Diddy Trial: Opening statements expected Monday
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Combs chose not to testify, and his lawyers didn’t call any witnesses in their defense case, instead attacking the credibility of his accusers.

NEW YORK — Jury deliberations are about to commence on Monday for Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking trial, where he faces charges that could lead to a life sentence.

Following instructions from federal Judge Arun Subramanian, the jury, composed of eight men and four women, will retire to consider their verdict. They’ll review seven weeks of sometimes intense and emotional testimony about the rap, fashion, and reality TV mogul’s alleged violent tendencies and sexual activities, including purported drug-driven sex events called “freak-offs” or “hotel nights.”

Combs, 55, has denied federal charges of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking concerning two of his former partners, and two counts of arranging transportation for prostitution by allegedly organizing the interstate travel of sex workers.

In closing arguments last week, federal prosecutors and Combs’ defense team took their last shots at convincing jurors to convict or acquit the Grammy Award-winning founder of Bad Boy Records.

“The defendant used power, violence and fear to get what he wanted,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik said. “He thought that his fame, wealth and power put him above the law.”

Defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo countered, “This isn’t about crime. It’s about money.” He noted that one of Combs’ accusers in the criminal case also sued him in civil court.

In all, 34 witnesses testified, headlined by Combs’ former girlfriends Cassie — the R&B singer born Casandra Ventura — and “ Jane,” who testified under a pseudonym. Both women said he often was violent toward them and forced them into hundreds of sexual encounters with paid male sex workers.

Jurors also saw now-infamous security camera video of Combs beating, kicking and dragging Cassie at a Los Angeles hotel in 2016 and clips from videos of sexual encounters.

Combs chose not to testify, and his lawyers didn’t call any witnesses in their defense case. His attorneys elected instead to challenge the accusers’ credibility during lengthy cross-examination questioning.

The defense has acknowledged that Combs veered into violence, but his lawyers maintain that the sex acts were consensual. They contend that prosecutors are intruding in Combs’ personal life and that he’s done nothing to warrant the charges against him.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.     

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