As the federal trial of hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs unfolds in New York City, his ex-partner, Misa Hylton, has emerged as a poignant figure in the courtroom. Despite recovering from a recent leg injury, Hylton attended the trial using a walker to support their son, Justin Combs, who is grappling with the public scrutiny surrounding his father. So, who is Hylton, and what does she think of Combs now that he’s on trial? Here’s what to know.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and Misa Hylton began dating before either of them attained fame

Sean “Diddy” Combs has been romantically linked to several high-profile women. His ex-girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, took the stand in his federal trial in May 2025. Jennifer Lopez’s name has been brought up several times in relation to Combs, as they dated from 1999 to 2001. Combs’ most well-known relationship was with Kim Porter, with whom he had three kids and dated from the early ’90s to 2007.

Combs and Misa Hylton dated in the early ’90s and had a son, Justin Combs, in 1993. The hip-hop mogul and the stylist had not yet attained fame. At the time, Combs worked as an intern at Uptown Records and struggled to make money. While speaking on The Premium Pete Show, Hylton noted that Combs often snuck on the train to get home and “scrape up for pizza” due to a lack of money.

Combs moved up in Uptown Records and helped Hylton establish her break in the fashion industry. She styled Jodeci’s “Gotta Love” music video as her first huge project — and it took off. Hylton helped establish streetwear in the R&B world. Later, she styled Lil’ Kim and Mary J. Blige, among others in the hip-hop industry.

Hylton remained friends with Combs post-split and centered their friendship around Justin. She later married record executive JoJo Brim. Hylton and Brim had two kids: Niko in 1997 and Madison in 1998.

The designer explained how their differences in lifestyle led to their breakup

Misa Hylton and Sean “Diddy” Combs were extremely young when they pursued their romance. While speaking on The Premium Pete Show, Hylton noted why she thought she and Combs split.

“Youth,” she said. “We were very young. Our lives changed just like that, really quickly. He wanted to experience life in a different way. He’s a young guy; he’s popping, you know, he’s becoming famous and rich really quickly. And, you know, he wasn’t ready to settle down and get married. And I think that’s what I wanted. I think any woman would want that, especially after having a child. And we were so close and everything. So, I think it was just the lifestyle.”

In the interview, Hylton called Combs a “beast” when it comes to achievement. “And that’s a blessing and a curse, though,” she added. “The other side of that is sometimes, slow the f*** down. Stop for a minute, breathe, take your breath, sit down. … He would not ever rest.”

Misa Hylton explained why she decided to attend Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ trial

Misa Hylton has shown up for Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial in May 2025 despite a recent leg injury. In an Instagram post, she explained that she showed up to support her son, Justin Combs.

“Yes, I’m good everyone I’m on my healing journey,” she captioned the post. “When I suffered my injury I had chosen to heal privately but when my son said ‘Mommy I need you’ I was right there for him walker and all. I’m a MOTHER FIRST, FOR REAL and 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 [sic].”

Previously, Hylton condemned Homeland Security’s raids on Combs’ properties. “[The force] used against my sons Justin and Christian is deplorable. If these were the sons of a non-Black celebrity, they would not have been handled with the same aggression,” she captioned the now-deleted post.

Elements of this article were originally reported by People.

How to get help: In the U.S., call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area. 

For more news and exclusive interviews, follow Showbiz Cheat Sheet’s Instagram.