14-05-2025
'Mob Wives' Star Slams Diddy Judge for Letting Daughters in Courtroom
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Former Mob Wives star Drita D'Avanzo posted Wednesday that the judge in Sean "Diddy" Combs' high-profile legal case should bar the defendant's daughters from being in the courtroom during proceedings.
Why It Matters
Over a dozen accusers, including Combs' former partner Cassie Ventura, have come forward in recent months alleging that Diddy engaged in years of sexual abuse and violence. Ventura's civil suit is separate from Combs' other charges.
At this stage, there is a five-count indictment against Combs that accuses him of sex trafficking, racketeering, forced labor and transporting individuals for the purpose of prostitution. The 16-page indictment was unveiled in September 2024.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges and denies any wrongdoing.
What To Know
D'Avanzo, a reality television personality, appeared on the VH1 series Mob Wives from 2011 to 2016, in addition to a spinoff titled Big Ang.
"This Diddy should NOT be allowed in that courtroom by LAW!" D'Avanzo posted on X. "If the father is not smart enough to tell them to stay home then the judge should!!! This pisses me all the way off for his kids! His daughters do NOT deserve to be a witness!! And if it was the lawyer (which I know advises to have family there) you are a pos."
She is separated from husband Lee D'Avanzo, 55, who in August 2020 was sentenced in August 2020 to 64 months in prison for felony gun possession. They were married in 2000 and have two daughters, Aleeya and Gizelle.
Newsweek reached out to D'Avanzo for comment.
Drita D'Avanzo promotes the VH1 Series Finale of "Mob Wives" at Buca di Beppo Times Square on March 10, 2016 in New York City.
Drita D'Avanzo promotes the VH1 Series Finale of "Mob Wives" at Buca di Beppo Times Square on March 10, 2016 in New York City.
Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic
The judge in the case is Arun Subramanian of the Southern District of New York. Former President Joe Biden appointed him as a federal judge in 2022, making him the first South Asian to serve on that bench.
In her lawsuit filed in November 2023, Ventura accused Combs of subjecting her to years of rape, beatings, and psychological manipulation. The complaint, which was settled just one day after being filed, prompted a wave of similar lawsuits from others who claimed they were victimized by Combs during his decades-long music career.
In the courtroom on Wednesday afternoon, and for the first time, Ventura confirmed she settled her November 2023 civil lawsuit against Diddy for $20 million.
She also testified that photos of her with a black eye, which were shown to the jury, were taken in Jamaica in 2013 or 2014.
The accusations span decades and include allegations of drugging, coercing, and assaulting young women in environments tightly controlled by the music mogul. One of the most significant developments in the case came during Ventura's in-court testimony, where she recounted being isolated, surveilled, and forced into participating in "freak off" sex performances by Combs.
Federal law enforcement agencies have executed raids on his properties in Los Angeles and Miami, reportedly in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that the raids are linked to a probe into human trafficking and other potential federal crimes.
What People Are Saying
Defense attorney Teny Geragos, during the defense's opening statement: "This case is about Sean Combs' private personal sex life. The government has no place in his private bedrooms. They say it is not about his private sex life, but the evidence will show that it is."
What Happens Next
The trial is expected to last eight to 10 weeks. Combs is facing a maximum sentence of life in prison.
