Diddy Combs Sex Trafficking Trial Nears Verdict – Prosecution Alleges "Criminal Enterprise," Defense Cries "Exaggeration"
The high-stakes sex trafficking trial of music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs is on the cusp of a verdict, as closing arguments concluded this week in a federal courtroom in Lower Manhattan. Jurors are now poised to begin deliberations, which could determine the fate of one of hip-hop's most influential figures.
The prosecution, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik, painted a damning picture of Combs as the head of a "criminal enterprise" who believed his "fame, wealth, and power" put him above the law. In her closing remarks on Thursday, Slavik declared, "That ends now. It's time to find the defendant guilty." She meticulously highlighted testimony and evidence from the seven-week trial, which included:
"Freak-offs" and "Hotel Nights": Prosecutors presented evidence of drug-fueled, multi-day sex marathons, alleging Combs coerced women, including his former girlfriend Casandra Ventura (Cassie) and a witness identified as "Jane," into sexual encounters with male sex workers.
Coercion and Control: Slavik argued that Combs used "force, coercion, and threats of financial harm or video release" to control his alleged victims. She pointed to a now-infamous 2016 security footage showing Combs assaulting Cassie in a hotel hallway, asserting, "He knew exactly what he was doing. That is sex trafficking."
Criminal Enterprise: The prosecution's theory of racketeering conspiracy alleged that Combs relied on a "small army" of employees, associates, and his business accounts to facilitate these alleged crimes, including transporting individuals for prostitution, forced labor, and even incidents of kidnapping and bribery. Slavik specifically cited evidence suggesting Combs was behind the firebombing of rapper Kid Cudi's car in 2012 and the kidnapping of an employee.
"Silence and Shame": Slavik contended that Combs "counted on silence and shame" to enable and prolong his abuse, but vowed that "his crimes have been exposed."
Defense Mocks Case, Acknowledges Domestic Violence
Combs' defense team, led by attorney Marc Agnifilo, mounted an aggressive closing argument, mocking the prosecution's case and accusing them of "badly exaggerating" the charges. Agnifilo, in a four-hour presentation, sought to portray the prosecution as overzealous, turning Combs' "private sex life" and "swinger lifestyle" into a "crime scene."
Key points from the defense included:
Consensual Activities: Agnifilo argued that the sexual activities depicted were consensual, presenting loving text messages between Combs and Cassie to support the claim of a "loving, beautiful relationship," albeit a "complicated" one.
No Criminal Enterprise: The defense maintained that no employees agreed to join any conspiracy, thus refuting the racketeering charge.
"Fake Trial": Agnifilo called the prosecution a "fake trial," contending that the government had simply combined a "swinger lifestyle" and recreational drug use to fabricate a racketeering conspiracy.
Acknowledged Violence, Denied Crime: While acknowledging that the infamous hotel video clearly shows domestic violence, the defense disputed the prosecution's theory that this assault was evidence of sex trafficking by force. Agnifilo admitted Combs could be violent but denied any criminal conspiracy.
No Defense Witnesses: Notably, Combs' legal team chose not to call any of its own witnesses, relying primarily on cross-examination to discredit the prosecution's witnesses and argue their personal motives.
Combs Did Not Testify: Sean Combs himself confirmed to the court that he would not take the stand in his own defense, a common practice in criminal trials. The judge instructed the jury not to infer guilt from this decision.
Potential Sentence and Remaining Lawsuits
If convicted on all counts, Sean "Diddy" Combs could face a minimum sentence of 15 years and potentially up to life in prison. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
Beyond the criminal trial, Combs continues to face a barrage of civil lawsuits. New accusations continue to emerge, including recent claims of him and his son orchestrating gang rape. These civil cases are separate from the current criminal proceedings but add to the mounting legal pressure on the music mogul.
The jury is expected to begin deliberations on Monday. The verdict in this high-profile case will undoubtedly send significant ripples through both the entertainment industry and the legal world.
