The federal trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is entering a crucial phase as prosecutors prepare to conclude their case after calling five more witnesses.
Combs faces serious federal charges including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transporting individuals for prostitution, with the trial now in its seventh week at the US Southern District Court in New York.
Diddy trial latest news: State will call five more witnesses
The State’s case has centred on claims that Combs used his influence, businesses, and staff to organise what prosecutors describe as a criminal network aimed at coercing women into sex, often with male escorts, during parties dubbed “freak-offs.”
Prosecutors say these events were often fuelled by drugs and facilitated by Combs’ personal employees.
One of the final witnesses to testify was federal agent Andre Lamon, who detailed the discovery of 900 bottles of AstroGlide lubricant, 200 bottles of baby oil, and various drugs during a search of Combs’ Los Angeles home.
The jury was also shown photos of multiple firearms, including rifles and handguns, some of which were missing serial numbers.
The State presented former assistant Jonathan Perez, who testified under immunity. He described obtaining illegal drugs for Combs and helping arrange an escort service during a night when Combs’ ex-girlfriend claimed she was beaten and later forced to have sex with a male escort. Text messages between assistants were submitted into evidence to support Perez’s claims.
Legal complications also arose last week after a juror was accused of misleading the court about his residence, prompting Judge Arun Subramanian to state that the juror’s removal was necessary due to concerns about honesty during jury selection.
What angle is the defence expected to take in its case?
With the State close to resting its case, Combs’ defence team will soon begin presenting its arguments.
The defence has acknowledged past drug abuse and incidents of domestic violence, but strongly denies all sex trafficking accusations.
In her opening statement, defence attorney Teny Geragos said, “Domestic violence is not sex trafficking,” clarifying that while Combs may have had a volatile personal life, it did not involve coercing anyone into commercial sex.
The legal definition of sex trafficking involves making someone participate in sexual acts through force, fraud, or coercion, in exchange for something of value.
The defence maintains that participants in the alleged events acted willingly and that any sexual activities were consensual.
The jury also saw text messages from Combs’ ex-partner, Casandra Ventura Fine, that the defence claims support this view. In one message shown by the defence, she appeared to express a desire to engage in “freak-offs.”
However, prosecutors highlighted other parts of the conversation showing her reluctance.
Legal experts say the defence is expected to argue that the prosecution has “overcharged” Combs and that there is no clear evidence showing he forced anyone to do anything against their will.
The outcome may hinge on whether jurors believe the acts described were truly voluntary.
The defence will begin calling its witnesses once the State finishes presenting the remaining five.
