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Expert Witness Dawn Hughes Set to Testify in Weinstein and Combs Trials
This month, Manhattan courtrooms are poised to become the setting for separate, closely watched trials involving prominent figures in entertainment: Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein and hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. While the trials of Weinstein and Combs present distinct charges, judges, and potential punishments, a common thread unites these celebrity cases: the anticipated testimony of Dawn Hughes, a clinical and forensic psychologist specializing in sexual misconduct and trauma.
A Shared Element: Dr. Dawn Hughes’ Testimony
Forensic psychologist Dawn Hughes is expected to provide expert testimony in both the upcoming Harvey Weinstein and Sean “Diddy” Combs trials. Despite the disparate charges, presiding judges, and possible penalties in each case, Hughes’ involvement marks a notable commonality in these high-profile legal proceedings.
Hughes’ Prior Role in Prominent Cases
These trials are not the first instances where Dr. Hughes has played a pivotal role in significant legal battles at the intersection of celebrity, power, and the #MeToo movement. Her expertise has been sought in other nationally recognized sexual misconduct trials in recent years, underscoring her prominence in this domain.
- NXIVM Sex Cult Trial: In the 2019 trial of NXIVM leader Keith Raniere, Hughes elucidated for jurors the manipulative “gaslighting” tactics employed by serial sexual abusers. Raniere was subsequently convicted of racketeering, sex trafficking, and child pornography charges.
- R. Kelly Federal Trial: Two years later, Hughes testified in the federal trial of R&B singer R. Kelly, explaining to the jury how Kelly subjected victims to “psychological entrapment.” Kelly was found guilty in 2021 on racketeering and Mann Act violations.
Testimony in the Depp-Heard Defamation Trial
Dr. Hughes gained further national recognition after her testimony in the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard defamation trial. In May 2022, she testified that “Ms. Heard was the victim of intimate partner violence,” based on approximately 30 hours spent evaluating Heard. Johnny Depp vehemently denied these allegations, and Heard ultimately lost the defamation case. Despite the trial’s outcome, Amber Heard’s lawyer, Elaine Charlson Bredehoft, lauded Hughes as “an outstanding expert,” emphasizing her meticulousness, thorough research, and ability to communicate complex topics effectively to juries.
Professional Background and Expertise
Dr. Hughes’ website highlights her specialization in interpersonal violence, traumatic stress, and anxiety disorders. She maintains an independent practice in New York City and holds a position as a clinical assistant professor of psychology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital – Weill Cornell Medical College.
Insights from a Former Federal Prosecutor
Elizabeth Geddes, a former federal prosecutor involved in R. Kelly’s conviction, affirmed Hughes’ skill in explaining commonalities among sexual abuse perpetrators and typical behaviors exhibited by victims. Geddes stated that prosecutors rely on experts like Dr. Hughes to help jurors understand manipulative tactics used by abusers to control victims and the reasons why some victims delay reporting assaults.
Geddes emphasized that Hughes’ extensive experience enhances her credibility with juries, making her a valuable asset in prosecuting sexual misconduct cases.
Combs’ Legal Team Seeks to Block Testimony
In contrast, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team has actively contested the prosecution’s plan to include Hughes as an expert witness. They filed a 35-page motion seeking to prevent her testimony, arguing it constitutes “advocacy masquerading as expertise.” Judge Arun Subramanian is expected to rule on the admissibility of Hughes’ testimony in the Combs case soon.
Prosecutors’ expert witness disclosure filing indicates that Hughes’ testimony will focus on “how the overarching dynamic of victimization is an abuse of power and control,” where perpetrators prioritize their needs and desires over the well-being of victims.
Weinstein Case and Scope of Testimony
In the Weinstein case, Judge Curtis Farber has ruled that Hughes can testify regarding the psychological and traumatic impacts of rape and sexual assault. Defense strategies for both Weinstein and Combs remain to be seen regarding how they will challenge Hughes’ expertise.
Weinstein is charged with rape in the third degree and criminal sexual act in the first degree. Combs faces charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, and conspiracy to engage in prostitution. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty and refuted all sexual misconduct allegations.
Public Scrutiny Following Depp-Heard Trial
Dr. Hughes is likely aware of potential repercussions from testifying in high-profile trials. Following her involvement in the Depp-Heard case, her WebMD profile experienced a surge of negative reviews, reflecting pro-Depp sentiment online, with accusations of bias against men. She did not publicly respond to this online backlash, and the reviews were subsequently removed after media attention.