In the upcoming separate trials of Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein and hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs in Manhattan, they will both face testimony from clinical and forensic psychologist Dawn Hughes. Hughes has previously played a key role in high-profile sexual misconduct trials involving Keith Raniere, R. Kelly, and Johnny Depp. She specializes in interpersonal violence, traumatic stress, and anxiety disorders.
Hughes’ expertise includes explaining common behaviors exhibited by perpetrators of sexual abuse and victims of sexual misconduct to jurors. Her extensive experience and credibility with juries have been noted by former federal prosecutor Elizabeth Geddes. However, Combs’ legal team has filed a motion to block Hughes from testifying, arguing that her testimony would be “advocacy masquerading as expertise.”
In the Weinstein case, Judge Curtis Farber ruled that Hughes can provide testimony about the psychological and traumatic effects of rape and sexual assault. Both Weinstein and Combs have pleaded not guilty to their respective charges of sexual misconduct.
While Hughes has faced backlash and negative reviews on WebMD during the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard case, she has not publicly addressed these issues. The upcoming trials of Weinstein and Combs will determine how their lawyers attempt to challenge Hughes’ expertise as they defend their clients against the allegations of sexual misconduct.
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