On June 24, 2023, Sean Combs' defense team wrapped up their case in less than 30 minutes, marking a significant moment in the ongoing trial against the hip-hop mogul. Combs, aged 55, has faced scrutiny from Judge Arun Subramanian for nodding at jurors during cross-examinations of government witnesses. Notably, he chose not to take the witness stand throughout the nearly seven-week trial.
During a brief interaction with the judge, Combs expressed his gratitude, stating, “I’m doing great, your honor. I’ve been wanting to tell you thank you, you’re doing an excellent job.” Judge Subramanian probed Combs about his decision to abstain from testifying, to which Combs replied, “That is my decision, your honor. That is solely my decision.” This dialogue followed defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro's motion for acquittal concerning all five charges against Combs, which include two counts of sex trafficking, two counts of transportation for prostitution, and one count of racketeering conspiracy.
Shapiro contended that the prosecution failed to meet the burden of proof, having rested their case earlier that afternoon. The government has accused Combs of operating a criminal enterprise that allegedly facilitated and concealed abuse over several decades. Combs has consistently pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Throughout the trial, Combs sat alongside his team of nine attorneys in a federal courtroom in lower Manhattan, where over two dozen witnesses—including ex-girlfriends, former employees, and law enforcement officials—testified against him. In stark contrast, the defense's presentation lasted approximately 25 minutes.
During the opening arguments, defense attorney Teny Geragos emphasized that Sean Combs is a multifaceted individual, but the case against him is straightforward. The defense underscored a critical theme: the relationships Combs had were unconventional yet consensual, characterized by jealousy rather than coercion. While key events in the prosecution's case, including a 2016 hotel incident involving then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, are not disputed, Combs' legal team aims to contextualize these incidents differently.
Although defense attorneys acknowledged that Combs may have exhibited domestic violence and physical assault, they firmly stated that he did not engage in sexual coercion or trafficking. Instead of calling witnesses, the defense opted to present evidence, including text messages from Ventura expressing love and appreciation for Combs. One particular message from 2017 highlighted her happiness regarding the growth of their relationship.
The defense also introduced documents revealing minor inconsistencies in testimonies from government witnesses, including former employees who corroborated Ventura's allegations of violence. The defense illustrated through cross-examination that Ventura had participated in orchestrating what were termed “freak-offs” and that she felt pressured to comply with Combs' demands due to safety concerns.
During the trial, Combs' defense attorneys contended that he often engaged in multiple romantic relationships, which spurred jealousy among his partners. They argued that both Ventura and another woman, known as Jane, willingly participated in Combs' unconventional sexual escapades to foster intimacy. Jane testified under a pseudonym, stating that Combs introduced hotel nights early in their relationship and pressured her to partake in activities she was uncomfortable with.
The defense argues that these interactions were part of a consensual “swingers' lifestyle” within the privacy of Combs’ home. They maintained that despite the prosecution’s graphic descriptions of these encounters, the actions did not constitute illegal activity. Geragos affirmed to the jury, “You are not here to judge him for his sexual preferences.”
As the prosecution presented videos depicting intimate moments between Combs and Ventura, the court took measures to ensure privacy, restricting public access to the exhibits. The prosecution provided short clips while the defense requested to showcase longer segments as evidence of consensual relationships.
As the trial approaches its conclusion, with closing arguments set to begin on Thursday, the case continues to unfold, drawing significant public and media attention. Sean Combs' fate now rests in the hands of the jury, who will weigh the evidence presented from both sides.
