Misa Hylton, stylist and ex-girlfriend of Sean “Diddy” Combs, attended the rapper’s trial in New York City on May 12, despite using a walker due to a leg injury. Hylton and Diddy, who share a son, Justin Combs (born 1993), were in a relationship during the early 1990s, though the exact duration remains undisclosed.
Hylton clarified her court appearance via Instagram on May 17. She said she prioritized supporting her son, who has publicly backed his father during the trial. Diddy, 55, faces alleged charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
The trial, held at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan U.S. Courthouse, drew attention when Hylton arrived with Justin, prompting questions about her involvement. In her Instagram post, Hylton emphasized her role as a mother and dismissed critics, urging followers to “use critical thinking” and pray for them.
“When my son said, ‘Mommy I need you,’ I was right there for him, walker and all. I’m a MOTHER FIRST,” she wrote.
She further added:
"I have a purpose filled life that I live daily. I make impact. I'm not concerned with insecure people attempting to project their insecurities on to me. EVER."
Misa Hylton’s appearance follows her May 2024 public support for Cassie (Casandra Ventura), Diddy’s ex-girlfriend, after CNN released footage of Diddy assaulting Cassie in a 2016 hotel incident. As per People, Hylton called the video “heartbreaking” in a now-removed Instagram post, mentioning it triggered her own trauma.
Cassie settled a November 2023 lawsuit against Diddy alleging years of abuse, though he denied the claims. During the ongoing trial, Cassie testified for four days, detailing alleged emotional, physical, and sexual abuse during their 11-year relationship.
More about Misa Hylton’s post and Diddy's trial
Misa Hylton’s presence at Diddy’s trial underscores her commitment to her son Justin, who has stood by his father throughout the proceedings. Despite her injury, Misa Hylton prioritized familial duty, stating:
“I am my son’s strength and thats just what it is. Plain and Simple. Whoever doesn't understand that just simply isn't in alignment with me or anything that I'm about in life”
Her Instagram post addressed both her health struggles and resolve as she stated that every moment is not a glamorous one.
"Let's start being real people who do real things again. Don't let this app rule your life I promise you it's really not good for you. Every moment isn't a glamour moment, your best highlight reel, some moments are as down to the bone as you could ever in your life imagine. Layered and complex," she added.
Misa Hylton’s relationship with Diddy dates back to the early 1990s, culminating in Justin’s birth. While their romantic history remains private, Hylton has consistently supported Diddy’s children. As per People, in a now-removed Instagram post, from May 2024, she posted a picture of Diddy's children and wrote:
“Two of the youngest do not have their mother here… it has been our duty to support them. Their father needs help and I am praying that he truly does the personal work and receives it.”
Diddy, who is held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, has denied all the charges against him and has faced four denied bail requests.