Sean “Diddy” Combs Reportedly Won’t Testify in Federal Sex Trafficking Trial
As his high-stakes federal trial enters its later stages, sources confirm that music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is not expected to take the witness stand in his own defense. This decision comes as the trial, which began witness testimony on May 12, is reportedly nearing its conclusion, with Judge Arun Subramanian aiming to wrap proceedings before the July 4th holiday weekend.
Combs, 55, faces serious federal charges, including sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution, and racketeering. He has pleaded not guilty to the five counts against him. Prosecutors have utilized the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute, typically applied to organized crime, to allege that Combs orchestrated a criminal enterprise. They claim he used intimidation and narcotics to coerce victims, including sex workers, into participating in what are described as drug-fueled “freak offs.”
Why the Decision Not to Testify?
Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo has indicated to Judge Subramanian that the defense’s presentation could conclude rapidly, potentially in less than two days but no more than five. Legal experts view this proposed timeline as a strong indicator that Combs will not testify. Testifying would likely require a significant amount of time on the stand, potentially extending the defense’s case by a week or more, based on the duration of cross-examination faced by key prosecution witnesses.
Legal analysts and former federal prosecutors widely see taking the stand as a substantial risk for Combs. It would expose him to potentially intense cross-examination by the prosecution, and any statements he makes under oath could become admissible evidence in the more than 60 civil lawsuits currently pending against him. Entertainment lawyer Lisa Bonner noted that there is “nothing to gain” from testifying while presenting a considerable risk, particularly if there are “skeletons in [his] closet.”
While Combs’ defense attorney had previously suggested in September that the mogul was “very eager to tell his own story,” the strategic risks appear to have swayed the decision. Even rapper Suge Knight, whose name has arisen during the trial, weighed in from prison, stating Combs should testify to “humanize” himself and for “the truth come out.” However, the defense’s apparent strategy will instead focus on challenging the credibility of accusers and casting doubt on the prosecution’s case during closing arguments, according to former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani.
Trial Highlights and Key Testimony
The trial, now in its sixth week, has seen prosecutors present evidence aiming to detail a years-long criminal enterprise. This has included:
Video Evidence: Jurors were shown approximately 20 minutes of video footage from 2012-2014, described as depicting Combs’ “freak offs.” The footage was shown with jurors using earphones and the courtroom gallery monitors turned off.
Phone and Text Records: Evidence related to the 2016 incident captured on surveillance footage, showing Combs physically assaulting his former girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura Fine. Records allegedly showed Combs repeatedly contacting Ventura after she left, falsely claiming police were at the hotel.
Witness Testimony: The prosecution’s case has included gripping testimony from several witnesses.
Cassie Ventura: Spent four days on the stand describing alleged abuse, rape, and forced participation in drug-fueled parties over their 11-year relationship.
Unnamed Witnesses (“Mia,” “Jane”): Two women testified under pseudonyms, presented by prosecutors as victims of alleged sex trafficking. “Jane,” an ex-girlfriend, provided extensive testimony over six days, detailing alleged forced participation in “hotel nights” with male escorts, threats (including regarding rent and sex tapes), and alleged physical abuse.
Other Witnesses: Testimony has also come from figures like rapper Kid Cudi and a special agent with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, DeLeassa Penland, who testified regarding phone records and the “freak off” videos.
Defense Challenges and Courtroom Drama
Combs’ legal team has aggressively challenged the prosecution’s narrative and witness credibility. They have used audio recordings during cross-examination, particularly with “Jane,” to highlight inconsistencies, suggest her willing participation in events, or portray the relationship’s complexity. Arguments have been made that alleged violence stemmed from jealousy or addiction rather than coercion, such as after “Jane’s” trip to Las Vegas while on a break from Combs.
The trial has also seen several notable moments:
The defense has requested a mistrial three times.
A juror was recently dismissed over conflicting statements about residency and replaced with an alternate.
Combs himself was reportedly threatened with removal from the courtroom by Judge Subramanian for allegedly flashing facial expressions at jurors.
Court was unexpectedly adjourned on June 18 due to a juror experiencing vertigo, though proceedings are expected to resume after a scheduled Juneteenth recess. Brendan Paul, a former assistant named in a civil lawsuit alleging he acted as Combs’ “Mule,” was expected to testify.
- Combs has maintained an attentive presence in court, occasionally exchanging gestures with his mother, Janice, in the gallery.
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The Path Forward
With the defense expected to present its case swiftly, likely without Combs taking the stand, the trial is rapidly heading towards its conclusion. Jury deliberations could begin as early as the following week. Combs has maintained his plea of not guilty as his fate rests with the twelve jurors tasked with reaching a verdict on the serious charges he faces.
Meanwhile, separate from the criminal trial, Combs continues to face a significant number of civil lawsuits, including a recently re-filed suit from another former girlfriend, Chelsea Lovelace, echoing allegations of coercion, forced drug use, and physical abuse.
While speculation has briefly touched upon the possibility of a presidential pardon given Combs’ past relationship with former President Donald Trump, sources suggest the severity of the charges has created reservations among Trump allies.
Ultimately, the focus remains on the federal courtroom in Manhattan, where the high-profile trial that has captivated the public and music industry continues to unfold towards its final phase.