected?
Mia: I don't exactly remember. I didn't travel.
Steel: But you traveled with Mr. Combs' companies?
A: Oh yes
5h / 6:27 AM
Judge: Overruled.
Combs' Steel: Did you use this as your c.v.?
Mia: Looks like it.
Steel: 1753-R, for admission.
Judge: Admitted.
Steel: You went to James Madison University, it's a well known institution?
Mia: Sure.
Steel: Then you were a design assistant?
A: Yes
5h / 6:25 AM
Combs' Steel: You had a resume saying you had the ability to multi-task and had thick skin -
Mia: I'm not sure I wrote that
Combs' Steel: That you were able to deal with uncomfortable situations, 24/7-
AUSA Smyser: Objection! Reading for document not in evidence!
5h / 6:23 AM
AUSA Smyser: Your Honor, we renew our objection.
Judge: Mr. Steel, are we just going to show this video? You haven't laid any type of foundation. Take the video down.
Combs' Steel: Did you work as an assistant to someone?
Mia: Maybe 2008 or 2007, I'm not sure
6h / 6:18 AM
AUSA: Your Honor, on that basis we propose you sign the immunity order.
Done.
Judge: Bring in the witness Mia
[Mia takes the stand]
Judge: All rise!
[Jury enters]
Judge: Mr. Steel, you may proceed.
Combs' Steel: Show DX 1750...
6h / 6:13 AM
Judge: Let's have Mr. Garcia.
[Garcia enters courtroom]
AUSA: Did you receive a subpoena to testify at this trial?
Garcia: Yes.
AUSA: Do you intend to invoke your Fifth Amendment rights?
Garcia: Yes.
AUSA: Have you seen the proposed immunity order?
Garcia: Yes
6h / 5:58 AM
Judge: Defense, on the elevator hallway video, you are objecting to showing the versions we discussed?
Defense: Yes, it shows Mr. Combs running thirty percent faster than really happened, it's prejudicial. We let AUSA Smyser know how we will cross the expert
6h / 5:55 AM
[Before jury in]
Judge Subramanian: Mr. Steel, how much longer do you have on cross?
Combs' Steel: At least until lunch, maybe after.
Judge: We're not going to have 15 more Instagram posts?
Steel: I can't promise that...
6h / 5:53 AM
OK - now US v Sean Combs Day 14, more Steel cross of MIA, then Garcia to take the 5th.
DAY: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
AND NOW THE VERSION NBC NEWS
POSTED TO THEIR WEBSITE
2h ago / 12:21 PM PDT
Court is adjourned for the day
Adam Reiss, Jing Feng and Doha Madani
With no one expected to return for continued testimony, prosecutors say they will start tomorrow off by calling a named Eddy Garcia to the witness stand tomorrow.
Garcia worked as a security supervisor at the Los Angeles hotel where Combs was filmed attacking Cassie Ventura in March 2016. He briefly took the stand today to invoke his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
He received an immunity order, sparing him from potential prosecution so long as he answers questions truthfully.
Court is adjourned and will resume tomorrow morning.
2h ago / 12:21 PM PDT
Government acknowledges witness' face was shown in error
Adam Reiss, Jing Feng and David K. Li
Prosecutor Maurene Comey told the court that — hours earlier — the face of "Mia" was mistakenly shown on video piped into the courthouse overflow room.
Judge Subramanian asked if something went wrong with the redacted footage that should've been aired or the incorrect version was used.
The prosecution didn't have an answer.
2h ago / 12:09 PM PDT
Combs used aliases for hotel reservations, witness says
Adam Reiss, Jing Feng and David K. Li
Sylvia Oken, area director of sales and marketing at the Beverly Hills Hotel, is on the stand now as the prosecution's next witness.
Oken told jurors that Sean Combs used the aliases "Phillip Pines and "Frank Black" for hotel reservations.
She said it's not uncommon for entertainment industry guests to stay at the hotel under an alias.
2h ago / 11:57 AM PDT
Mia says she couldn't look her loved ones in the eye without testifying
Adam Reiss, Jing Feng and David K. Li
The witness said she has no choice but to testify against Combs because she doesn't want her younger, female loved ones to turn a blind eye to the issue of sexual assault.
"Because I can’t look my niece or my goddaughters in the eyes … in the future if they happen to be in this situation."
2h ago / 11:53 AM PDT
Alleged sexual assault is the worst thing she has ever had to talk about, 'Mia' says
Adam Reiss, Jing Feng and Doha Madani
The prosecution had Mia reiterate her feelings of fear in talking about Combs, with her testifying that her terror and difficulty understanding what allegedly happened was partly why she met with the government so much.
Prosecutor Madison Smyser asked Mia if she has ever been able to speak about her allegations that Combs sexually assaulted her without looking down.
"No, it's the worst thing I have ever had to talk about in my life," Mia said.
2h ago / 11:41 AM PDT
Working hard, staying out of trouble
Adam Reiss, Jing Feng and David K. Li
On redirect, "Mia" said she had a good reason to keep working hard and ensuring that Combs was pleased.
"Because when he was happy, I was safe," the prosecution witness said.
The defense repeatedly asked Mia why she stayed with Combs despite the alleged assaults she says she endured. Mia didn't distance herself from previous statements of admiration for Combs, saying that high highs — at that point of her career and life — seemed to make up for the low lows.
2h ago / 11:40 AM PDT
Prosecution takes up redirect, asks 'Mia' about Combs' social media presence
Adam Reiss, Jing Feng and Tiffany Doherty
Combs' defense ended its cross-examination, allowing prosecutors to redirect Mia's testimony.
Mia was asked about her work with Combs, which included managing all of his social media presence. She testified that if Combs did not feel as if she was doing her job, Mia would be punished and her job would have been threatened.
This apparently included posting for Combs' birthday, as Mia told the court she would've been in trouble if she didn't post.
2h ago / 11:13 AM PDT
'Mia' reiterates that Combs had threatened her life
Adam Reiss, Jing Feng and Doha Madani
Defense attorney Brian Steel revisited Mia's prior testimony of the violence she said she endured while working for Combs, noting that in 14 years all she ever wrote about Combs were statements of admiration.
Mia testified that there was a time where Combs slammed a door on her arm and continued to apply pressure, leaving her bruised. She said that her only interaction with Combs' human resources was for them to enforce a punishment he wanted.
Steel recalled her prior testimony saying she was scared of being killed, asking Mia if there were times she felt she could die at Combs' hands.
Mia told the court that he had threatened her life and physically assaulted her.
2h ago / 10:59 AM PDT
'Mia' says it wasn't clear to Ventura that she and Combs were not exclusive
Adam Reiss, Jing Feng and Doha Madani
The cross-examination of "Mia" moved into the former assistant's observations of Combs' relationship with Ventura, specifically whether Ventura was jealous of other women.
She testified that in her experience, she only recalls Ventura being upset that she saw Combs with another woman while Ventura was filming in South Africa. Mia testified that the relationship was presented to Ventura as one of exclusivity between her and Combs.
When defense attorney Brian Steel noted that clearly wasn't true, Mia told the court "it was not clear to her."
2h ago / 10:56 AM PDT
Defense hammering home 'kill myself' message
Adam Reiss, Jing Feng and David K. Li
Steel revisited the "kill myself" text message by Mia, echoing what might be the defense's strongest point of this cross-examination.
But like in previous instances of Steele asking Mia about her praising Combs, the witness owned it and explained her mindset of wanting to remain employed by the defendant.
"My entire world was ripped away from me, immediately," she said. "And even if, in hindsight, that world was awful, I didn’t know it at the time. That’s why it felt like everything was ending."
2h ago / 10:42 AM PDT
Defense questions 'Mia' on Ventura's work through the years
Adam Reiss, Jing Feng and Doha Madani
"Mia" was asked several questions about Ventura's working life during her years with Combs, as the defense apparently tried to undermine prior witnesses' implications that he stunted Ventura's career.
Defense attorney Brian Steel asked Mia questions about Ventura obtaining modeling jobs, movie work and even music she worked on with other artists, such as Wiz Khalifa. Mia testified that all of this was done with Combs' knowledge and consent.
Prior witnesses have said that while Ventura recorded music while dating Combs, she was unable to release new albums as part of her 10-album deal with Combs' record company. Ventura has one studio album, which was released in 2006, and a mixtape, which dropped in 2013.
2h ago / 10:29 AM PDT
After she worked for Combs, 'Mia' worked for Madonna
Adam Reiss, Jing Feng and David K. Li
The witness said she went on to work for Madonna after being let go from her job with Combs, refuting insinuations that she has not been employed and could be bitter with the defendant.
In an eight-month stint with the "Material Girl," Mia said she worked as an assistant in addition to the icon's film division.
Mia said she secured the Madonna gig independently, without Combs' help. The witness also accused Combs of reneging on helping her with a TV show she had developed.
2h ago / 10:02 AM PDT
One female juror appears skeptical of parts of Mia's testimony
Chloe Melas
One female juror was seen smiling, seemingly enjoying defense attorney Brian Steel’s cross-examination of "Mia."
Sometimes, the juror widened her eyes and furrowed her brow, appearing skeptical of some of Mia’s testimony.
2h ago / 9:58 AM PDT
Court returns from lunch
Adam Reiss, Jing Feng and Doha Madani
Court has reconvened from its lunch break, and "Mia" will return to the witness stand to continue cross-examination.
Prosecutors said "Mia" will stipulate that she has met with their team 28 times since 2023.
3h ago / 9:19 AM PDT
Court adjourns for lunch
Adam Reiss, Jing Feng and Doha Madani
Judge Arun Subramanian emptied the courtroom for the daily lunch break, telling everyone to be ready to return at 12:50 p.m. ET.
During the break, Subramanian said "Mia" will be given documents to refresh her memory about the numerous meetings she had with the government prior to trial.
3h ago / 9:04 AM PDT
'Mia' says reasons she kept quiet about sexual assault allegations are 'privileged'
Adam Reiss, Jing Feng and Doha Madani
Combs' defense pushed "Mia" about why she waited to tell the government her allegations of sexual assaults against Combs, saying it took about seven or eight months until she revealed the information to prosecutors.
Mia told the court that she doesn't remember the exact conversations, but that she did not tell the government until she had retained legal representation. The reasons are "privileged," she said.
Attorney-client privilege protects the confidentiality of communications between a lawyer and the client.
3h ago / 8:55 AM PDT
'Mia' went to mediation and asked for $10 million
Adam Reiss, Jing Feng and David K. Li
After her departure from Combs' employment, "Mia" said she went to mediation and originally asked for $10 million.
Steel, the defense lawyer, asked Mia if she'd demanded that eight-digit sum from a lawsuit. She responded that her claim against Combs went to mediation, and that's where $10 million emerged as an opening position in negotiations.
They eventually settled for $400,000, with her lawyers retaining about half of that, Mia said.
3h ago / 8:49 AM PDT
'Mia' says she 'wanted to die' with the secret of her abuse
Adam Reiss, Jing Feng and Doha Madani
"Mia" spoke to Cassie Ventura after Combs' former girlfriend filed her November 2023 lawsuit detailing sexual abuse allegations against him.
But Mia testified that she didn't tell Ventura about her own experiences of sexual abuse from Combs during that conversation.
"I was still deeply shamed and wanted to die with this," Mia told the court.
3h ago / 8:39 AM PDT
Combs put a tracking device on Ventura's car, 'Mia' says
Adam Reiss, Jing Feng and Doha Madani
"Mia" told the court that she felt terrible about covering for Combs with Ventura, his former girlfriend, but felt that if she didn't, he would have taken away his access to her.
Mia testified that Combs would find out because he stole their phones and put tracking devices on Ventura's car.
She added that she wasn't sure what Combs was capable of and reiterated that she was terrified.
3h ago / 8:33 AM PDT
'Mia' admits she didn't tell Ventura everything
Adam Reiss, Jing Feng and David K. Li
The witness said she was very close to Cassie Ventura but admitted not telling Combs' girlfriend everything she could have.
"Mia" conceded that she didn't tell Ventura about Combs' alleged sexual assault on her. She also said she would keep the music mogul's whereabouts from Ventura, under his orders.
"I remember covering for him and feeling terrible about it," Mia said.
4h ago / 8:17 AM PDT
Prosecution scolds defense for tone of questioning
Adam Reiss, Jing Feng and Doha Madani
Prosecutor Maurene Comey alerted Subramanian that she felt Combs' defense was mistreating "Mia," accusing Brian Steele of humiliating her on the witness stand.
Comey laid out concerns that Steele's sarcasm and suggestions that Mia is lying are bordering on harassment and that Steele is adding to Mia's trauma. Subramanian did not agree that Steele was mistreating Mia, but he did agree that the questions had been argumentative and cumulative in nature.
The judge said he heard Comey's concerns and would be on the lookout for offensive conduct. He added that the government would alert the court if it found any.
Subramanian warned Steele that he can ask a question and move on, but that if he believes that Steele is asking something just to get it out there, he will step in.
4h ago / 7:50 AM PDT
'Mia' briefly shown on courtroom feed
Adam Reiss, Jing Feng and David K. Li
The witness's face was briefly shown on an internal courthouse feed, though the error didn't elicit an immediate reaction in the courtroom.
For about 30 seconds, a camera showed "Mia," who was testifying under a pseudonym, despite a judge's order that her face not be shown or even drawn by courtroom sketch artists.
When her face was shown in a feed to an overflow room, the prosecution didn't lodge an immediate objection.
4h ago / 7:46 AM PDT
'Mia' was scared of Combs 'when he was scary,' she says
Adam Reiss, Jing Feng and Doha Madani
"Mia" is still getting pushed by the defense for years of friendly communications with Combs, despite her testimony that she feared him.
Another text from Mia, this time from December 2022, in which she wishes Combs a happy holiday season, was shown to the courtroom. The defense pointed out that Mia has told the jury she didn't want to see Combs because she feared him.
Mia was asked whether she was scared of Combs the entire time she knew him, including from 2019 to 2022.
"I was scared of him when he was scary, yes," Mia said.
5h ago / 7:33 AM PDT
'Mia' says she was 'terrified and brainwashed,' making her hesitant to come forward
Adam Reiss, Jing Feng and David K. Li
The witness said she was "terrified and brainwashed," preventing her from coming forward earlier with allegations of sexual assault against Combs.
When defense attorney Brian Steel asked "Mia" if she had a moral obligation to report Combs immediately, she said she didn't: "Because I was terrified and brainwashed."
It was only when others came forward publicly that Mia said she elected to do so too.
"It’s been a long process," she said. "I’m still untangling these things. I’m in therapy. "
5h ago / 7:17 AM PDT
Defense tries to undermine sexual assault allegations, 'Mia' says she was brainwashed
Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
Defense attorney Brian Steel pushed "Mia" about her testimony last week, during which she said Combs sexually assaulted her, asking point-blank whether the sexual assault testimony was true.
"I would not lie in this courtroom," Mia said. "I never lied in this courtroom; everything I have said is true."
Steel had shown the court multiple messages from Mia to Combs from 2018 to 2020, after she stopped working for Combs, in which she expressed love and good memories. In one message from August 2020, she wrote that the only things to remember were the good times.
Mia told the court that Combs had brainwashed her. She testified that the environment she was in was filled with high highs and low lows. Mia testified that she was always seeking Combs' approval.
5h ago / 7:09 AM PDT
'Mia': I never recorded Combs during an outburst
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Despite her near-constant contact with Combs while she worked for him, "Mia" admits she doesn't have any video of the music mogul during one of his fits of rage.
Mia also conceded that she doesn't have a text message to a friend to note any violent outbursts by Combs.
The witness testified that she wouldn't have made such documentation because doing so would have broken trust and confidentiality with her employer at the time.
5h ago / 7:01 AM PDT
'Mia' reached out to Combs because she felt bad about Kim Porter's death, she says
Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
When questioned about apparently loving texts "Mia" sent to Combs in late 2018 and throughout 2019, she testified that she felt bad for Combs after the death of Kim Porter.
Porter, who was with Combs for years and the mother of three of his children, died in November 2018 from pneumonia. Combs' defense showed texts following that time in which Mia wrote that she loved Combs and dreamed of him as her savior, months after Porter's death.
Mia told the court that she didn't think five months was a long time to recover from grief and that she hadn't yet understood what happened to her while working for Combs. She noted that there was a version of Combs who cared for her.
5h ago / 7:01 AM PDT
'Mia' nightmare: Trapped in elevator with R. Kelly
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
The defense introduced a text message from Mia to Combs, in which she told the defendant that he once, in a nightmare, saved her from R. Kelly.
Mia said in a Jan. 15, 2019, text message that she had a terrible dream of being trapped in an elevator with the convicted sex criminal, but then Combs "came and rescued me."
Judge Subramanian sustained a government objection, thus preventing Mia from answering why her alleged attacker, Combs, was framed as a savior in her dream. However, the defense still made its point to jurors that, despite the allegations Mia has made against Combs, there were times when she held him in the highest esteem.
6h ago / 6:37 AM PDT
Defense begins by having 'Mia' go over her qualifications and 'thick skin'
Adam Reiss and Doha Madani
Defense attorney Brian Steel opened his line of questioning today by having "Mia" go over her resume, asking whether she remembered telling Combs that she was multitasking, worked well under pressure, and had "thick skin."
Mia told Steel she doesn't remember writing that she had thick skin. He later asked her if she thought of herself as a leader, which Mia didn't quite know how to respond to.
She did agree that she speaks up for herself and could multitask under pressure. When asked directly if she had thick skin, Mia said that she thought she did.
6h ago / 6:24 AM PDT
'Mia' takes the witness stand again
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
The key prosecution witness, "Mia," took the stand this morning for the defense's cross-examination.
She wore a blouse, slacks and a jacket as jurors filed into the courtroom.
6h ago / 6:23 AM PDT
Hotel security manager invokes Fifth Amendment
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
Eddy Garcia, a security supervisor at the Los Angeles hotel where Combs was filmed attacking Cassie Ventura, briefly took the witness stand to invoke his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination.
The appearance was highly procedural, just so Garcia could put that request on the record and prompt the government to assure him he's free from prosecution as long as he testifies truthfully.
Garcia left the witness stand but is expected to return later today.
6h ago / 6:11 AM PDT
Defense readying its attack on alleged victim 'Mia'
Adam Reiss and David K. Li
U.S. District Court Judge Arun Subramanian denied defense efforts to show "Mia" drinking and having fun on vacation, as Combs' team previewed its line of attack on the key government witness.
Defense attorney Brian Steel said the footage from Honduras would go to his argument that Mia was let go from Combs Enterprises because of alcohol abuse.
But Subramanian sided with the prosecution, which claimed that footage of Mia doing shots would be more prejudicial than probative.
6h ago / 5:48 AM PDT
Who is expected to testify today
Marlene Lenthang and Adam Reiss
Week Four of Combs’ trial will begin with witness “Mia,” who used to work for Combs, returning to the stand for a third day to finish cross-examination, followed by a redirect from prosecutors.
The following witnesses are also expected today: Enrique Santos and Eddy Garcia, who are expected to testify with immunity; Sylvia Okun, a hotel custodian; and Frank Piazza, a forensic video expert.
6h ago / 5:42 AM PDT
Court is in session
Marlene Lenthang and Adam Reiss
Court is now in session for Day 14 of Combs' racketeering and trafficking trial.
7h ago / 5:18 AM PDT
A ‘criminal enterprise’ may be emerging in Combs' trial
Erik Ortiz and Deon J. Hampton
Testimony by Combs’ former employees could prop up the prosecution’s case that the music mogul allegedly oversaw a criminal enterprise that relied on employees and other accomplices to carry out illegal acts.
Capricorn Clark, a former assistant to the music mogul, said Combs was on a revenge mission in December 2011 after learning rapper Kid Cudi was also dating his girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie.
Clark testified last week that Combs, armed with a gun, commanded her to go with him to Cudi’s Hollywood Hills estate.
Another accuser, who used the pseudonym “Mia“ on the witness stand, testified that she worked as Combs’ personal assistant for several years, and alleged that he sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions during that time.
Combs was never charged in the firebombing or the alleged sexual assaults.
2h ago / 4:30 AM PDT
Mia struck a respectful but defiant tone on the stand Friday
Adam Reiss, Chloe Melas and Jing Feng
Mia struck a respectful but defiant tone during her time on the stand on Friday.
She readily acknowledged that she lavished praise and adoration on Combs in emails, texts and photo captions over the years, even after he allegedly abused her. On the stand, Mia came across as confident and far less subdued than she was during pivotal parts of Thursday's testimony.
Combs seemed interested as his defense lawyer led Mia through various Instagram posts during cross-examination. At one point, he put on his glasses and leaned toward the monitor to get a closer look.
3h ago / 3:31 AM PDT
President Donald Trump isn’t ruling out a pardon for Combs
Daniel Arkin and Pilar Melendez
President Donald Trump on Friday revealed he isn’t ruling out a pardon for Combs.
When asked whether he would consider taking that step, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that "nobody’s asked," but that he would "certainly look at the facts."
Trump added that he hadn’t seen or spoken to Combs in years and wasn’t following the trial closely.
3h ago / 3:31 AM PDT
"Mia" set to return to the stand
Daniel Arkin and Pilar Melendez
Diddy’s former personal assistant, a woman identified in court by the pseudonym "Mia," is set to return to the stand today, after two days of testimony.
Mia has accused Diddy of sexual assault and other physical violence. Her allegations of forced labor are especially crucial for the U.S. government’s racketeering conspiracy case against the rapper.
On Friday, Mia was aggressively cross-examined by one of Diddy’s lawyers, who attempted to undermine her account. The defense lawyer confronted her with pictures and social media posts that appeared to show the ex-assistant enjoying her years working for the wealthy mogul.
Mia pushed back during cross-examination, insisting that the seemingly carefree Instagram photos didn’t reflect her "misery."
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