Sean “Diddy” Combs, the embattled music mogul facing multiple sexual assault allegations, is now engaged in a new legal skirmish—this time, over expert testimony in the courtroom. Diddy’s attorneys are working to prevent renowned psychologist Dr. Dawn Hughes from testifying in the case. Hughes, widely recognized for her involvement in high-profile trials such as Amber Heard’s 2022 defamation suit against Johnny Depp, could bring significant attention and weight to the proceedings.
In a 25-page motion obtained by AllHipHop, Diddy’s legal team argues that Dr. Hughes lacks any firsthand knowledge or proper psychological evaluations relating to the current case. “Hughes has apparently not interviewed the alleged victims at all, much less engaged in the sort of psychological diagnostics that her profession demands,” the motion reads, told NBC News.
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The core of the objection rests on whether Dr. Hughes’ insights qualify as legitimate expert testimony. Diddy’s attorneys claim her conclusions are vague and speculative, failing to meet the scientific rigor expected in court. Alex Shapiro, Diddy’s lead attorney, criticized the government’s reliance on Dr. Hughes’ perspective, suggesting it was a strategic move to prop up weak witness credibility.
“The government wants an expert so that it can waive her testimony in summation like a magic wand to cure the glaring defects in its fact witnesses’ credibility,” Shapiro wrote. The motion asserts that Dr. Hughes is not delivering clinical diagnoses or offering concrete psychological analysis but rather narrating an unproven story. Diddy’s team contends that allowing such testimony would compromise the objectivity and fairness of the trial.
Dr. Hughes, known for her expertise in trauma and intimate partner violence, has often been called upon to offer expert insights into victims’ behavior, psychological effects, and credibility assessments. Her inclusion in this case, however, appears to be a flashpoint of contention for the defense, which argues that her testimony would unfairly bias the jury.
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Diddy continues to deny all allegations levied against him and is focused on clearing his name amid an intensifying legal battle. The challenge to Dr. Hughes’ testimony marks a significant development in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched celebrity court cases of the year. As the court reviews the motion, it remains to be seen whether Dr. Hughes will take the stand—or whether the defense’s objections will keep her out of the courtroom altogether.
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