Jury due to begin deliberating in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ sex trafficking trial
Share this @internewscast.com

NEW YORK (AP) — A jury will begin deliberations on Monday in the sex trafficking case involving Sean “Diddy” Combs. The charges, if proven, could result in a life sentence for the hip-hop star.

Federal Judge Arun Subramanian will first give legal instructions to the jury, composed of eight men and four women. They will then review the evidence and testimonies presented over seven weeks, which included graphic and emotional accounts of Combs’ alleged violent behavior and sexual activities, such as drug-fueled events known as “freak-offs” or “hotel nights.”

The 55-year-old music and entertainment mogul has denied all charges, which include racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking involving his former girlfriends, and two counts of transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution.

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.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Governors Youngkin and Spanberger Clash Over Controversial UVA Presidential Appointment

Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger has requested that the University of Virginia’s Board of…

Unveiling the Dark Side: Nicolas Cage Transforms Jesus’ Youth into a Horror Masterpiece in ‘The Carpenter’s Son

LOS ANGELES – While the canonical Gospels were being transcribed and disseminated…

Get Your Holiday Ham: Pratt’s Now at Select Food City Locations!

ABINGDON, Va. — In time for the upcoming holiday season, Pratt’s renowned…

British Commentator Sami Hamdi Considers Legal Steps Against US for Detention Incident

LONDON – Upon returning to the UK, British political commentator Sami Hamdi…

November Deer Crashes: Sullivan and Washington Counties Rank Among Tennessee’s Most Hazardous

In a recent announcement, the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) has identified Sullivan…

Spanish Soccer Scandal: Ex-Boss Rubiales Pelted with Eggs by Uncle at Book Launch

MADRID – In a dramatic turn of events, former Spanish soccer federation…

Overcoming Boundaries: A Mother’s Battle to Keep Her Son in the Right School District

ATLANTA – This summer was one of the most challenging in recent…

US Proposal for Gaza Stabilization Force at UN Encounters Opposition from Russia, China, and Arab Nations

TANZANIA – A new proposal by the United States to establish a…

Brave 8-Year-Old’s 911 Call Uncovers Shocking Overdose Case in Volusia County: Father Arrested

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A distressing 911 call from an 8-year-old boy…

Seal Makes Daring Escape from Orcas by Leaping onto Photographer’s Boat

SEATTLE – An exhilarating encounter unfolded as a wildlife photographer, while on…

Korean Workers Resume Duties at Hyundai Site After Georgia Immigration Raid

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Following an immigration raid two months ago at Hyundai’s…

Greeneville Resident Admits Involvement in Disturbing Monkey Video Plot

A woman from Greeneville, Tennessee, has entered a guilty plea in federal…