What the Diddy Trial told victims

The Diddy trial remains one of the most sensationalised cases in the media. The commentary could not be more polarizing. While some netizens and publications are left firm in the opinion of his guilt on all charges, others are left with the opinion of his innocence.

Sean “Diddy” Combs was convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution in his federal trial. These charges, stemming from the Mann Act, carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. However, prosecutors are recommending a sentence of 51 months (approximately 4.25 years). He was acquitted of more serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.

Cassie, his most notable victim, went through a gruelling media storm amidst her testimony at the trial. Many proclaimed that she was a willing participant, even going so far as to suggest it was her orchestrating her own humiliation. This commentary around victims and their “credibility” leaves a massive gap in what people consider a “true victim”. As a society (by now) we should recognize, there is no such thing as a “perfect” victim. Even the victims who receive the respect of plausibility, there will always be a naysayer, there will always be a blamer and there will always be a shamer. Many have dubbed this phenomenon as “the only perfect victim, is a dead one”.

The media and netizens was largely on Cassie’s side to begin with, after seeing the shocking and horrifying video that was released, of Diddy assaulting her in a hotel. But as with all things within the internet, it can turn on you at the drop of a hat. The turning point came when she gave her vulnerable and impactful testimony against Mr Combs. Although jurors and netizens alike were left uncomfortable and disgusted by the sexual antics between the two, they found her to be a willing participant.

Frankly, it left me baffled. Many asked “why did she stay”, and concluded “she must have liked it”. After all the work abuse survivors have done to shift the narrative from the victim being at fault, when it is the abuser who is responsible. Clearly that has not been enough for some netizens. It is apparent now more than ever, that victims will forever be asked “but what was she wearing”. What will it take for people to finally see the truth of why victims stay, how victims often fawn, comply, and even appear “willing”, to avoid further abuse, that has often escalated to their death? Many commentators have had an overly simplistic and quite frankly, clueless view on the case. They will comment “yes the video of him assaulting her was terrible, but he’s not on trial for domestic abuse” without having the mental faculties to connect physical abuse to her coercion to participate in these acts.

Did people expect a woman who was oftentimes afraid for her life to respond “no, I hate the freak-offs”, when asked if she enjoyed it? We all saw the ramifications of her defiance. We all saw his alarmingly terrifying nature and responses that would come from disagreement and non-compliance. When she tried to find a safe haven in a new relationship with Kid Cudi, hoping he would be her escape from the never-ending nightmare, Mr Combs blew his car up. If all naysayers were to earnestly ask themselves, was she safe? Would it be easy for her to escape? Anyone with any sense of logic would know it was not as plain and simple as they make it out to be. That it was not easy for her to escape. They expected strength from a woman who was beaten down and forced into submission. It takes a great deal of strength to leave an abusive relationship, but how can one be expected to be strong, when they have been made weak for a decade? They were expecting a bird to fly when their wings have been repeatedly broken.

To truly understand their dynamic, we need to look at both parties and the imbalanced relationship through the lens and context of the sex trafficking he was charged with. When it comes to sex trafficking, there is a “pimp” and the victim. “A pimp is often manipulative and controlling, using charm or intimidation to exploit others for personal gain”. “A victim of sex trafficking is someone who is forced, deceived, or coerced into performing sex acts against their will, often trapped by fear, manipulation, or violence.” Both meet the clear description of pimp and victim. But yet, the definitions and descriptions that are so plainly available, have not satisfied people who have the privilege to have never experienced, or witnessed it for themselves.

Piers Morgan is a notable media spokesperson who has remained unwavering in support of the trial verdict, affirming it was all “consensual”. His borderline obsession with “the punisher” whose testimony he often refers to in discourse, shows his complete and utter lack of understanding and an unwillingness to bring an expert in human trafficking onto his panel. The guests he invites on give very surface level insights and are often interrupted. His reoccurring panel of regurgitated talking points and simple-minded discussions are the perfect epitome of how the media operates.

To all the victims of Mr Combs, those who were heard and the others who were silenced, know that there will always be people in your corner. Advocates will continue to fight the never-ending battle of trying to make men and male-centred women understand the complexity and devastating reality of abuse.

This case will forever be a moment stuck in virality, opinions already drawn and sides already taken. A sensationalized and misunderstood tale of how a victim must be perceived “perfect” in order to be taken seriously. A social discourse on media and netizen views on victims, a showcase of how much work is left to be done. The sentiment of what she was wearing still echoing.

-&E.P