This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. Despitemounting allegations of sexual and physical abuse, attorneys forSean "Diddy" Combsare pushing back against the abuse claims amid the hip-hop mogul'scriminal trial. Heading into its fifth week, the sweeping federal sex-crimes case resumed in Manhattan court on June 2 after Combs' legal team grilled the Grammy-winning rapper's former assistant, awoman going by the pseudonym "Mia,"during cross-examination on May 30. The anonymous witness painted a picture of long-term emotional and professional manipulation, which Combs' attorneys challenged with past social media posts she made about Combs. The defense's direct approach became a point of contention in court, as seen in a 40-minute disagreement between Combs' lawyers and prosecutors about showing a video of Mia singing "Happy Birthday" to Combs. Judge Arun Subramanian watched the video but precluded it as evidence and said the relevance is minimal. Similar to other former employees of Combs, Mia has described a workplace dynamic in which Combs allegedly made repeated threats to maintain control. The ex-assistant, who worked for Combs from 2009-2017, also claims the Bad Boy Records founder sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions. Combs, 55, wasarrested in September 2024and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty. During cross-examination on May 30, Combs' attorneyBrian Steelshowed Mia a number of old social media posts. One was a tribute for Combs' 45th birthday, where she wrote, "Happy birthday, Puff Daddy. Thank you for being the good kind of crazy," adding that she loved him with all her heart. Steel remarked that this was five years after Combs first allegedly sexually assaulted her. "When the highs were high and the goods were good, you tried so hard to stay in that," Mia said. Steel pressed her multiple times, saying, "Haven't you said you've been sexually assaulted so many times that you can't even remember?" Mia responded: "I don't remember phrasing it that way." Diddy on trial newsletter:Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges. In more emotional testimony on May 30, Mia said she hired an employment lawyer to try to get a settlement from Combs after her work with the music mogul ended, requesting a payment of $10 million; ultimately, she only received $400,000, half of which was taken by lawyers. The woman said she never disclosed her alleged sexual assaults in those transactions, even though she mentioned some of Combs' violence. She told the court that she would have taken her assault allegations aimed at Combs to her grave. While taking the stand on May 30, Mia said Combs emotionally abused her to the point that she now suffers from "complex severe PTSD." Due to her post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis, Mia said she can't get or keep a job because she is triggered by the most minor things, like somebody asking where she is. "I would have to leave (work) because I would be triggered by very normal situations with an overwhelming fear of being in trouble," the witness told the court. She added that "all of those feelings of getting in trouble come flooding back." No, despite recently handing down a flurry of pardons, including one for reality starsTodd and Julie Chrisley,President Donald Trumpdid not include Combs on that list. But thatdoesn't mean he can't. According to Michigan State law professor Brian Kalt, Trump would be within his presidential rights to extend a preemptive pardon to Combs. "These are federal charges so that's the main limit,"Kalt tells USA TODAY. "The matter has (to) be federal, it has to be criminal vs. civil, and related to something that's already been done. But the person doesn't have to even be charged yet or convicted. TheSupreme Courthas said preemptive pardons are OK." When asked about a possible pardon during anOval Office press conferenceon May 30, Trump said he hadn't been approached about the legal matter but added, "I know people are thinking about it." Combs is facing federal sex-crimes and trafficking charges in a sprawling lawsuit that has eroded his status as a power player and kingmaker in the entertainment industry. He wasarrested in September 2024and later charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. The rapper has pleaded not guilty to all five counts against him. Racketeering is the participation in an illegal scheme under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute, or RICO, as a way for the U.S. government to prosecute organizations that contribute to criminal activity. Using RICO law, which is typically aimed attargeting multi-person criminal organizations,prosecutors allegethat Combs coerced victims, some of whom they say were sex workers, through intimidation and narcotics to participate in"freak offs"— sometimes dayslong sex performances that federal prosecutors allege they have video of. The trial will not be televised, as cameras are typically not allowed in federal criminal trial proceedings. USA TODAY will be reporting live from the courtroom.Sign up for our newsletterfor more updates. Contributing: USA TODAY staff If you are a survivor of sexual assault,RAINNoffers support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) andHotline.RAINN.organd en EspañolRAINN.org/es. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Diddy trial live updates: Can you livestream Enrique Santos testimony?
