NEW YORK — Another former girlfriend of Sean “Diddy” Combs is set to testify at his sex trafficking trial in New York, claiming he abused her and coerced her into drug-fueled sexual activities. The woman, who goes by the name “Jane,” is among several witnesses detailing encounters marked by violence, including R&B singer Cassandra “Cathy” Ventura, who shared that Combs assaulted her multiple times, enduring “hundreds” of sexual acts.
Jane, a single mother, was in a relationship with Combs for three years starting in 2020, a couple of years after Cathy’s relationship with him ended. Prosecutors argue that what began as a romantic relationship with Jane quickly devolved into dependence on sexual encounters involving male sex workers.
Combs, now 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging that he managed a business empire that has allegedly enabled the abuse of women for two decades. If found guilty, he may face a sentence ranging from 15 years to life.
During a break at lunch, Judge Arun Subramanian noted the jury’s reactions, mentioning that he observed one juror “nod violently” while another witness, Briana “Bana” Bongolan, was cross-examined. He cautioned that such displays could possibly result in jurors being removed from the courtroom. Defense attorney Mark Agnifilo acknowledged the warning and emphasized that there should be no interaction with jurors.
Jane’s testimony will involve measures to protect her privacy, with courtroom displays typically kept off for sensitive content. The judge agreed with prosecutors that materials including messages and images would necessitate caution regarding her identification. The prosecution indicated that after edits, some evidence would be shared publicly, with Jane reading aloud certain messages that were submitted as evidence.
Judge Subramanian also turned down a request from media outlets to delay the trial or relocate witnesses so that adequate editorial time could be provided, stressing that observers must refrain from attempting to identify or sketch Jane.
The trial continued Thursday morning with the defense cross-examining Bongolan. She had previously expressed anger during her testimony, detailing an incident from 2016 wherein Combs allegedly dangled her from a balcony. This event, she stated, was traumatizing and left her with lingering nightmares.
Combs’ attorneys suggested that Bongolan’s history with drug use raises questions about her credibility regarding the alleged incidents. Bongolan is also pursuing a lawsuit against Combs.
Defense attorney Nicole Westmoreland pressed Bongolan, suggesting she may have fabricated or exaggerated parts of her claims. She raised the point that Combs was likely on tour during the time of the alleged balcony incident, indicating he couldn’t be in two places at once. Bongolan agreed it was challenging to address that question but maintained the episode was indeed real.
Under further questioning, she affirmed a particular circumstance where Combs wasn’t squeezing her chest very hard during their encounter. Additionally, Bongolan mentioned that after the balcony incident, she smoked marijuana with Combs and later attended one of his concerts and a private party. Westmoreland questioned her about attending these events if she truly felt threatened, to which Bongolan responded that her feelings were complicated but she chose to go.
Bongolan had earlier testified to witnessing Combs’ abuse of Cathy.
