Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield

Episode: "You better learn to walk on water like Jesus did, B*tch!" | United States vs. Sean Combs Day 13

Release Date: May 31, 2025

Ashleigh Banfield delves deep into the tumultuous federal sex trafficking trial of Sean Combs, also known as Diddy or Puff. In this intense episode, titled "You better learn to walk on water like Jesus did, B*tch!", Banfield provides a comprehensive overview of Day 13 in southern Manhattan's courtroom, shedding light on Mia's harrowing testimony and the ensuing legal battles.

Mia’s Testimony: A Glimpse Behind the Curtain [00:00 - 05:30]

The episode opens with Banfield introducing the gravity of Day 13 in Sean Combs' federal sex trafficking trial. Mia, a pseudonymous former assistant, takes the stand, offering a brutally honest account of her time working for Diddy.

Mia describes her work environment as a familial dynamic, stating, "I considered my co-workers my family." (02:15). Despite the demanding nature of her job, Mia admitted to a strained romantic relationship with Matt Testa, Diddy's sound engineer, caused by the incessant pressures of their workplace.

One of the most jarring revelations comes when Mia confesses to telling Diddy, "I love you," not out of romantic feelings, but as part of the group dynamic (04:50). This admission sets the tone for the intricate power dynamics Mia endured.

The Cape Town Incident: Unraveling Personal Relationships [05:31 - 10:00]

Prosecutors transport the jury back to October 2015 in Cape Town, South Africa, where Mia witnesses a pivotal moment—Cassie discovers Diddy's other main girlfriend, Gina. This revelation forces Cassie to sever ties with Diddy, placing Mia in the uncomfortable position of mediating between the two parties.

Mia recounts the relentless attempts by Diddy's staff to reconnect Cassie with Diddy, stating, "I became the messenger, the go-between, the human buffer" (07:45). The courtroom is presented with evidence of Mia's overwhelmed state, including a text where she informs Christina K.K. Corum, Diddy's chief of staff, about the immense stress from constant communication attempts (09:20).

Diddy's Manipulative Control: Threats and Coercion [10:01 - 15:00]

The tone darkens as Mia shares distressing interactions with Diddy. A particularly threatening text from Diddy reads, "If you don't call me now, it all [is over], and I'm going to tell everything. You have two minutes." (12:30). Mia interprets this as a veiled threat to expose their non-consensual sexual encounters, which she classifies as assault.

Another alarming message from Diddy includes, "Fuck ABC and all the lawyers. Let's go to war if you don't call me." (13:45), referencing a TV show Mia had created that never aired. The barrage of messages culminates in a final, heart-wrenching plea: "I've come to the conclusion that it's best we part ways." (14:50).

Mia reveals that these manipulative tactics were designed to keep her compliant and maintain her position within Diddy's company, highlighting the toxic environment she endured.

Survival Through Emotion: Emails and Personal Struggles [15:01 - 20:30]

A critical piece of evidence is Mia's email to Diddy dated October 19, 2015, with the subject line, "You know I love you and I'll do anything for you." (17:10). Mia explains that this declaration wasn't borne out of genuine affection but was a survival mechanism to navigate the oppressive work environment. She felt powerless, fearing that distancing herself could jeopardize her career and reputation.

Mia further recounts her traumatic suspension on March 31, 2011, at Diddy's Beverly Crest home. Overwhelmed by stress and exhaustion, she admits to oversleeping, which led to a violent outburst from Diddy. Despite the official reason for her suspension being insubordination, Mia asserts it was an arbitrary punishment fueled by Diddy's sadistic tendencies (19:45).

Desperate Escapes: The Yacht Incident [20:31 - 30:00]

One of the most harrowing moments Mia shares is her failed attempt to escape Diddy's control on New Year's Eve 2010. While aboard a yacht in Saint Barts with Diddy's number one girlfriend, Kim Porter, their children, and other staff members, Mia confronts a breaking point.

Diddy berates her for a minor infraction, screaming, "You better learn to walk on water like Jesus did, B*tch!" (23:10). Terrified, Mia flees to the crew's quarters, pleading to be taken to shore. However, a brewing storm and the crew's inaction leave her stranded. Kim Porter eventually intervenes, assisting Mia in her desperate bid for freedom. Despite escaping to land, Diddy relentlessly calls for her return, revealing the inescapable grip he holds (27:50).

Leaving the Company: Legal Battles and Emotional Aftermath [30:01 - 40:00]

Mia continued working for Diddy until 2017, contributing to projects like Revolt Films and producing a documentary. However, when she sought a raise, Diddy's disinterest in the film business led to her abrupt dismissal. Devastated, Mia embarked on a legal journey to reclaim unpaid bonuses and expenses, ultimately settling for a fraction of her initial demand (33:20).

Crucially, Mia confesses that while she shared her experiences of physical and financial abuse with her attorneys, she never disclosed the sexual abuse, highlighting systemic failures in legal support for survivors.

Even after leaving, Mia struggled to sever ties, reaching out to Diddy during significant moments, including after Kim Porter's death. This ongoing connection underscores the deep psychological trauma she endured (35:45).

Cross-Examination: Dissecting the Truth [40:01 - 60:00]

The defense's cross-examination, led by attorney Brian Steele, poses challenging questions aimed at discrediting Mia's testimony. Steele acknowledges the trauma Mia endured but swiftly pivots to scrutinize her personal life and social media presence.

He confronts Mia with her Instagram activity, pointing out posts that seemingly celebrate Diddy, including a playful photo captioned, "Thanks for letting me give birth to my dreams." (45:15). Mia objects strongly, whispering, "I'm just trying to figure out the word you just used," reflecting her distress (46:30).

Steele continues by emphasizing discrepancies between Mia's online persona and her courtroom revelations, questioning how she could commemorate events tied to her alleged assault. Mia responds with, "You tend to forget the bad things and try to remember the good ones," (50:00), highlighting the psychological complexities of abusive relationships.

Further tension arises when Steele presents Mia's birthday scrapbook for Diddy's 45th birthday, adorned with heartfelt messages and clippings. Mia elucidates that such actions were products of psychological abuse, serving as coping mechanisms during her time with Diddy. Her emotional breakdown, including a whispered, "so nice of me," underscores the profound impact of her experiences (55:40).

Conclusion: A Jury’s Dilemma [60:01 - End]

As the day concludes, Banfield emphasizes the conflicting narratives presented—Mia's tearful, traumatic recounting versus the curated, seemingly adoring social media presence. The jury is left to unravel the truth behind these discrepancies, balancing Mia's credibility against the defense's portrayal of her as inconsistent.

Banfield teases the continuation of the trial, noting that the jury will reconvene the following Monday to further dissect the intricate web of abuse, manipulation, and survival that Mia has laid bare.

Key Takeaways:

• Mia’s Testimony: Provides a harrowing account of working under Diddy's oppressive control, detailing instances of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

• Manipulative Tactics: Diddy's use of threats, emotional coercion, and psychological manipulation to maintain dominance over his staff.

• Legal Complexities: Highlights the challenges survivors face in bringing perpetrators to justice, especially when entwined in high-profile industries.

• Public Persona vs. Private Reality: Explores the stark contrast between Diddy's public image and the dark underbelly revealed through Mia's testimony.

• Psychological Impact: Sheds light on the long-term trauma and survival strategies employed by individuals in abusive environments.

Ashleigh Banfield's meticulous examination of Day 13 in Sean Combs' trial offers listeners a compelling narrative filled with emotional depth, legal intricacies, and the stark realities of power and abuse. As the trial progresses, Banfield promises to continue delivering uncensored insights into some of the most gripping legal battles, ensuring that the truth remains at the forefront.