“Jane,” one of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ accusers testifying under a pseudonym, is undergoing cross-examination this morning. Her earlier testimony during direct questioning has been “critical” to the government’s case, according to CNN legal analyst Joey Jackson.
“She is critical with regard to the sex trafficking allegations because we’re talking about whether or not this was consensual,” Jackson told CNN. “With respect to the actual things that she says (during testimony), I think she furthers that narrative.”
Jackson said Jane’s testimony about telling Combs she no longer wanted to participate in the “hotel nights” or be what she described as the “side chick” in her own relationship, as well as telling Combs she felt like she was “reading my own sexual trauma” in Cassie Ventura’s civil lawsuit, speaks to the broader sex trafficking charge.
“This goes to the broader issues not only of proving the charges but to the issue of pattern, the issue of physical abuse, the issue of psychological abuse, the issue, from the prosecution’s perspective, that this is his MO and that’s critical,” Jackson added.
Jackson says the defense will likely focus on the “voluntary participation” angle, given Jane and Combs’ years-long relationship, as cross-examination continues.
“These are the narratives, coercion or voluntary participation,” Jackson said.
