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.
Combs requested vegetable soup and baby oil for 'freak offs'
Combs asked staff for a litany of things to prepare for, or sustain him, during “freak offs,” prosecutors shared during the special agent’s testimony.
That list includes baby oil, Cialis, Astroglide, coconut water, vegetable soup, and an Apple TV system.
Prosecution wraps up testimony of special agent
Prosecutors have just finished their direct examination of Special Agent Joseph Cerciello.
Judge Subramanian has dismissed jurors for lunch.
When court resumes, defense attorneys will begin cross-examination
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Defense shows other side of 'Jane's' text messages
Defense attorney Teny Geragos is having Special Agent Cerciello review text messages that the prosecution did not include in its chart, where “Jane” shows a desire to be with Combs.
In one text message from 2021, “Jane” told Combs she couldn’t wait to hook up with him, calling Combs her “favorite person.”
In other messages, she told Combs she missed him and used explicit language to express her desire to be with him.
Court adjourned for the day
Court has been adjourned for the day and cross-examination of Special Agent Joseph Cerciello is expected to continue tomorrow.
Defense lawyer Teny Geragos said there’s roughly an hour and some left of cross-examination.
Closing arguments are likely to begin Thursday.
What you missed on Monday
Special agent Joseph Cerciello’s testimony continued on Monday with prosecutors showing jurors a chart that combined flight, hotel and payment records with messages between Combs, his ex-girlfriend, his staff, and a male escort company.
Cerciello testified that Combs sent messages to his staff demanding items for “freak off” such as baby oil, Astroglide, coconut water, vegetable soup, and more. Combs also texted agents at the male escort company asking for lower rates.
Cerciello also testified that “Jane” sent messages saying she did not want to participate in a “freak off” because it made her feel “used.”
Defense attorneys began cross-examination of Cerciello and showed jurors text messages where “Jane” appeared to want to participate in “freak offs” and even messaged with male escorts.
Defense expected to continue cross-examination
Good morning and welcome back to The Independent’s live coverage of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex-trafficking trial in New York City.
Defense attorneys are expected to continue cross-examination of Special Agent Joseph Cerciello today. Once they’re done, prosecutors will conduct re-direct and Cerciello will be off the stand.
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Lawyers argue over evidence
Before the jury enters the courtroom, lawyers for Combs and the government have been arguing about text messages the defense wants to submit into evidence.
The text messages, between Combs and Cassie Ventura, would support the defense’s argument that Ventura was not coerced into “freak offs.”
However, the government is attempting to exclude those from being presented as evidence, claiming they are irrelevant to the case.