An unsettling incident outside the Manhattan federal courthouse has ignited concerns over journalistic ethics during the ongoing trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, who faces grave charges including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation for prostitution. On Monday, May 19, 2025, Dawn Richard, a pivotal witness and former collaborator of Combs, was leaving the courthouse after testifying when a reporter posed an inappropriate personal question about Combs’ private life.
The exchange, caught on video and rapidly disseminated across social media, has provoked widespread criticism and underscored the delicate balance required in covering high-stakes legal proceedings involving allegations of sexual misconduct.
As Dawn Richard, 41, exited the courthouse, a reporter asked her about “the size of Diddy’s package,” a question both irrelevant to the trial and deeply insensitive given the gravity of her testimony. Captured on video, the moment drew immediate rebuke from onlookers, with voices audible saying,
“Come on now, man, you’re going too far,” and “That’s wrong.”
The clip has since gone viral on platforms like X and Instagram, amplifying public outrage and spotlighting the ethical boundaries—or lack thereof—in media coverage of such cases.
Richard, a singer known for her time with the groups Danity Kane and Diddy Dirty Money, has emerged as a central figure in the prosecution’s case against Combs. Resuming her testimony on May 19, 2025, she recounted disturbing allegations of violence she witnessed Combs inflict on his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, between 2009 and 2011.
According to Richard, she saw Combs “punch her, choke her, drag her, and slap her in the mouth” on multiple occasions. She also testified that Combs threatened her life, warning she “could go missing” if she disclosed his alleged abuse.
Beyond her role as a witness, Richard has a personal stake in the matter. In September, she filed a sexual assault lawsuit against Combs, alleging he groped her in a dressing room and made inappropriate advances, such as greeting her at his Miami home clad only in underwear. Her history with Combs spans nearly two decades, beginning with her appearance on his 2004 MTV show Making The Band, followed by her tenure in Danity Kane, signed to his Bad Boy Records, and later in Diddy Dirty Money.
Sean “Diddy” Combs, 55, stands accused of orchestrating a criminal enterprise involving sex trafficking and racketeering, with potential penalties ranging from 15 years to life in prison if convicted. The trial, now underway following jury selection and opening statements, is expected to span two months.
Prosecutors have introduced evidence of “freak-offs”—alleged prolonged sex parties involving sex workers, drugs, and blackmail via recordings. A key piece of evidence is a 2016 hotel surveillance video showing Combs assaulting Cassie Ventura, pushing her down and kicking her repeatedly.
Combs has pleaded not guilty, with his defense team, including attorneys Nicole Westmoreland and Teny Geragos, challenging the credibility of witnesses like Richard. Geragos contends that while Combs may have displayed anger or violence, the allegations align more with domestic disputes than sex trafficking, asserting his relationships were consensual.
The reporter’s question to Richard has thrust media conduct into the spotlight, raising critical questions about journalistic responsibility. Trials involving sexual misconduct place witnesses in inherently vulnerable positions, as they relive traumatic events under public scrutiny. The inappropriate query added undue distress for Richard, who was already grappling with the emotional weight of her testimony and her allegations against Combs.
Experts argue that such behavior risks deterring future witnesses from coming forward, fearing similar insensitivity.
“Journalists must prioritize the facts of the case—legal proceedings and evidence—not sensational or irrelevant details,”
Said Dr. Laura Thompson, a media ethics professor.
“This incident undermines both the dignity of those involved and the media’s credibility.”
As Combs’ trial progresses, with further testimony anticipated from Cassie Ventura and other accusers, the focus should remain on the legal merits, not tabloid fodder. The inappropriate question to Dawn Richard disrespected a key witness and highlighted the broader challenge of balancing public interest with respect for those entangled in high-profile proceedings.
