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Misa Hylton Explains Attendance at Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Trial
Misa Hylton, the former girlfriend of Sean “Diddy” Combs, has clarified her presence at the opening of his trial in New York City on Monday, May 12. The Diddy trial revolves around charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation for prostitution, allegations the rapper, 55, has denied. Hylton’s attendance sparked curiosity, given the gravity of the Diddy accusations.
Hylton’s Appearance at Diddy’s Hearing
Sean “Diddy” Combs is currently facing legal proceedings at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan U.S. Courthouse, confronting accusations that include sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and facilitating prostitution. Diddy, 55, has entered a not-guilty plea to all charges and refuted the claims made against him.
The appearance of Hylton, 51, alongside her and Diddy’s son, Justin Combs, born in 1993, at Monday’s court session raised eyebrows. She was using a mobility aid due to a recent leg injury.
On Saturday, May 17, Hylton addressed the matter via Instagram, explaining both her injury and her decision to support her son, Justin, who has publicly defended his father.
“Mommy, I Need You”: Hylton’s Statement
“God is good all the time! Yes, I’m good everyone I’m on my healing journey,” Hylton posted on Instagram. “When I suffered my injury I had chosen to heal privately but when my son said ‘Mommy I need you’ I was right there for him, walker and all. I’m a MOTHER FIRST, FOR REAL and I am my son’s strength and thats just what it is. Plain and Simple.”
She further stated, “Whoever doesn’t understand that just simply isn’t in alignment with me or anything that I’m about in life. I’m cool with that. I have a purpose filled life that I live daily. I make impact. I’m not concerned with insecure people attempting to project their insecurities on to me. EVER.”
Hylton advised those who disagree with her perspective not to “let this app [Instagram] rule your life.”
“Every moment isn’t a glamour moment, your best highlight reel, some moments are as down to the bone as you could ever in your life imagine. Layered and complex,” she continued. “To all of my temporarily disabled and disabled people, don’t ever be ashamed of your condition or the need to use the medical tools created to assist in your healing or the way you need to move around in this world.”
She concluded, “If you have God in your heart, pray for us all. Be kind, use critical thinking and hold your head high.” Addressing online commentary surrounding the Diddy allegations, Hylton’s statement emphasizes empathy and support for her son.
Hylton’s Previous Support for Cassie
Hylton previously voiced her support for Diddy’s former girlfriend, Cassie, in 2024 after CNN broadcast security footage from 2016 showing Diddy assaulting her in a hotel hallway, which included dragging her by the neck and kicking her repeatedly. Diddy subsequently issued a public apology via an Instagram video.
“It’s difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, sometimes you gotta do that,” Diddy, 54, told his Instagram followers. “I was f**ked up. I mean, I hit rock bottom but I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I’m disgusted.”
At the time, Hylton described herself as “heartbroken” for Cassie (whose real name is Casandra Ventura), 38, for having to relive “the horror of her abuse” with the release of the security footage.
“My heart goes out to her. I know exactly how she feels, and through my empathy, it has triggered my own trauma,” Hylton wrote on Instagram in May 2024. “These young people [Diddy’s children] were raised by women that want the best for them — we put God and education first and have always been united in our mutual effort to support their dreams. Two of the youngest do not have their mother here and it has been our duty to support them.”
She added, “Their father needs help and I am praying that he truly does the personal work and receives it.”
Cassie’s Lawsuit and Settlement
Before Diddy’s current trial in New York, Cassie initiated a lawsuit against him in November 2023, alleging sexual and physical abuse during their intermittent 11-year relationship. The mogul, 55, refuted her accusations through a statement released by his attorney and has consistently maintained his innocence throughout the ongoing legal proceedings.
“Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations,” Diddy’s lawyer, Ben Brafman, said in response to Cassie’s lawsuit.
Notably, just a day after the suit was filed, Diddy and Cassie reached an out-of-court settlement for $20 million. Cassie stated that she chose to “resolve this matter amicably on terms [where she had] some level of control.”
Cassie’s Testimony and Aftermath
Cassie served as a key witness for the prosecution in Diddy’s sex trafficking trial over four days in New York City recently. She provided testimony regarding the emotional, physical, and sexual abuse she allegedly endured during her 11-year on-and-off relationship with Diddy.
Following the conclusion of her testimony on Friday, May 16, Cassie’s attorney, Douglas Wigdor, delivered a statement on her behalf outside the Daniel Patrick Moynihan U.S. Courthouse.
“This week has been extremely challenging but also remarkably empowering and healing for me,” her statement read. “I hope that my testimony has given strength and a voice to other survivors and can help others who have suffered to speak up and also heal from abuse and fear.”
Her statement continued, “For me, the more I heal, the more I can remember. And the more I can remember, the more I will never forget.”
Diddy’s Detention: Awaiting Trial
Since his arrest relating to the Diddy accusations, Sean “Diddy” Combs has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. Judge Arun Subramanian has turned down all four of his requests for bail.
Resources for Victims of Abuse
- If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
- If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
- If you or someone you know is a human trafficking victim, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.