Note: This article contains allegations of sexual abuse and domestic violence.
The Sean “Diddy” Combs trial (United States v. Combs) has concluded at federal district court in New York. Over the past few weeks, a plethora of information emerged in the sex-trafficking and racketeering case, which is expected to reach a verdict soon, per Judge Arun Subramanian. Jury deliberations began Monday (June 30). The trial was not televised, since cameras are typically not allowed in federal criminal proceedings. Moreover, Combs, wearing non-prison clothing and displaying noticeably gray hair, has reportedly been stoic in court lately—a contrast from being “a little nervous” amid jury selection. Perhaps the courtroom support from his family, including his mother and young adult children, could be a factor in his demeanor. Or maybe it’s his trust in the all-star defense team.
Meanwhile, outside the courtroom, the scene in lower Manhattan has been a spectacle. There’s been the intimidating police presence, overwhelming media frenzy, overnight encampments, perplexed citizen journalists, and bystanders—not to mention the “Free Diddy” supporters. The felonious atmosphere seemingly added a layer of distress to an already highly publicized case. Combs, 55, who was indicted in September 2024, is facing five criminal counts, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. BBC reports that several of the most severe allegations relate to the racketeering conspiracy (RICO) charge. The disgraced rapper, producer, music executive and Bad Boy Records founder has pleaded not guilty to all charges. If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum lifetime prison sentence.
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Cassie’s testimony against Diddy triggered victim blaming and shaming
Since the very beginning, the government’s star witness, singer and model, Cassanda Ventura (mononymously known as Cassie), was at the center of the trial. After taking the witness stand against Combs, she was met with misogyny, victim blaming, and female shame (e.g. sex shaming) throughout the trial. “I hope that my testimony has given strength and a voice to other survivors, and can help others who have suffered to speak up and also heal from the abuse and fear,” Cassie said in a statement via her attorney Doug Wigdo, following opening statements in May.
Visibly pregnant at the time of her shocking testimony, Cassie, 38, recently gave birth to her third child with her husband, Alex Fine. “I have felt tremendous pride and overwhelming love for Cass,” Fine said in a statement, also through Cassie’s attorney. “I have felt profound anger that she has been subjected to sitting in front of a person who tried to break her. You did not break her spirit nor her smile.”
Cassie’s testimony spanned over four days, including two days of cross-examination. She stated in court that her 10-year on-and-off relationship with Combs was filled with violence, drug use, and abuse. What’s more, the infamous 2016 hotel security video was allowed into evidence, despite Combs’ defense attempting to get the footage excluded. Obtained by CNN, the video shows Combs assaulting Cassie, allegedly after a “freak off” encounter.
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Following Cassie’s testimony, board-certified clinical and forensic psychologist Dawn Hughes testified as an expert witness for the prosecution. Hughes provided the jury with insight about domestic violence, sexual assault and traumatic stress. “No victim wants to be abused,” Hughes testified. “They stay in the relationship because it’s not just about hitting. It’s about a lot of abusive behaviors that make a victim feel trapped.” Per Hughes’ testimony, it’s common for victims to stay in abusive relationships, and a trauma bond can make a victim unwilling to leave.
“The fact that there’s an easily accessible video of Cassie being viciously assaulted by Diddy because she was trying to leave him and people are still asking, ‘Why didn’t she leave?’…” an X user posted amid the trial. During closing arguments last week, Diddy’s lead attorney Marc Agnifilo aimed at Cassie. Agnifilo argued that Cassie’s relationship with his client, Diddy, was a “great modern love story.”
Victim blaming affects victims and survivors, according to research
Worldwide, 1 in 3 women have experienced physical or sexual violence; mostly by an intimate partner per the United Nations (UN Women). Years after the “Believe Women” era, which arose at the height of the #MeToo movement, our societal climate still attempts to silence and even shame women and girls, especially when it comes to serious matters like abuse and assault. For context, The Female Face of Shame by Erica L. Johnson demonstrates how shame structures relationships and shapes women’s identities.
“The female body, with its history as an object of social control, expectation, and manipulation, is central to understanding the gendered construction of shame,” according to the book (explained through the study of 20th-century literary texts). Female shame in the context of assault nonetheless refers to the internal feelings of self-blame, guilt and embarrassment. The unwarranted shame that surrounds blaming female victims is evident in this case, both inwardly (Cassie as a victim) and outwardly (the public’s perception).
To clarify, victim blaming is the act of holding a victim responsible for the harm they have suffered, rather than holding the perpetrator accountable. According to Southern Connecticut State University, a public research university, sexual misconduct stems from rape culture, i.e. the tolerance of sexual harassment. Southern Connecticut State University’s research mentions that victim-blaming attitudes make it harder for the victim/survivor to come forward and report the abuse. Interestingly, the university cites: “One reason people blame a victim is to distance themselves from an unpleasant occurrence.” Recommendations to combat victim blaming include: avoiding language that objectifies women, communicating consent with sexual partners, holding abusers accountable for their actions and reassuring survivors that the situation is not their fault.
Hip Hop’s misogyny problem and the history of misogynoir
Upon the trial ending, we are beginning to see a reckoning—possibly the unfolding of the #MeToo movement in Hip-Hop. Allegations of abuse and control, alleged “freak off” incidents involving escorts, shocking text exchanges and even damning evidence from Combs’ properties have all been presented in court. Not surprisingly, the noise online regarding the trial is just as blaring as the courthouse chaos. The manosphere echo chamber and apologists’ cries are intertwined with roars of opposition.
At this moment, many women are blatantly vexed, repulsed and bewildered. A common thought to ponder is, Why are people blaming rather than believing, shaming instead of supporting? The disputes surrounding Cassie’s testimony ultimately traces back to misogyny, a form of sexism, that is, the ​​hatred of, contempt for, or prejudice against women. Hip-Hop clearly has a misogyny problem that’s been brewing for quite some time. Misogyny in rap was prevalent in the ’90s and 2000s and is still apparent today. Over the decades, rap’s lyrical content and music videos have not only platformed misogyny, but also patriarchy, sexism, homophobia, partner violence, hyper-masculinity and hyper-sexuality. The embedded normalization of these themes creates an atmosphere that overlooks the degradation and objectification of women, specifically Black women, which in many cases is misogynoir.
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Coined by Black feminist scholar and activist Moya Bailey in 2008, misogynoir is the combined force of anti-black racism and misogyny directed towards Black women. For example, there is Dr. Dre’s physical assault of journalist Dee Barnes, along with assault claims from his former girlfriend Michel’le (incidents he publicly apologized for in recent years.) In hindsight, Black women across the spectrum of internalized racism (e.g. colorism, texturism, featurism, socioeconomic backgrounds, etc.) deserve to be listened to and believed without fear, pushback or ridicule. But women of color are often not afforded the same grace in terms of gender-based violence.
Megan Thee Stallion’s case is also misogynoir in today’s culture
Most recently, we’ve seen an overload of unkind opinions on social media geared towards multiple Black women in the industry—Halle Bailey, Skai Jackson and Megan Thee Stallion. Particularly, Megan Thee Stallion, real name Megan Pete, has been unfairly scrutinized in a way similar to Cassie for simply voicing her truth as a victim of violence. “Even as a victim, I have been met with skepticism and judgment. The way people have publicly questioned and debated whether I played a role in my own violent assault proves that my fears about discussing what happened were, unfortunately, warranted,” Megan penned in a 2020 op-ed calling to protect Black women, ahead of Tory Lanez’s (legal name Daystar Perterson) court hearing at the time.
Is Diddy guilty or not guilty?
Various witnesses have testified in addition to Cassie. Combs’ former personal assistant, Capricorn Clark, Cassie’s mother Regina Ventura, Dawn Richard and Kid Cudi have all taken the witness stand along with legal officials and anonymous witnesses. Amid a mountain of testimony, shocking developments, celebrity name drops and even a denied mistrial request, the question on everyone’s mind remains. Is Sean “Diddy” Combs guilty or not guilty?
Regardless of bias and personal views, the fate of Diddy is not up to public opinion. In the court of law, the jury decides guilt or innocence based on the evidence presented in court. However, this case had many twists and turns, even revelations, that can intensify both the prosecution and defense. For now, the world will be waiting to see if Sean Combs, the once-prominent hip-hop multi-millionaire mogul (also known as Diddy, Puff, Love, P. Diddy, and Puff Daddy), will be convicted or acquitted.
RELATED CONTENT: Cassie Testifies In Diddy’s Sex-Trafficking Trial: ‘Freak Offs’ Lasted Days, ‘Sean Controlled My Life’
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.
