Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Defense Case Concludes in 20 Minutes Amid Sex Trafficking Trial

The defense's swift closure follows a lengthy prosecution process; Combs faces serious charges in a high-profile trial.

Sean "Diddy" Combs' defense attorneys concluded their case in a mere 20 minutes on Tuesday during the rapper's ongoing sex trafficking trial in New York. This brief presentation came at the conclusion of nearly seven weeks of prosecution arguments and testimonies. The defense team claimed that the government's evidence did not meet the necessary burden for any of the charges Combs faces, including sex trafficking and racketeering. They implored the judge to dismiss the case altogether, asserting their client's innocence.

Throughout the proceedings, Combs refrained from taking the stand, stating, "It's my decision with my lawyers" to forgo testifying. Pleading not guilty, Combs risks a potential life sentence if found guilty of the charges against him. After weeks of silence, he briefly addressed Judge Arun Subramanian, expressing gratitude and stating, "I want to tell you thank you."

The prosecution, which has accused Combs of utilizing his celebrity status and business acumen to operate a criminal enterprise tied to sex trafficking, concluded its case after presenting over 30 witnesses. Combs’ defense did not call any witnesses; instead, they introduced text messages to the court from Combs to former partners, including singer Casandra Ventura and another victim known as Jane. These communications aimed to support the argument that Combs' ex-girlfriends willingly participated in sexual encounters, referred to as freak-offs.

According to legal expert Mitchell Epner, the decision not to call witnesses was strategic, as bringing new testimony could complicate the case for the defense. Combs’ legal team emphasized that the women involved were capable adults who could have exited the situation willingly, setting the stage for eventual closing arguments scheduled for later this week.

Defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro acknowledged past instances of "regrettable violence" but disputed the characterization of those actions as sex trafficking, a point likely to be pivotal in their closing statements. In contrast, the prosecution maintained that evidence points to coercion involving drugs and violence. As the trial moves forward, the spotlight remains on the strength of the evidence presented against Sean 'Diddy' Combs.