WEEK four of Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal trial began with the judge scolding the defense about video evidence of the disgraced music exec's former assistant that is expected to be shown in court.
The victim, who is being referred to as Mia, painted a disturbing picture for jurors last week about the sleep deprivation and violent environment she allegedly endured while working for Combs, 55.
Judge Arun Subramanian has allowed the defense to present a last-minute video to the court, which they claims discredits Mia's testimony about Combs' years-long abuse.
"We found this video on the internet," Combs' lead attorney Marc Agnifilo told the judge on Friday.
"I think there were people on the internet who figured out who Mia is… we received emails from random people with the same video."
The video showed Mia wishing Combs a happy birthday in 2013.
However, Judge Subramanian scolded defense attorney Brian Steel as he tried to begin Monday's cross-examination by showing jurors the video, which also faced an objection by prosecutors.
"Mr Steel, are we just going to show this video? You haven't laid any type of foundation. Take the video down," the judge said.
The defense was eventually allowed to admit the video into evidence after establishing a foundation for presenting the clip to the jury.
'CYCLE OF VIOLENCE'
Mia, who worked for Combs from 2009 to 2017, is back on the stand to begin week four after testifying about the three instances where Combs allegedly raped her.
Mia testified that she had never disclosed the alleged sexual assaults to anyone, saying "I was going to die with it."
She underwent a grueling cross-examination by defense attorney Brian Steel, who tried to suggest to her that she made up the sexual assault allegations against Combs.
However, Mia took firm on her accusations, saying, "What I said in this courtroom is true. I have not lied to anyone at all."
Mia told the courtroom how during her years working for Combs she sometimes felt like he was a best friend and working partner, but other times he treated her like a "worthless piece of crap."
Steel challenged the victim to explain why she continued working for Combs despite the years of abuse and after the allegedly being raped.
"In an abusive relationship there's a cycle of violence," Mia said.
"I was young and manipulated and eager to survive. I'm unraveling a lot of this now in therapy.
"Nobody was there to say these things that were happening were wrong. There was nobody around us that ever even flinched at his behavior."
Combs is facing five criminal charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network) at 800-656-HOPE (4673).
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