A juror in the Sean “Diddy” Combs case appeared to fall asleep as a forensic psychologist testified Wednesday morning.
The juror, a middle-aged Black woman, seemed to nod off around 11:30 a.m. as Dr. Dawn Hughes testified.
Why It Matters
Combs’ trial is now in its second week. A jury of 12, with six alternates, has heard testimony from several witnesses already, including Combs’ former partner Cassie Ventura.
Combs is charged federally with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Elizabeth Williams via AP
The jury will be tasked with finding Combs guilty or not guilty of the charged offenses.
What To Know
Hughes had not interviewed Combs or the alleged victims in this case, but she spoke about some of the reasons why victims stay in abusive relationships.
Hughes said that it is common for victims to stay due to psychological bonds and love for their partner. The threat of future violence can make victims “feel trapped.”
Hughes said the abuse can lead to depression, PTSD and anxiety.
She said that it often takes a victim multiple attempts to leave an abusive relationship.
Earlier in the day, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Gerard Gannon returned to the witness stand for a second day of testimony. He testified about the items federal agents found at Combs’ residence in Miami.
Agents found a wireless sex toy in a primary bedroom closet, Gannon testified. There was also a black Gucci bag filled with drugs, including cocaine and ketamine.
In a hallway closet near the primary bedroom, federal agents found 25 bottles of baby oil and 31 bottles of Astroglide lubricant.
Gannon showed the jury a .45 caliber handgun found inside a suitcase in Combs’ guest house.
Gannon also displayed components of an AR-15 to the jury on Tuesday. He testified that agents found firearms with defaced serial numbers.
What People Are Saying
Hughes, speaking about victims of sexual abuse in her testimony Wednesday: “They experience a tremendous amount of shame, humiliation, degradation. They don’t want to talk about it. They don’t even want to think about it in their own brain.”
Gannon, speaking about the challenges of determining gun ownership without a serial number during his testimony Tuesday: “It’s a lot more difficult, or impossible.”
What Happens Next
Witness testimony is ongoing in Combs’ federal criminal trial, which is expected to last eight to 10 weeks. Combs is facing life in prison if convicted.
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