Context:

Sean Combs's former assistant, referred to as Mia, provided testimony in his ongoing trial for sex trafficking and racketeering, alleging a pattern of abusive behavior and sexual assault. Mia described a volatile work environment under Combs, marked by violent outbursts and instances of forced labor, including sexual acts. She detailed several incidents, such as being thrown against a wall and subjected to sexual assault, which she felt powerless to resist due to fears of retaliation. Combs, who has denied all charges, is accused of running a criminal enterprise, with his legal team arguing that any sexual activities were consensual. The trial also featured testimony from Deonte Nash, a stylist who expressed concerns about the safety of Combs's on-and-off girlfriend, Casandra Ventura, who reportedly faced similar coercive situations involving Combs's demands for 'freak-offs'.

Dive Deeper:

• Mia, a former assistant to Sean Combs, testified that she experienced a grueling work environment, characterized by sleep deprivation and violence, often at the whims of Combs's moods. She recounted an incident where Combs threw a bowl of spaghetti and a computer at her, although they missed.

• Mia alleged multiple instances of sexual assault by Combs, including being kissed and groped at his birthday party and being assaulted in her sleep. She described feeling unable to refuse his advances due to fear of reprisal.

• Prosecutors used Mia's testimony to support allegations made by singer Cassie, Combs's ex-girlfriend, who reportedly faced similar coercion and abuse during their relationship.

• Deonte Nash, a stylist and friend of Cassie, testified about Combs's demands for Cassie to participate in 'freak-offs,' and expressed ongoing concerns for her safety, which were challenged during cross-examination.

• Mia also described an incident where she and Cassie attended a party at Prince's house, against Combs's instructions, leading to a confrontation where Combs attacked Cassie before being stopped by security.

• Combs's defense team contends that his businesses were lawful and separate from his private life, arguing the sexual encounters were consensual, while Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

• The trial highlights the broader allegations of Combs operating a criminal enterprise to facilitate and conceal criminal activities over two decades, with Mia's testimony being a key component in the prosecution's case.