Aubrey O’Day Says Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Trial’s ‘Bittersweet’: ‘I’ve Been Speaking the Truth About Diddy for 20 Years’ (Exclusive)

Aubrey O’Day is reacting to the high-profile federal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs.

In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE, the former Danity Kane singer, 41 — was not subpoenaed or called to testify — says, “This trial is bittersweet for me, as I’ve been speaking the truth about Diddy for 20 years now.”

She then explains that her podcast on the saga, Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present: Aubrey O’Day, Covering the Diddy Trial, will allow her to heal nearly two decades after Combs, 55, removed her from Danity Kane on MTV’s Making the Band in 2008.

“This podcast is the first step in reclaiming my voice and career that I was robbed of when I was abruptly fired from my band in order to appear discredited,” she says.

O’Day continues, “My heart goes out to all the victims, especially those who could have been spared, had anyone taken these claims seriously prior.”

“My sincere hope is that justice will prevail and for there to be further systemic changes within the music industry to prevent all forms of abuse from those in a position of power,” the star concludes.

O’Day first confirmed that she would not be testifying against Combs during the premiere episode of the iHeartRadio project, telling T.J. Holmes, “No, I’m not here to testify for the Diddy trial, that I know of.”

She went on to say that she “was contacted by Homeland Security” and “did have a meeting with” the organization.

“I posted on my Instagram that I was here in New York and enjoying myself because I wanted to make it clear to everyone that I am not here testifying,” O’Day further clarified, referencing social media posts she shared that caused speculation among fans.

Combs, who was arrested in September 2024, has denied all of the allegations against him and pleaded not guilty to five criminal counts, including one count of racketeering conspiracy; two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.

His trial, which began with opening statements on May 12, is expected to last several weeks. The mogul is currently being held without bail at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. If convicted, he faces a potential life sentence.

Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, Combs’ former girlfriend, has already made bombshell statements in her testimony during the trial.

Ventura, 38, previously filed a civil lawsuit against Combs, alleging rape and physical abuse. Although the case was settled for $20 million, it led to a wave of allegations that now underpin the ongoing criminal investigation.

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O’Day previously told PEOPLE in June 2024 that she didn’t “feel vindicated at all” by the abuse and sex trafficking allegations against Combs.

“There’s no vindication when you’re a victim of someone. … Anyone being exposed, or any truths being told, don’t change the reality of what you experienced,” she said.

O’Day added: “It’s a forever thing that you have to wake up every day and choose to evolve past. It doesn’t go away. It’s like childhood trauma. We don’t like to think it just disappears in our thirties, but really we start realizing how bad it really is in our thirties.”

Aubrey O’Day, Covering the Diddy Trial is now available to stream.