Diddy trial recap: Sean Combs used ‘power, violence and fear’ to operate criminal enterprise, prosecutor tells jurors
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs did not testify in his New York sex trafficking trial
The government has delivered its closing arguments in Sean “Diddy” Combs’s New York sex trafficking trial.
Prosecutor Christy Slavik presented the government’s closing argument over nearly five hours on Thursday. The defense is expected to present its closing arguments on Friday, and prosecutors will have one last chance to offer a rebuttal afterward.
Slavik has used her time to argue that Combs used “power, violence and fear to get what he wanted” while acting as the “leader of a criminal enterprise” who “doesn’t take no for an answer.”
Over the course of seven weeks, the jury has heard shocking testimony from more than 30 witnesses about the rapper’s sex life and alleged history of abusive behavior. Former partners and employees are among those who have taken the stand.
Throughout the trial, prosecutors have argued that Combs sex-trafficked women by coercing them into fulfilling his sexual desires, transported male escorts for prostitution purposes, and conspired with a “criminal enterprise” to commit crimes. Combs has denied all wrongdoing.
Despite the nature of the bombshell testimony, Combs has not taken the stand, and no defense witnesses were called. Legal experts told The Independent that he had “everything to lose and nothing to gain” by testifying.
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Recap: Prosecutor says Diddy used 'power, violence and fear' to get his way
Prosecutor Christy Slavik delivered her closing arguments over nearly five hours on Thursday.
Slavik has used her time to argue that Combs used “power, violence and fear to get what he wanted” while acting as the “leader of a criminal enterprise” who “doesn’t take no for an answer.”
Slavik argued Combs trafficked his ex-girlfriends Cassie Ventura and Jane by forcing them to have sex with male escorts using threats, manipulation and violence.
She also pointed to Combs’s alleged drug use, noting they played an “essential” role in “freak offs.”
Slavik also emphasized evidence suggesting Combs paid male escorts to travel to engage in “freak offs,” further bolstering the charges of transportation to engage in prostitution.
Slavik ended with a final plea to the jury: “It is time to hold him accountable, it is time for justice. And it’s time to find him guilty."
Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo is expected to present his closing arguments on Friday.
Closing arguments set to begin
Closing arguments are set to begin today in Sean “Diddy” Combs’s sex trafficking trial.
Prosecutors will present their arguments first, followed by the defense. The government will then have a chance to present a rebuttal.
Afterward, the judge will give the jury instructions and deliberations will begin.
ICYMI: Diddy prosecutors drop kidnapping and arson claims, narrowing racketeering charge in final days of trial
Federal prosecutors narrowed the racketeering conspiracy charges against Sean “Diddy” Combs, removing the claims of arson and kidnapping Wednesday just one day before closing arguments begin in the blockbuster sex trafficking trial.
The music mogul faces five federal counts of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. He’s pleaded not guilty.
Read more:
Diddy prosecutors drop kidnapping and arson claims, narrowing racketeering charge
Recap: Shocking photos from raid on Diddy’s mansion show weapons, drugs and bondage gear discovered by feds
When federal agents raided music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs’ homes last year, they discovered troves of baby oil, various drugs, firearms, and pieces of lingerie – items that prosecutors claim were part of Combs’ “freak offs.”
Over seven weeks, jurors in Manhattan have heard from witnesses, reviewed documents, and seen footage and photos of what the government believes is evidence to support their case. Those jurors will soon determine Combs’ fate in the sex-trafficking case.
Prosecutors have charged Combs with sex trafficking, transportation for prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy. Combs has denied all wrongdoing.
Now, prosecutors have released batches of those photos, giving the public insight into what jurors will use to make their decision.
Photos from Diddy’s mansion raids show weapons, drugs and bondage gear
Court begins
Judge Arun Subramanian is on the bench and closing arguments are set to begin shortly.
Jury enters
The jury has entered the courtroom.
Prosecutor Christy Slavik is set to deliver closing arguments today.
Diddy prepares for closing arguments
Sean “Diddy” Combs wore a blue sweater with a collared shirt underneath for the first day of closing arguments.
He appeared nervous as he shifted his weight and rubbed his hands together while the jury entered, The Washington Post reports.
Prosecutor calls Diddy head of 'criminal enterprise'
Prosecutor Christy Slavik has begun her closing arguments.
She called Sean “Diddy” Combs the “leader of a criminal enterprise” who “doesn’t take no for an answer.”
“The defendant used power, violence and fear to get what he wanted,” she said.
Prosecutors describe Diddy's 'kingdom': 'Everyone was there to serve him'
Prosecutor Christy Slavik described Sean “Diddy” Combs’s alleged criminal enterprise as his “kingdom.”
"It is his kingdom,” she said. “Everyone was there to serve him."
“The defendant was a very powerful man, but he became more powerful and more dangerous because of the support of his inner circle and his businesses, the enterprise,” she added.
Prosecutors compares Diddy's enterprise to an army
Prosecutor Christy Slavik compared Sean “Diddy” Combs’s alleged criminal enterprise to an army, calling his security guards “lieutenants” and his assistants the “foot soldiers.”
“Those lieutenants were particularly loyal and they were armed and ready,” Slavik said. “They were at the defendant’s side for some of the most violent and threatening acts.”
“The defendant used the money and the gravitas from his businesses to facilitate the crimes that he and his inner circle committed,” she added.
Slavik noted that Combs’s chief of staff, Kristina Khorram, made $600,000 a year.