Diddy’s Lawyer Accused of Harassing Witness in Trial

A prosecutor accused one of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ lawyers of harassing a key witness in the trial during cross-examination on Monday.

Prosecutor Maurene Comey alleged that defense attorney Brian Steel was humiliating Combs’s former personal assistant, who is utilizing the pseudonym “Mia” and adding to her trauma. Comey raised the concern after a mid-morning break following Steel’s questioning over why Mia reached back out to Combs years after she stopped working for him.

Defense attorney Brian Steel arrives at Federal Court for the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, in New York, Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

AP Photo/Richard Drew

District Judge Arun Subramanian did not agree with the prosecution’s claim but said he heard the prosecution’s concerns and would watch for any offensive conduct.

Why It Matters

Mia returned for her third day of testimony on Monday. She worked for Combs from 2009 to 2017.

Mia has testified about multiple alleged incidents of physical and sexual assault by Combs as the prosecution attempts to prove the charged offenses he is facing.

Combs is charged federally with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

What To Know

In a January 2019 text message shown in court, Mia told Combs she had a nightmare where she was trapped in an elevator with R. Kelly, and Combs rescued her.

Combs watched intently during the questioning.

Mia said she had also reached out to Combs after the 2018 death of Kim Porter, Combs’ former girlfriend because she felt bad for him.

“I did love that dude,” Mia said.

Steel also asked Mia whether she was being truthful in her testimony.

“I would not lie in this courtroom,” Mia said. “I never lied in this courtroom; everything I have said is true.”

Mia reached a $400,000 settlement with Combs after her employment with him ended. She received $200,000 after attorneys’ fees. The alleged incidents of sexual assault were not mentioned in the lawsuit.

Mia said she did not tell anyone about the alleged sexual assault until June 2024. She said she was “terrified and brainwashed.”

What People Are Saying

Mia, referring to Combs during her testimony: “I was never outside of his grip.”

Steel, during his questioning of Mia: “Did you ever produce any random notes that showed Mr. Combs was anything but professional with you? Do you have any notes that Mr. Combs was violent toward you? It’s not true, is it?”