Fordham Law Professor Cheryl Bader comments on the latest developments in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal sex trafficking trial, including the approaches being used by the defense and prosecution.
One of Combs’ accusers, being referred to by “Jane,” also took the stand Thursday. She testified about their relationship from 2021-2024, which included “freak offs” and drugs.
“It shows that this was not a one-off incident. That this is how Combs operates,” said Cheryl Bader, an associate professor at Fordham University’s School of Law.
“Jane” described feeling trapped. Saying other men were often in their sexual encounters, but she performed because she loved him, and Combs was paying her rent.
“So there are these very competing emotions, and the defense is going to try and show that they’re contradictory,” said Bader.
She also said the relationship affected her ability to work, so Combs periodically would give her an allowance.
“The prosecution wants to show that this is a method of luring in women through his fame,” Bader said.
Prosecutors said they are working to make sure direct questioning of “Jane” is finished by the end of the day Monday. The court is scheduled to resume at 9 a.m. Friday morning.