In a significant development at his ongoing sex trafficking trial, Sean “Diddy” Combs expressed to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian that he is doing an “excellent job” while confirming on Tuesday that he will not be taking the stand. This statement came after the prosecution concluded its case against the renowned hip-hop mogul, who has faced a barrage of allegations over the past six weeks.
The prosecution's case was extensive, featuring testimony from more than 34 witnesses, including former employees of Combs' Bad Boy Entertainment. Central to the accusations were two former girlfriends, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and a model referred to as “Jane,” who shared their experiences and expressed regret over their treatment by Combs. The prosecution aimed to establish a narrative of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, which resulted in Combs' arrest last September.
During the trial, Ventura, 38, provided four days of testimony, revealing that she felt pressured to partake in numerous “freak offs” to maintain her relationship with Combs. She described these instances involving male sex workers while Combs observed, sometimes filming the interactions. Similarly, Jane testified for six days about her experiences during what she labeled “hotel nights,” indicating that she felt coerced into these situations, which she only began to process after starting therapy three months prior.
Following the conclusion of the prosecution's case, Combs' legal team requested that Judge Subramanian dismiss the charges, arguing that the evidence presented was insufficient for a conviction. The judge has yet to make a ruling on this request. Defense attorney Teny Geragos completed the questioning of the prosecution's final witness, Joseph Cerciello, a Homeland Security Investigations agent, before the jury was sent for lunch.
Throughout the trial, Combs has remained incarcerated without bail in Brooklyn, as multiple judges determined he posed a danger to the community. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The defense has worked diligently to counter the prosecution's claims, utilizing witnesses who testified under immunity agreements to bolster their case. Combs has actively participated in his defense, engaging with his legal team and even taking notes during the proceedings.
In a notable moment, Judge Subramanian admonished Combs for his enthusiastic gestures toward jurors during cross-examinations, warning him that such behavior could lead to his exclusion from the trial. This highlights the tense atmosphere in the courtroom, where the stakes are particularly high for the hip-hop star.
As part of the evidence presented, over 40 minutes of recordings of the alleged “freak offs” and “hotel nights” were shown to jurors. Audience reactions varied, with some jurors appearing uncomfortable while viewing the explicit content, yet most maintained a neutral demeanor. Geragos, in her opening statement, argued that these recordings served as “powerful evidence” of consensual sexual conduct, countering the prosecution's narrative of coercion.
With the defense presentation expected to conclude by the end of the day, closing arguments are tentatively scheduled for Thursday. The outcome of this high-profile trial, centered around serious allegations of sex trafficking and personal relationships, will be closely monitored as it unfolds in the coming days.
