The federal sex-crimes trial against music mogul Sean “Diddy” combs has concluded its main phase in a New York City courtroom. Lawyers delivered their final arguments, marking a critical point in the complex legal proceedings. As the case neared its end, reports emerged about the removal of Combs’ son, justin Combs, from the courtroom during a period of intense family support.
This development follows nearly seven weeks of emotional testimony and legal battles. Family members, including Combs’ children, consistently attended court sessions, offering a visible display of support. The exact reasons for Justin Combs’ reported removal remain undisclosed. However, the incident occurred as the gravity of the charges and potential verdict became increasingly clear, amplifying the already high tension during the final pleas to the jury.
Federal Trial Reaches Climax with Closing Arguments
The presence of Sean Combs’ children, including sons Quincy Brown, Christian “King” Combs, and Justin Combs, alongside daughters D’Lila, Jessie, and Chance Combs, highlighted the personal toll the legal challenges have taken on the family. Court reports detailed the visible distress experienced by family members, particularly during the lengthy closing arguments presented by the defense. D’Lila and Jessie Combs, Combs’ 18-year-old twin daughters, were seen crying and reportedly left the courthouse appearing anxious before returning later.
It was during this emotionally charged time that Justin Combs was reportedly asked to leave the courtroom. While specific reasons were not made public, the event underscores the raw emotion surrounding the trial for those closest to Sean Combs. The outcome now rests on the jury’s decision. The family previously issued a joint online statement expressing support for Sean Combs and rejecting “false narratives” surrounding the accusations.
The conclusion of the evidence phase centered on the dueling arguments from the prosecution and defense. Attorneys aimed to persuade the jury following weeks of testimony from more than 30 witnesses.
Defense Claims “Fake Trial” and Consensual Lifestyle
Sean Combs’ lead defense attorney, Marc Agnifilo, presented closing arguments spanning approximately five hours. He characterized the government’s case as a “tale of two trials,” alleging the prosecution distorted Combs’ consensual sexual “lifestyle” into criminal acts. Agnifilo repeatedly labeled the government’s case a “fake trial,” suggesting it was fueled by motives like jealousy, love, and money rather than legitimate charges such as sex trafficking or racketeering.
The defense sought to minimize the alleged activities, sometimes describing explicit videos as “homemade porn” indicative of a consensual “swingers” lifestyle. Agnifilo worked to undermine the credibility of key accusers, including Cassie Ventura Fine and a witness identified as “Jane,” questioning their motivations and challenging their testimony. While acknowledging domestic violence occurred (“we own it”), the defense insisted the trial was strictly about racketeering and sex trafficking, not domestic abuse. Agnifilo portrayed Combs as a “self-made, successful, Black entrepreneur,” urging the jury to acquit him and “return him to his family.”
Prosecution Argues for Accountability and Criminal Enterprise
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey offered a sharp rebuttal, directly challenging the defense’s narrative. The prosecution contended that Combs operated a “criminal enterprise,” using his staff and resources as “tools” to control and coerce women. Comey shared graphic details of alleged abuse to counter the defense’s framing. She argued that incidents, such as one with “Jane” in 2024, were “clear cut” instances of sex trafficking where the victim “had no choice.”
Prosecutors rejected the notion that accusers had incentives to fabricate stories. They cited Cassie Ventura’s $20 million settlement as evidence she was not seeking financial gain from trial testimony. Comey suggested “Jane’s” ongoing financial ties to Combs made her testimony against him more credible, as any financial incentive would favor him. The prosecution depicted Combs as the “general” overseeing an operation where his “inner circle” handled the “dirty work.” They argued overwhelming evidence demonstrated his guilt, alleging he evaded consequences for two decades. Prosecutors urged the jury to hold him accountable.
Prosecutor Christy Slavik echoed this during her closing remarks, asserting that Combs employed “power, violence and fear” and “doesn’t take no for an answer.” She described alleged assaults on Cassie Ventura and “Jane” as integral parts of the “criminal enterprise,” claiming Combs’ staff protected him through “violence, coercion and manipulation,” relying on victim silence and shame. While prosecutors withdrew some specific theories, such as attempted arson and kidnapping, before closing arguments, Combs still faces significant charges including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking counts outlined in the indictment. Evidence presented by the prosecution included voicemails and texts detailing requests for items like baby oil and Plan-B pills related to alleged “freak offs.”
Witness testimony added further layers to the proceedings. A former employee, “Mia,” described alleged psychological control and fear, despite receiving a $400,000 settlement. Former security guard Eddy Garcia testified about receiving $30,000 from Diddy to provide surveillance video of a 2016 alleged assault on Cassie, signing an NDA before later cooperating with law enforcement. Derek Ferguson, a former Head of Finance, discussed Combs’ use of corporate cards and cash but denied witnessing violence or sex crimes benefiting the company. Witness Bryana Bongolan, who received immunity, made allegations of Combs hanging her over a 17-story balcony and throwing a knife at Cassie, claims challenged by the defense based on Combs’ location. “Jane” provided emotional testimony about alleged “hotel nights” with Combs and other men, describing taking drugs and participating out of fear. She received money from Combs and shared texts connecting her trauma to Cassie’s lawsuit.
New Lawsuit Alleges Brutal Gang-Rape Against Sean and Justin Combs
Adding significant legal pressure, a new civil lawsuit has emerged, filed in Los Angeles just as closing arguments concluded in the federal trial in New York City. This lawsuit levels serious allegations against both Sean Combs and his son, Justin Combs.
An unnamed woman, identified in court documents as “Jane Doe,” filed the suit. It accuses Sean and Justin Combs of participating in a “brutal gang-rape” in Beverly Hills in 2017. According to the complaint, Justin Combs allegedly used his father’s fame and connections, promising a job opportunity with Remote TV through their contacts, to lure the woman, described as an “accomplished, degreed professional,” from Louisiana to Los Angeles.
The lawsuit claims that after arriving in Los Angeles in April 2017, Jane Doe was picked up and taken to a Beverly Hills house Justin referred to as “The Glass House.” She claims she was held prisoner there for the weekend and allegedly drugged with laced marijuana, pills, or “poppers” offered by Justin. The complaint states that after she and Justin allegedly took drugs, three masked men arrived. Jane Doe claims she recognized one man as Sean Combs by his stature, mannerisms, and because Justin allegedly called him “Pops.”
The suit alleges Jane Doe was taken upstairs and threatened, told, “You better let this happen. Or else.” She claims she was then gang-raped by the four men—allegedly including Sean Combs, Justin Combs, and two others—from Saturday evening through at least midday Sunday while she was “drugged and incapacitated.” The lawsuit further alleges that Justin Combs later used the unrealized job prospect and “risqué” photos she had sent him via Snapchat as leverage, threatening to release the images.
The complaint draws comparisons to Sean Combs’ history, describing the alleged conduct as “strikingly similar” to a pattern of alleged sexual violence. Jane Doe claims she suffered severe emotional distress, fear, anxiety, humiliation, embarrassment, physical injury, and emotional injury and trauma from the alleged ordeal.
The lawsuit names Sean Combs, Justin Combs, Combs Enterprises LLC, Bad Boy Entertainment, and others as defendants. Claims include sexual assault and battery against Sean and Justin. It alleges Combs’ businesses enabled the assault by luring her with a false job promise and are liable for negligent supervision, arguing they should have known about Combs’ alleged conduct and failed to prevent it. The plaintiff is seeking a jury trial and damages, including for lost earnings.
Sean Combs’ legal team has denied the claims in the new lawsuit. In a statement, they asserted that “anyone can file a lawsuit for any reason” but maintained that Mr. Combs “has never sexually assaulted or sex trafficked anyone.” The statement added that Mr. Combs is confident he will prevail in court.
Family Shows Public Support Amid Legal Pressure
Despite the intense legal scrutiny, Sean Combs’ children have consistently shown a united front. Their regular attendance in court throughout the federal trial underscored their support. While court reports noted some family members appeared visibly upset during the proceedings, external reports mentioned an instance outside the courthouse where an onlooker reportedly approached Justin Combs and other family members with inappropriate remarks. They reportedly maintained silent, neutral expressions, suggesting a possible familiarity with public scrutiny.
This loyalty was also publicly displayed on Father’s Day, when his twin daughters, D’Lila and Jessie, posted an online tribute. They called him “the best dad in the entire world,” expressing immense love and highlighting their “inseparable” bond. The message stated he has “always been there for us” and expressed appreciation for his actions, concluding with sentiments of love and missing him. This public display of affection contrasted with the private distress observed in court, illustrating the complex emotions surrounding the trial for his family, which includes seven children ranging in age.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after closing arguments in the Sean Combs federal trial?
With the conclusion of closing arguments, the federal sex-crimes trial against Sean “Diddy” Combs moves to jury deliberations. The jury will now evaluate the extensive evidence presented over weeks, including testimony, videos, texts, and voicemails. Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. His outcome depends on the jury’s verdict. He remains in federal custody in Brooklyn during this period.
What are the main allegations in the new civil lawsuit against Sean and Justin Combs?
A new civil lawsuit filed in Los Angeles by a woman identified as “Jane Doe” accuses Sean and Justin Combs of participating in a gang-rape in Beverly Hills in 2017. The plaintiff alleges Justin Combs lured her from Louisiana under the guise of a job opportunity. She claims she was drugged at a Beverly Hills house and subsequently raped by Sean Combs, Justin Combs, and two other masked men over a weekend while she was incapacitated. The lawsuit also names Combs’ businesses, alleging they facilitated the misconduct.
What were the core opposing arguments made by the prosecution and defense in closing?
The prosecution argued Sean Combs operated a “criminal enterprise” built on sex trafficking and racketeering, using force and coercion, presenting specific incidents as clear examples of victims having no choice. The defense countered by labeling the government’s case a “fake trial” that misconstrued Combs’ consensual “lifestyle.” They attempted to discredit accusers and distinguish admitted domestic violence from the charged federal crimes, suggesting the accusations were motivated by external factors like money and jealousy.
What’s Next: Jury Deliberations Begin
The fate of Sean “Diddy” Combs now rests with the jury. Deliberations are expected to begin imminently. Combs has maintained his plea of not guilty to all charges. If convicted on all counts, he could face a minimum sentence of 15 years and potentially life in prison. He remains in federal custody as the jury decides.
The jury will meticulously review the weeks of evidence, considering witness testimony, electronic communications, and other exhibits. They must weigh the defense’s arguments of a misrepresented “fake trial” against the prosecution’s case alleging a long-standing criminal enterprise rooted in sex trafficking and racketeering. The end of closing arguments signifies the close of formal evidence presentation. The jury’s task is now to reach a unanimous verdict, bringing a lengthy and emotionally challenging trial closer to its final resolution. The visible support and strain on Combs’ family underscore the human impact of the proceedings, while the emergence of new legal accusations adds further layers of complexity to the situation.
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