Clinical Psychologist Testifies During Diddy Trial, Speaks On Abuser-Victim Dynamic

Psychologist Dawn Hughes also spoke about using financial leverage, abusive patterns, and more.

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Earlier today (May 21), prosecutors called Dawn Hughes, a clinical and forensic psychologist, to the witness stand in the ongoing Sean “Diddy” Combs sex trafficking trial. She was asked to provide more context to jurors about the mental and emotional effects that abusive long-term relationships have on victims.

Hughes has testified in several high-profile cases before, including R. Kelly’s federal trial, NXIVM sex cult leader Keith Ranier’s 2019 case, the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard defamation trial, and more. Per Hughes’ website, she is a clinical and forensic psychologist in New York City who “specializes in the assessment and treatment of interpersonal violence, traumatic stress and the anxiety disorders.”

“Victims of domestic violence often stay with their abusers as they feel like there are no better options,” Hughes testified, per NBC. “These victims who stay in these toxic relationships tend to fall into three categories — because they feel trapped, still feel a bond to their abuser and believe that the act of leaving the relationship is far too complex to achieve.”

Cassie Ventura, Sean Combs

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She went on, “Sexual abuse can bring shame and humiliation, which leads victims to worry about keeping this harm private — which again keeps them from seeking an ultimate end to a bad relationship.” This statement is pertinent to Diddy’s relationship with Cassie Ventura, as the latter testified she was threatened numerous times by the former that footage of her participating in “freak-offs” would be revealed to the public.

“Victims suffering from psychological abuse walk on eggshells and focus on how to stay safe in the moment rather than a big picture solution, such as exiting a toxic relationship,” she added.

Hughes also spoke to how using financial leverage against a victim is “very important.” “If you don’t have money, you are left with a feeling of ‘Where am I going to go?’” she said on the stand.

During cross-examination, the defense pointed out that Hughes does not know all of the details of the case against Diddy. She confirmed and told the court she wasn’t legally allowed to interview the defendant nor the witnesses.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 24: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Sean “Diddy” Combs performs onstage during the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Festival at T-Mobile Arena on September 24, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Defense attorney Jonathan Bach asked Hughes if she is making $600 an hour for her work with prosecutors, and Hughes confirmed she was. Prosecutors retorted by pointing out Hughes was also hired before by members of the defense. Bach confirmed Hughes had worked with defense attorney Brian Steel in the past, but she did not wind up being a witness in that particular case.

Witnesses who have taken the stand so far include Cassie and her mother, former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard, Diddy’s former assistant David James, hotel security guard Israel Florez, sex workers who worked for Diddy, special agent Gerard Gannon, and others. Kid Cudi was expected to testify today, but his appearance has been delayed until tomorrow.

Diddy is currently facing one count of racketeering conspiracy; two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. He was arrested in NYC on Sept. 16, 2024, and was held at MDC Brooklyn without bail. If convicted, he faces 15 years to life in prison.

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