Diddy trial recap: Sean Combs tells judge he will not testify in sex trafficking trial
Jurors heard from 34 witnesses over the seven weeks of testimony, including Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura
The sex-trafficking case against Sean “Diddy” Combs is in its final stretch after the prosecution and defense finished laying out their arguments to jurors in New York on Tuesday.
The panel of jurors heard from more than 30 witnesses, watched troves of footage, and viewed hundreds of pages of documents over seven weeks in a Manhattan courthouse as both sides presented the panel of jurors their case.
Prosecutors argue 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 and his defense team dispute those allegations. Lawyers say the music mogul had an unusual sex life, but that all of his actions were consensual.
The music mogul stood up before Judge Arun Subramanian on Tuesday to confirm he would not testify – a common practice for defendants in criminal trials.
Closing arguments are expected to begin on Thursday and move into Friday.
Once closing arguments are finished, jurors will be charged and begin deliberations.
Defense agrees to not bring up current events
Judge Arun Subramanian is holding a charging conference on Wednesday at 12 p.m. where lawyers will go over language for the jury charge.
Before court was adjourned for the day, prosecutor Maureen Comey asked defense not to bring up any current events in their closing statements in order to prevent objections.
Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo appeared to agree to that.
That was in reference to a report that alleged the defense team was possibly going to bring up Iran or other current events to compare to the charges against Combs.
Prosecution anticipates deliberations to begin Monday
Prosecutors anticipate that jury deliberations in the sex-trafficking case against Combs could begin Monday.
Lawyers for the government and defense believe they will take all of Thursday and potentially all of Friday to hear closing arguments in the case.
Defense rests its case
After a brief presentation in which defense attorneys disputed several aspects of the government’s case, defense attorneys have rested their case.
Jurors have been dismissed for the day and have been asked to return Thursday for closing arguments.
Defense lawyers show loving text messages between Cassie and Combs
Defense attorneys are laying out their case to jurors, providing text messages between Cassie Ventura and Combs that show the more loving side of their relationship.
In messages, Ventura expresses love for Combs and offers to do more for him. During one exchange, Combs asked Ventura if she could participate in “freak offs” without getting high. Ventura replied that she could under certain circumstances.
The messages reiterate what defense attorneys have been saying for the last several weeks, that women who participated in “freak offs” did so voluntarily.
Jury returns, defense begins presenting its case
Jurors have returned from lunch and are back in the courtroom.
The defense is going to present its argument now.
Defense makes motion for acquittal
During jurors’ lunch break, defense attorneys made a motion to dismiss the charges against Combs, citing a lack of evidence from the government.
This motion, known as Rule 29, is commonly pursued during criminal trials but is rarely granted by judges.
Defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro went one by one through the charges and explained why they should be dismissed against Combs.
Shapiro claimed the government did not show enough evidence for the racketeering conspiracy charge by failing to prove others conspired with Combs.
She also said there was no proof that Combs sex-trafficked Cassie Ventura because there were no messages indicating Ventura did not want to participate in “freak offs.”
Combs confirms to judge he will not testify
As expected, Combs told Judge Subramanian that he will not testify in his sex-trafficking trial.
Standing up, Comb confidently assured the judge he did not plan to testify and that he had consulted with his lawyers before making the decision.
When asked how he was doing, Combs replied, “I’m doing great, your honor. I wanted to tell you you’re doing a great job.”
Subramanian asked Combs if he discussed testifying with his lawyers, to which Combs said, “Yes, thoroughly.”
“That is my decision, your honor. That is solely my decision. I mean it’s my decision with my lawyers,” Combs said.
The last line gave Subramanian a chuckle
The prosecution's case: weeks of witness testimony and explicit evidence
Prosecutors for the government essentially wrapped up their case against Sean “Diddy” Combs on Tuesday after seven weeks of witness testimony and troves of evidence.
Jurors heard from more than 30 witnesses, including Combs’ ex-girlfriend, musician Cassie Ventura, his former assistant “Mia,” and his other ex-girlfriend “Jane.”
All three testified that they experienced Combs’ rage through physical and verbal abuse throughout their time with the music mogul.
Ventura and “Jane” also testified about feeling pressured to participate in Combs’ drug-fueled sex marathons in hotels with male escorts.
Prosecutors showed jurors evidence through photos, videos, bank statements, phone records, emails, and more.
Prosecution rests
The prosecution has rested its case in its sex-trafficking trial against Sean “Diddy” Combs.
After calling 34 witnesses, including Combs’ ex-girlfriends, over eight weeks, lawyers for the government have provided all their evidence and testimony.
Defense attorneys will now have the opportunity to provide their arguments to jurors after the lunch break.