DIDDY TRIAL NEARS END AS BOTH SIDES REST, CLOSING ARGUMENTS SET TO BEGIN THURSDAY
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The federal trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs entered its final stage Tuesday, as both prosecution and defense rested their cases following seven intense weeks of testimony at the Manhattan federal courthouse.
U.S. prosecutors concluded their case after presenting their 34th and final witness, while the defense delivered a swift rebuttal, choosing not to call any additional witnesses including Combs himself.
In a routine courtroom exchange, Judge Arun Subramanian confirmed Combs’ decision to refrain from testifying. The 55-year-old confirmed the choice was “solely” his and made “freely” in consultation with his legal team.
Legal experts note it is common for defendants not to testify, as doing so could expose them to self-incrimination. Combs faces five felony counts including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transporting individuals for the purpose of prostitution charges that, if upheld, could see him sentenced to life in prison.
The defense also filed a motion for acquittal, asserting prosecutors failed to meet the burden of proof. While standard in high-stakes trials, such motions are rarely successful.
Prosecutors allege Combs operated a criminal enterprise that engaged in coercion, bribery, arson, and kidnapping to enforce his control and fulfill personal desires. The government’s case included sexually explicit video evidence, witness testimony from three women including former longtime partner Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and digital records they claim document a pattern of sex trafficking and abuse.
Ventura’s lawsuit against Combs in 2023, settled within 24 hours, ignited a cascade of legal trouble and public scrutiny. During the trial, jurors viewed security footage of Combs assaulting Ventura video that made headlines when leaked to the press. A hotel security guard testified that Combs paid him \$100,000 to suppress the footage.
Prosecutors closed by presenting travel records, text messages, and logistics documents they say show the coordination of drug-fueled “freak-offs” group sex events allegedly arranged and facilitated by Combs.
The defense has insisted that all sexual activity was consensual and denies any criminal wrongdoing.
Closing arguments are scheduled for Thursday. Jurors who have not been sequestered will then begin deliberations in one of the most high-profile celebrity criminal cases in recent memory.
AFP
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