Diddy Trial Week of June 9–13: Key Testimony, Cross-Examination, and Kanye West’s Courthouse Appearance

The fifth week of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial in New York was marked by dramatic testimony, intense cross-examination, and headline-grabbing moments both inside and outside the courtroom.

The Diddy trial this week centered on the marathon testimony of Combs’ former girlfriend, testifying under the pseudonym “Jane.” Over six days, “Jane” described her three-year relationship with Combs as manipulative and coercive, alleging she was pressured into “hotel nights”—sexual encounters with multiple men, sometimes under the influence of drugs provided by Combs. She described feeling “used” and “resentful,” and recounted incidents where she was reluctant to participate but felt unable to say no.

During cross-examination, defense attorneys sought to portray “Jane” as a willing participant in Combs’ lifestyle, highlighting the financial support and gifts she received, including luxury handbags, jewelry, and a $20,000 investment in her business. The defense played audio recordings in which Combs encouraged her to “move on” from the relationship, suggesting she was not being held against her will.

The cross-examination also included reading text messages and playing sealed audio for the jury, with “Jane” acknowledging that she often agreed to Combs’ requests, even if she now regrets those decisions. According to court transcripts and abcnews.go.com, she testified, saying, “I resent him for knowing how much I loved him and knowing I couldn’t say no to him”.

Federal agents testified in the Diddy trial about the March 2024 raid on Combs’ Los Angeles home, revealing the seizure of firearms stored in a security room and nearly 900 bottles of AstroGlide lubricant. The evidence was presented to support the prosecution’s claims of an organized effort to facilitate and conceal alleged sex trafficking activities.

ABC News is reporting that a juror could be dismissed after the Prosecutors argued the juror gave conflicting information about his primary residence, raising concerns about his honesty and ability to follow instructions. The judge expressed “serious concerns”.

On Friday, June 13, Kanye West (Ye) made a brief but highly publicized appearance at the courthouse, signaling support for Combs. West did not enter the courtroom but spent about 40 minutes on site, and reportedly spent time in the overflow room, before leaving. His presence added further media attention to an already high-profile case.

With “Jane’s” testimony concluded, the trial moves forward with testimony from additional witnesses, including Combs’ assistants and federal agents. The defense continues to argue that all sexual encounters were consensual and that Combs’ lifestyle, while unconventional, did not involve trafficking or coercion.

Sean “Diddy” Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which include sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation for prostitution.