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

NEW YORK (AP) — Jurors are beginning deliberations Monday in the sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, evaluating charges that could result in a life sentence for the hip-hop tycoon.

Judge Arun Subramanian started delivering legal instructions to a jury made up of eight men and four women on Monday morning. Following this, the jury will review seven weeks of at times graphic and emotional testimony concerning the music, fashion, and reality TV icon’s alleged violent tendencies and sexual preferences, including incidents referred to as “freak-offs” or “hotel nights” involving drug-fueled sexual activities.

Combs, 55, has entered a not guilty plea to federal charges including racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking, which involve two of his former girlfriends. He also faces two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, accused of orchestrating 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.”

She said that he used his “close inner circle and a small army of personal staff, who made it their mission to meet the defendant’s every desire, promote his power and protect his reputation at all costs.”

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.

“He is not a racketeer. He is not a conspirator to commit racketeering. He is none of these things. He is innocent. He sits there innocent. Return him to his family, who have been waiting for him,” the lawyer told jurors.

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. Cassie said he forced her into hundreds of sexual encounters with paid male sex workers while Jane recounted numerous “hotel nights.”

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

Derby Car Collision: Man Arrested After Vehicle Injures Seven Pedestrians in UK

Forensic investigators work on the scene in Friar Gate, Derby, Sunday March…

Rebranding César Chavez Day: A Passionate and Urgent Movement Gains Momentum Nationwide

Across the United States, from California to Minnesota, elected officials and civil…

Iran’s Fiery Warning: US Ground Troops Face Dire Threats in Escalating Tensions

In a bold and fiery statement, Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf,…

Rev Up Safely: Mastering the Speed and Safety of Electric Bikes

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – In a heart-stopping incident, a 14-year-old on an…

Luis Robert Jr. Secures Mets’ Victory with Thrilling 3-Run Homer in 11th Against Pirates

NEW YORK – In an exhilarating showdown at Citi Field, Luis Robert…

Viral Pro-Iran Memes Challenge Trump in Online Propaganda Battle

The ongoing conflict with Iran is proving to be unprecedented in terms…

Pope Leo XIV Honors Pope Francis’ Legacy During Holy Week’s Palm Sunday Observance

In a momentous gathering at St. Peter’s Square in Rome, Pope Leo…

Greeneville Group Home Caregiver Faces Allegations of Abusing Disabled Resident

An employee of Support Solutions in Greeneville, Tennessee, finds herself facing charges…

Legendary Actor James Tolkan, Known for ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Back to the Future,’ Passes Away at 94

Renowned for his portrayals of stern authority figures in the iconic films…

Widespread “No Kings” Demonstrations Sweep Tri-Cities on Saturday

The Tri-Cities region of Tennessee witnessed a powerful display of unity and…