It's Been a Minute Diddy, Cassie, & the anatomy of "mutual abuse"
May 16, 2025
In this insightful discussion, author Beverly Gooden, known for her work on trauma and abuse dynamics, unpacks the ongoing legal troubles of Sean 'Diddy' Combs, who faces serious allegations. The conversation highlights the problematic idea of 'mutual abuse' and why it fails to hold in court. Gooden emphasizes the importance of understanding power dynamics in abusive relationships and calls for greater societal awareness to support survivors. The impact of media framing on public perception surrounding celebrity abuse cases is also explored.
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Understanding Mutual Abuse
- Mutual abuse wrongly implies both parties equally seek control and harm each other.
- Abuse is actually about power, control, and patterns, not just reciprocal conflict or harm.
No Legal Defense: Mutual Abuse
- Mutual abuse is not a valid legal defense and is often an attempt to shift blame.
- The law does not accept harm justification by claiming the victim was also abusive.
Defense Strategy: Reframing Abuse
- Defense might frame abusive relationships as consensual or part of a certain lifestyle to confuse juries.
- This tactic tries to minimize perceived harm by portraying victims as willing participants.