Sean Combs’ ex breaks down on the witness stand after reading years of intimate texts aloud in court.
In a dramatic moment inside a New York courtroom, hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defence lawyer forced his ex-girlfriend to read out years of emotional text messages she had sent him, reducing her to tears on the witness stand.
The woman, testifying under the pseudonym “Jane,” broke down on the fifth day of her testimony as she read message after message professing her love for Combs. The intense cross-examination, led by defence attorney Teny Geragos, appeared designed to challenge the prosecution’s narrative of coercion and abuse.
The messages, exchanged between 2021 and September 2024, painted a picture of affection, devotion, and emotional complexity. At one point, Jane read aloud: “I have never had a man take care of me like you do.” Overcome by emotion, she began sniffling and wiped tears from her face as the courtroom grew tense.
Prosecutors swiftly objected, leading to a sidebar discussion with the judge. Meanwhile, Combs sat silently at the defence table, reading from a monitor, his expression unreadable. The courtroom watched as Jane, visibly shaken, slumped in her chair, her hair falling over her face.
The defence’s strategy aimed to support its claim that Jane willingly participated in sexual encounters with male sex workers — encounters which prosecutors allege Combs orchestrated, observed, and sometimes coerced. Geragos probed Jane about her participation, highlighting her willingness to please Combs despite her personal reluctance to engage with other men.
Throughout Wednesday’s session, Geragos also pressed Jane on the volatile dynamics of her relationship with Combs. She acknowledged frequent arguments, often triggered by jealousy over how Combs treated his other girlfriends. In one instance, Jane admitted feeling hurt when Combs gifted another girlfriend jewellery that matched pieces he had previously given her.
Despite the painful revelations, Jane testified that she still harbours love for Combs, though she gained clarity on the toxic nature of their relationship following several months of therapy.
Prosecutors accuse Combs of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, alleging he used threats, violence, and drugs to manipulate women into unwanted sexual acts. They say his employees and associates assisted him in maintaining control and fulfilling his demands. The Bad Boy Records founder, 55, has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he could face a sentence ranging from 15 years to life in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey, leading the government’s case, indicated that prosecutors might rest their case as early as next Wednesday. The defence team, however, has not revealed its full strategy or witness list. Defence attorney Marc Agnifilo said the decision would depend on the remaining prosecution witnesses, though he expressed confidence that the trial would conclude by Independence Day.
Wednesday’s proceedings began later than usual, in the afternoon, giving the defence limited time for cross-examination. Geragos is expected to complete her questioning on Thursday morning, after which the focus will shift once more to the prosecution’s remaining witnesses.
Outside the courtroom, the trial continues to draw significant media attention, with supporters and critics of Combs weighing in on the harrowing details emerging daily. The case has cast a long shadow over one of hip-hop’s most influential figures, once celebrated for his musical empire and business ventures.
As the proceedings move closer to their conclusion, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on both the high-profile defendant and the emotional turmoil experienced by those who have taken the stand.
