This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. Sean "Diddy" Combs' alleged pattern of sexual and physical abuse is coming into focus as more of the hip-hop mogul's former associatesspeak outduring hiscriminal trial. After harrowing testimony from Combs' ex-assistant, awoman going by the pseudonym "Mia,"prosecutors returned to court on May 30 to continue building their case against the Grammy-winning rapper in his sweeping federal sex-crimes case. During her May 29 testimony, Mia was emotional, slow and considered in her responses. Her voice often cracked as she teared up while alleging Combs attacked her and his then-girlfriendCassie Ventura Finemultiple times. "He's thrown things at me. He's thrown me against the wall. He's thrown me into a pool," she said. Mia's testimony followed similar allegations fromDeonte Nash, a friend and stylist ofVentura Fine, who claimed Combs tried to control all aspects of Cassie's life during theirdecadelong relationship. Combs, 55, wasarrested in September 2024and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty. Diddy on trial newsletter:Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges. 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 updates: Mogul's alleged sexual abuse exposed in court
