During closing arguments in the federal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, his defense attorney, Marc Agnifilo, brought up actor Michael B. Jordan in a strategic move aimed at portraying key prosecution witness Casandra “Cassie” Ventura as someone with agency and “sexual confidence.”
The unexpected reference came as part of the defense’s broader argument that Ventura, Combs’ former girlfriend, was not a victim of sex trafficking or coercion, contrary to the prosecution’s allegations.
Defense Strategy: Challenging Victimhood Claims
Agnifilo’s core strategy in the multi-week trial was to convince the jury that alleged illegal activities were actually part of a consensual “swinger-style lifestyle” enjoyed by Combs and those around him, including Ventura and another former girlfriend identified only as “Jane.” He argued that rather than being sex trafficked or forced into sexual activities, Ventura and Jane willingly participated in these encounters.
In support of this, Agnifilo described Ventura as a “beautiful, sexy person” who was not “clutching her pearls,” suggesting she was comfortable and confident in her sexuality. The reference to Michael B. Jordan was intended to underscore this point. Agnifilo stated that when Ventura was not dating Combs, “she was with Michael B. Jordan, the most handsome man in the world,” implying she had desirable romantic options outside of her relationship with Combs and was not trapped or controlled by him. This was presented as evidence of her independence and “sexual confidence.”
The defense attorney applied a similar argument to “Jane,” pushing back against claims that she was trafficked, insisting her participation was also willing.
Broader Defense Arguments: A “Modern Love Story” and Lifestyle
Throughout the lengthy closing arguments, Agnifilo elaborated on the defense’s narrative, framing the complex relationship between Combs and Ventura as, at its heart, a “great modern love story,” albeit one with admitted complications, including instances of domestic battery. However, the defense argued these violent acts, while acknowledged as “unforgivable,” were separate relationship issues and not part of a criminal racketeering or sex trafficking enterprise.
The defense vehemently denied the most serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, kidnapping, and obstruction of justice. Agnifilo characterized the alleged “freak offs” or “hotel nights” – described by the prosecution as forced sexual encounters – as consensual and even “beautiful evenings,” like a “date night” in nice hotel rooms with music and food. He argued that hiring paid escorts for these events was merely compensating them for their “time,” not payment for sex, suggesting there was no negotiation for sex for money.
The defense also sought to discredit the alleged victims and witnesses, implying they were motivated by money or other factors. Agnifilo suggested Ventura may have fabricated her claim of rape in 2018 to conceal infidelity from her now-husband, calling it the “oldest trick in the book.” He highlighted her lawsuit against Combs (which was settled) as evidence of a financial motive, stating she now has “$30 million.” He suggested “Jane” was a “gold digger” attracted to wealth and that Combs still paying her rent could influence her testimony. Regarding witness “Mia,” a former assistant, the defense claimed her fearful demeanor in court was an act, contrasting it with positive social media posts and a birthday video she made for Combs, arguing their relationship was consensual.
Furthermore, the defense downplayed incriminating evidence, characterizing videos as merely “homemade porn,” drug evidence as personal use, and firearm evidence as a smear tactic. Agnifilo even dismissed alleged threats by Combs to release compromising videos as empty words and the incident involving Kid Cudi’s car as an attempt at a “good old-fashioned fist fight.” He contended that the government was prosecuting Combs for his unconventional “lifestyle” rather than proving actual crimes and called the case a “sham,” suggesting Combs was targeted as a wealthy celebrity.
Prosecution Rebuttal: Violence and Coercion
The prosecution, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey, delivered a strong rebuttal, urging the jury to hold Combs accountable after, she argued, he had “gotten away with crime after crime” for 20 years. Comey vehemently rejected the defense’s narrative, stating there is “no separating the violence from the sex.” She argued that Combs used his “power, violence, and greed” to control victims who became “trauma bonded.”
Comey countered the defense’s claim of consent, arguing that coercion doesn’t require an explicit “no” if victims are threatened or manipulated, and that one forced “freak off” was enough to demonstrate sex trafficking. She pointed to incidents like the alleged assault on “Jane,” describing it as Combs beating her “into submission.” She argued that the victims had no reason to lie, noting Ventura had settled her lawsuit and “Jane” still receiving rent money had a financial incentive to help Combs, not testify against him. Comey insisted that in Combs’ world, “no” was “never an option.”
Trial Nears Conclusion
Combs, who pleaded not guilty to charges including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution, has remained in custody since his arrest. The closing arguments concluded on Friday, June 27, with the jury expected to receive formal instructions and begin deliberations shortly after.
During the defense’s closing, District Judge Arun Subramanian admonished Agnifilo for improperly questioning the prosecution’s charging decisions, instructing the jury to focus solely on the evidence related to the charges brought.
The trial has featured weeks of testimony from alleged victims and associates, painting drastically different pictures of Sean Combs’ conduct and the nature of his relationships. The jury’s decision will ultimately hinge on their assessment of witness credibility and the interpretation of the complex evidence presented regarding Combs’ lifestyle and alleged criminal actions.
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