In an opposition document submitted on April 25, 2025, Team Diddy criticized the government's expert witness, Dr. Dawn Hughes, in relation to the federal case against Combs. The defense team, consisting of attorneys Teny Geragos, Marc Agnifilo, Alexandra Shapiro, Jason Driscoll, and Anna Estevao, characterized their arguments as essential in undermining the relevance of Dr. Hughes’ testimony.
They assert that because surveys like the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) do not include data on crimes like tax evasion or drunk driving, these offenses could also be underreported. The defense argues that this makes the claimed underreporting of rape less compelling. They question the importance of whether sexual assault is classified differently from sex trafficking, claiming it skews jury perception.
Team Diddy further questioned Dr. Hughes' broader assertions that sexual crimes against women are among the most underreported offenses, labeling such statements as "extreme claims.” The filing includes a sweeping critique of expert witnesses in the realm of sexual assault, suggesting their testimonies are fraught with conceptual and evidential issues.
Critics have pointed out that such arguments may reflect a growing desperation in Diddy’s defense strategy, as they appear to increasingly challenge established understandings of sexual violence and its reporting.
They assert that because surveys like the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) do not include data on crimes like tax evasion or drunk driving, these offenses could also be underreported. The defense argues that this makes the claimed underreporting of rape less compelling. They question the importance of whether sexual assault is classified differently from sex trafficking, claiming it skews jury perception.
Team Diddy further questioned Dr. Hughes' broader assertions that sexual crimes against women are among the most underreported offenses, labeling such statements as "extreme claims.” The filing includes a sweeping critique of expert witnesses in the realm of sexual assault, suggesting their testimonies are fraught with conceptual and evidential issues.
Critics have pointed out that such arguments may reflect a growing desperation in Diddy’s defense strategy, as they appear to increasingly challenge established understandings of sexual violence and its reporting.
