Who is Dr. Dawn Hughes? Forensic psychologist to take the stand in Weinstein and Diddy trials

Dr. Dawn Hughes, a forensic psychologist, is reported to testify in the trials of Harvey Weinstein and Sean “Diddy” Combs in 2025. Weinstein faces a retrial for s*xual assault charges after his 2020 conviction was overturned. On the other hand, Combs is accused of a number of charges, including s*x trafficking.

Dr. Dawn Hughes will reportedly help the jury understand why some victims wait to speak up and how trauma affects victims and their actions. Dr. Hughes previously testified in the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard case in 2022, stating that Heard was a victim of intimate partner violence. She has also testified in R. Kelly’s trial, where she spoke about how he mentally trapped his victims, and Keith Raniere’s trial.

What are Dawn Hughes's qualifications?

Dr. Dawn M. Hughes is a board-certified forensic psychologist with a Master of Science (M.S.) and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Nova Southeastern University. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical College and is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychology there.

As per her website, she is skilled in,

"The assessment and treatment of interpersonal violence, traumatic stress and the anxiety disorders."

Her website also explains how she developed a deeper interest in psychology, stating,

"She was hired as a legal assistant for the Federal Defenders of the Southern District of New York where she had the opportunity to research and argue psychological matters relative to sentencing in front of federal court judges. It was that point that Dr. Hughes decided to pursue a more advanced study of psychology."

Dr. Hughes has worked as an extern-clinician at the Family Violence Program of Nova Southeastern Community Mental Health Center, a research coordinator for the S*xual Abuse Survivors Program, and a clinician at the Veterans' Administration Outpatient Clinic.

Dawn Hughes has also appeared on various news channels, including FOX and CNBC, where she talked about psychological issues that can be seen in court cases and in the community. As per her website, her specialization include,

"Adult Survivors of Childhood S-xual/Physical/Psychological Abuse, Battered Women Who Kill, Domestic Violence / Spouse Abuse / Dating Violence / Stalking, Forensic Psychology (Psychology in the Courtroom), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD), Psychological Effects of Traumatic Experiences, R-pe and S-xual Assault, S-xual Harassment"

Diddy’s lawyers have asked the judge to stop Dr. Hughes from testifying, saying her views are more opinion than expert insight. The judge is yet to announce her decision.

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