In closing arguments, Diddy lawyer says Cassie relationship was a 'great modern love story'
Share this @internewscast.com

This is a complimentary article for Diddy on Trial newsletter subscribers. Sign up to receive exclusive reports and analyses throughout Sean Combs’ federal trial.

Today in Diddy’s trial, jurors listened to closing statements from defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo. Agnifilo spoke to the jury for four hours, passionately and at times mockingly countering the U.S. government’s “inflated” narrative. He argued that Diddy was being unjustly targeted over his sexual “lifestyle” and maintained that his client was innocent of all charges.

Agnifilo acknowledged that the defense agreed Diddy had physically assaulted his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. (“We take responsibility for the domestic violence,” Agnifilo stated. “I hope you are aware of that.”) Yet, the rapper “did not commit the acts he is accused of, such as racketeering or sex trafficking,” the attorney continued. “He is going to vigorously defend himself against accusations of actions he did not commit.”

The prosecution team alleges that Diddy sex-trafficked Ventura and another ex-girlfriend, “Jane,” forcing them to participate in the drug-dazed “freak offs” at the heart of the case. Agnifilo rejected that version of events, referring to Diddy’s relationship with Ventura as “a great modern love story” between two “swingers.”

Agnifilo argued that both women were consenting and sometimes enthusiastic participants in “freak offs,” which the lawyer characterized as pleasant evenings in “beautiful hotel rooms.” He attempted to downplay the marathon sexual encounters, including the fact that Diddy recorded them on video. “He’s not the only man in America making homemade porn,” Agnifilo said.

In closing, Agnifilo implored the jury to “summon the courage” and acquit Diddy. “I am asking you to acquit Sean Combs of all the counts. He is not a racketeer,” Agnifilo said. “He sits there innocent, so return him to his family.”

What’s next: The jury will get the case first thing Monday, Subramanian confirmed this afternoon. Then it can start deliberations. We’ll keep you updated on all the key developments.


The view from inside

By am Reiss, Chloe Melas, Katherine Koretski and Jing Feng

Agnifilo spoke animatedly, occasionally using a biting and jocular tone to convey skepticism about the government’s case against his client.

In one notable moment, Agnifilo appeared to mock the federal law enforcement officers who searched Diddy’s houses, remarking that the agents made America “safe from Astroglide,” the lubricant brand the rapper used for “freak offs” with ex-girlfriends and male escorts. “Way to go, fellas,” Agnifilo said. “You guys just do you.”

When the jurors were on a break, Maurene Comey, one of the prosecutors, complained to Judge Arun Subramanian about Agnifilo’s tone. “Respectfully,” Agnifilo replied, “I think I’m allowed to be sarcastic.”

In the prosecution’s rebuttal, Comey said Diddy’s defense team served up “lies” and “excuse after excuse” for the defendant’s “inexcusable behavior.” She added: “Make no mistake, this trial was how, in Sean Combs’ world, ‘no’ was never an option.”

In other news: Diddy, sitting close to the defense table, appeared engaged during Agnifilo’s summation — a sharp contrast with his generally downcast appearance during prosecutor Christy Slavik’s closing arguments yesterday. The music tycoon acknowledged his family in the courtroom earlier in the day, forming his hands into a heart and giving them a thumb-up.


PSA: Every night during Diddy’s trial, NBC’s “Dateline” will drop special episodes of the “True Crime Weekly” podcast to get you up to speed. “Dateline” correspondent Andrea Canning chats with NBC News’ Chloe Melas and special guests — right in front of the courthouse. Listen here.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Volunteer Art Program in Savoy Positively Impacts Alzheimer’s Patients

SAVOY, Ill. (WCIA) — Over seven million Americans are affected by Alzheimer’s,…

Tennessee Congressman Seeks to Revoke Mamdani’s Citizenship

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) U.S. Congressmember Andy Ogles, a Republican from Tennessee, wants…

Police Chief Confirms Jodi Huisentruit Case Still ‘Absolutely Solvable’ After 30 Years

MASON CITY, Iowa () Despite no arrests in the 30 years since…

GOP Leader Schedules Saturday Vote on Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Despite Republican Opposition

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) told Senate Republicans to expect to…

Debunking Myths & Revealing Facts About Lightning

() — Lightning is the main hazard in any thunderstorm and there…

Iran’s Foreign Minister Calls U.S. Talks ‘Complicated’ Following American Strike on Nuclear Facilities

DUBAI – Iran’s leading diplomat stated that recent negotiations with the United…

Woman Receives Almost $1 Million in Damages After Slipping on Ice at Fort Wayne Panera

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — An Allen County jury awarded a woman…

A Local from Evans Aids in Donating Jerseys to Ronald McDonald House

AUGUSTA, Ga. () – A recent University of Florida graduate came up…

Locals Astonished by Mysterious Object Lighting Up the Night Sky

ATLANTA – More than 200 individuals in several southern U.S. states have…

Congress Weighs Borrowing Caps on Federal Student Loans

Congress is currently in the process of finalizing President Trump’s “big, beautiful”…

Man Suspected of Similar Incidents After Allegedly Photographing and Grabbing Woman in Palm Bay, Police Report

PALM BAY, Fla. – Authorities report that a man, involved earlier this…

Death Count in Kenya’s Anti-Government Protests Increases to 16

NAIROBI, Kenya — According to the state-funded human rights commission, the death…