In Manhattan federal court on Thursday, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team wrapped its cross-examination of a former girlfriend, referred to in court as “Jane,” who has accused the hip-hop mogul of long-term abuse. The proceedings marked the conclusion of a tense two-day exchange that offered a deeper look into the emotional and psychological dynamics of their relationship.
Jane testified that in 2024, a heated argument turned violent when Diddy allegedly held her in a chokehold, leaving her gasping for air. She said the altercation began after she threw candles at him and voiced her anger. “I was just adapting to my circumstances,” she said, describing the pressure she felt to meet his expectations throughout their relationship.
Defense attorney Teny Geragos presented text messages showing Jane agreeing to sexual encounters involving escorts, framing the interactions as consensual. Jane, however, pushed back, describing her compliance as survival. “I resent him for all of it,” she said, insisting that her choices were shaped by emotional dependence and a fear of losing his affection.
Testimony highlights control, consent, and trauma at heart of trial
She also recounted a disturbing incident that followed the alleged assault, claiming Diddy asked her to take ecstasy and sleep with another man while she was still bruised. “I was home recovering with a black eye after being forced to have sex,” she told the court. Jane also denied Diddy’s accusation that she had tried to block him from seeing his children, calling it another attempt to control her through guilt and fear.
The cross-examination touched on Diddy’s past as well. Jane testified that she was shaken after viewing the now-public video of him assaulting his former partner Cassie Ventura in 2016. Although warned by friends, she said she remained in the relationship, believing in a more complex version of the man behind the headlines.
With Jane now off the stand, Thursday’s testimony underscored the core of this trial: a clash between narratives of consent and coercion, control and vulnerability. As Diddy maintains his not guilty plea to charges including sex trafficking and racketeering, the courtroom now shifts to what’s next—more witnesses, more scrutiny, and a verdict still far on the horizon.