Both prosecution and defense have rested their cases in the federal trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, marking the beginning of the trial’s final phase in Manhattan.
After seven weeks and 34 witnesses, U.S. prosecutors concluded their presentation on Tuesday. The defense followed with a short session, opting not to call any witnesses—Combs included.
In a brief courtroom exchange, Judge Arun Subramanian confirmed with Combs that he would not take the stand.
“Is it your decision not to testify in this case?” the judge asked.
“That is my decision, your honor,” Combs replied, affirming the choice was made freely and with legal counsel.
Defense attorneys presented several exhibits before resting, a process that lasted less than 30 minutes. It’s not unusual for defendants to avoid testifying, as the burden of proof lies with the prosecution.
Closing Arguments Ahead
Closing arguments are scheduled for Thursday. The jury will then deliberate on charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, and interstate transportation for prostitution. If convicted, the 55-year-old faces life in prison.
The defense also filed a standard motion for acquittal, arguing the prosecution failed to meet its burden of proof—though such motions are rarely granted.
‘Freak-Offs’ and Witness Testimony
Since early May, prosecutors have attempted to tie Combs to a criminal enterprise involving bribery, arson, and kidnapping. Central to their case are allegations that he trafficked women and men for multi-day drug-fueled sex parties—referred to in court as “freak-offs” or “hotel nights.” Some of these encounters were filmed, with jurors shown explicit footage as part of the evidence.
Prosecutors concluded by presenting extensive text messages and records allegedly detailing dozens of such events, supporting their claims of sex trafficking and prostitution.
Combs has denied all charges. His legal team argues the relationships and events described were consensual.
Testimonies and Key Witnesses
Three women testified, detailing disturbing allegations of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. One key witness was singer Casandra Ventura, Combs’s former partner, who filed a civil lawsuit against him in 2023. That case was settled within 24 hours but led to a wave of new accusations.
Jurors viewed security footage of Combs assaulting Ventura in a hotel—a video that surfaced publicly in 2024. A hotel guard testified that he was paid \$100,000 by Combs to suppress the footage.
Though jurors are not sequestered, they are under strict instructions to avoid media coverage, a difficult task given the intense media spotlight on the trial.
AFP
