(FILES) US producer-musician Sean "Diddy" Combs poses with the Global Icon award in the press room during the MTV Video Music Awards at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on September 12, 2023. On June 24, both parties have rested in the trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, and now lawyers will address jurors directly with marathon closing arguments. Music mogul Combs, 55, faces federal charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation with intent of prostitution. He denies all charges and faces life in prison if convicted. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP)
After several weeks of intense testimony, the high-profile trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs is heading into its final phase, with closing arguments set to begin Thursday.
Both the prosecution and defence have said their closing remarks will take several hours, marking a decisive point in a case that could determine the fate of the once-celebrated music mogul.
Federal prosecutors allege that Combs, 55, orchestrated a criminal enterprise over decades involving forced labour, arson, bribery, and witness tampering. They claim he manipulated and abused two women — singer Casandra Ventura and another identified only as “Jane” — subjecting them to years of coercive sexual encounters involving drugs and paid escorts.
The most serious charge Combs faces is racketeering, which accuses him of leading a criminal organization responsible for a series of crimes. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment. He is also charged with two counts of sex trafficking and two counts related to transporting individuals for prostitution.
Combs has denied all allegations. His legal team argues that the relationships were consensual and that the testimonies were motivated by money or revenge. They have challenged the credibility of many witnesses, suggesting ulterior motives behind their cooperation with the government.
Among the 34 people who testified were former employees, assistants, escorts, friends and family of Ventura, and a hotel security guard who alleged he was bribed with \$100,000 in cash. Law enforcement officers and a forensic psychologist also appeared as witnesses.
Although he had the right to testify, Combs chose not to take the stand — a standard legal strategy for defendants who aim to cast doubt rather than prove innocence.
The evidence presented includes thousands of phone and text records, many containing disturbing messages suggesting victim distress. However, defence lawyers pointed to other texts showing expressions of affection, which they argue indicate consent. Jurors also viewed video footage from parties alleged to be criminal in nature, as well as financial documents like CashApp transactions and travel records.
Since the trial began in early May, it has drawn widespread public interest at the Manhattan federal courthouse. Despite strict bans on electronic devices inside the building, crowds of influencers and social media personalities gather daily outside, reporting developments to eager online audiences.
While Combs remains in custody and avoids public appearances, notable witnesses and celebrities — including rapper Kid Cudi, who testified that Combs’s associates set his car on fire — have been seen coming and going.
Closing arguments are expected to conclude Friday. Although there’s a slim chance the jury may begin deliberating that same day, it’s more likely they’ll receive the case on Monday.
The trial’s outcome now rests in the hands of 12 jurors, who must decide the future of a man once hailed as a visionary in the entertainment industry — now facing the collapse of his career and legacy.
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