After weeks of intense and emotional testimony, the high-profile federal trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs enters a crucial phase Thursday, as both prosecution and defence teams deliver their closing arguments in Manhattan.
Legal representatives for both sides are expected to present extended summations that may last several hours each. At the heart of the trial is a series of serious charges that could see the 55-year-old former entertainment powerhouse face a life sentence.
Allegations of a Criminal Enterprise
Prosecutors allege that Combs led a long-running criminal operation involving a trusted group of employees who engaged in forced labour, arson, bribery, and witness tampering. Among the most disturbing accusations is that Combs coerced two women—singer Casandra Ventura and another woman who testified under the alias “Jane”—into prolonged sexual encounters with escorts, under the influence of drugs.
The most severe charge is racketeering, which implies the existence of a structured criminal enterprise. Combs also faces multiple counts of sex trafficking and transporting individuals for the purpose of prostitution.
Defence: Relationships Were Consensual
Combs has denied all allegations. His legal team maintains that his relationships were consensual and argues that some witnesses may be motivated by financial gain or jealousy. The defence has worked to undermine the credibility of key testimonies by highlighting inconsistencies and emotional motivations.
Among the 34 witnesses were former assistants, escorts, Ventura’s friends and family, and a hotel security guard who claims he was bribed with $100,000 in cash. Law enforcement officers and a forensic psychologist also testified.
Combs chose not to testify—a common defence strategy aimed at maintaining focus on the prosecution’s burden of proof.
Key Evidence Presented
The government presented extensive digital and physical evidence, including thousands of text messages and phone records. Some messages revealed signs of distress from alleged victims, while others appeared affectionate—texts the defence emphasized to suggest consent.
Jurors were also shown video footage from what prosecutors described as illicit sex parties, along with financial documents such as CashApp transactions to escorts and travel records.
Public and Media Interest Remain High
Since proceedings began in early May, the federal courthouse in Manhattan has been a focal point for public attention. With electronic devices banned inside, dozens of influencers and commentators have gathered daily outside to report updates to their online audiences.
Although Combs remains in custody and does not make public court appearances, several high-profile individuals, including his family members and rapper Kid Cudi—who testified that Combs’s associates set his car on fire—have been seen at the courthouse.
What’s Next
Closing arguments are expected to conclude by Friday. While there is a slim chance jurors could begin deliberations immediately, both legal teams have suggested that the panel will likely start reviewing the case on Monday.
As the world watches, 12 jurors will soon decide the fate of a once-revered figure whose public image as a visionary music producer now stands on trial.
AFP
