The prosecution and defense completed their presentations on Tuesday in the trial involving sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges against Sean “Diddy” Combs.
The prosecution concluded after presenting over 30 witnesses, which included past employees and male escorts. Two former girlfriends, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and a woman referred to as “Jane”, testified that they were not interested in participating in what were described as “freak offs,” which were drug-influenced sexual encounters allegedly orchestrated by Combs.
The jury was shown images of weapons, narcotics, baby oil, and other lubricants, along with a video capturing an incident from 2016 at a Los Angeles hotel where Combs was seen assaulting Ventura.
During cross-examination, the defense introduced text messages and other communications, arguing that these indicated the women were voluntary participants.
Immediately after the prosecution rested, Combs’ defense team requested an acquittal, contending that the government did not fulfill its obligation to prove the allegations. The judge stated he would consider the motion later.
“You’re doing an excellent job,” Combs says to the judge
The defense did not call any witnesses.
The judge checked in on Combs, who responded that he was doing well.
“You’re doing an excellent job,” Combs complimented the judge.
The judge then inquired about Combs’ choice not to testify.
“That is my decision, your honor,” Combs replied on Tuesday. “It is entirely my decision.”
Combs’ lawyers submitted evidence, including notes from law enforcement interviews, and then rested their case. Attorney Richard Schoenstein, who is not part of the case, commented, “I don’t see the benefit of having him testify and getting grilled for days about his past actions.”
Details on the charges
Combs, 55, has denied guilt on five charges and could face life in prison if found guilty.
The first charge is racketeering conspiracy, alleging Combs “abused, threatened, and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his public image, and hide his actions.” Prosecutors claim Combs utilized staff, resources, and influence from his business empire to form a criminal organization involved in activities such as “sex trafficking, forced labor, interstate transportation for the purpose of prostitution, coercion, narcotics offenses, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice.”
The other four charges pertain to sex trafficking and transportation related to prostitution.
Schoenstein remarked, “I believe they’ve established that prostitutes were moved across state lines with Diddy’s involvement.”
He noted that the other counts are more contentious, saying, “The allegations of sex trafficking by force hinge on understanding the relationships between Diddy and Cassie and between Diddy and Jane, and how the jury perceives that.”
Closing arguments are scheduled for Thursday at 9 a.m. Legal representatives indicated that the arguments might take all of Thursday and Friday, suggesting that deliberations may not start until Monday. The trial is currently in its seventh week. One juror was removed as the prosecution neared the end of its case due to uncertainty about the juror’s actual residence. Additionally, rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, made a brief appearance to observe the trial proceedings.
