Diddy's Defense Alleges Mia Is Another 'Me Too Money Grabber'

As Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal sex-crimes trial progresses, his legal team challenged broad abuse allegations and intensely questioned his former assistant, referred to as "Mia." 

Last week, Mia testified in Manhattan court about alleged physical and sexual abuse by Combs, spanning her employment from 2009 to 2017. Combs' attorneys highlighted friendly text messages and social media posts Mia shared about him in recent years, to which she responded, "I was still brainwashed," explaining her ongoing need for his approval.

Mia described a controlling workplace where Combs allegedly used threats to dominate employees. She also claimed multiple sexual assaults by Combs, starting at the Plaza Hotel during his 40th birthday celebration in 2009, with further incidents at his Los Angeles home and on a private plane. Her testimony grew emotional, as she called discussing the alleged assaults "the worst thing I've ever had to talk about."

Combs, 55, was arrested in September 2024, facing charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for prostitution, to which he has pleaded not guilty.

Mia revealed she spoke with Combs' ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura Fine, around the time of Ventura Fine’s 2023 lawsuit accusing Combs of similar crimes. However, Mia did not disclose her own alleged assaults to Ventura Fine, citing deep shame and suicidal thoughts. When defense attorney Brian Steel questioned why she waited months to report the assaults to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mia explained her delay was due to trauma, a common response among survivors.

Steel pressed Mia on her silence to family and friends, alleging she was part of a "MeToo money grab" and referencing Ventura Fine’s settlement. Mia acknowledged awareness of the settlement but denied seeking financial gain through a lawsuit. She stated her motivation to speak out was to support loved ones, like her niece and goddaughters, if they ever faced similar trauma.

Sylvia Oken’s Testimony: Oken, the area director of sales and marketing at the Beverly Hills Hotel, testified about hotel reservations made under the alias "Frank Black," linked to Combs and referencing Notorious B.I.G.’s nickname "Frank White." She presented two bills from Combs’ stays, one from May 2015 with a $500 charge for "oil damage" and another including a $300 charge for cleaning drapes and a fee for purchasing five candles. These details corroborated earlier testimony about the aftermath of Combs’ alleged "freak-offs," which involved excessive use of baby oil and other materials. Oken’s testimony was brief, with minimal cross-examination, and the jury was dismissed after her appearance.