In a surprising and swift move, the defense team for Sean “Diddy” Combs rested its case in his federal sex trafficking trial on Tuesday after presenting arguments and evidence for a mere 20 minutes. This remarkably brief presentation followed nearly seven weeks of extensive testimony and arguments from federal prosecutors in New York.
The defense’s strategy relied not on calling live witnesses, but primarily on submitting and highlighting previously exchanged text messages between Mr. Combs and two of his former girlfriends, singer Casandra Ventura (known as Cassie) and another who testified under the pseudonym “Jane.” Lawyers read some of these texts aloud in court, arguing they depicted loving, consensual relationships, attempting to counter accusations of coercion.
Defence attorney Alexandra Shapiro argued to Judge Arun Subramanian that the government had failed to meet the burden of proof required for conviction on any of the charges, particularly the racketeering (RICO) conspiracy charge. The defense filed a motion for acquittal, a standard procedure, contending there was insufficient evidence to establish a criminal enterprise or that any individuals conspired with Mr. Combs in illegal activities. Ms. Shapiro acknowledged Mr. Combs was “regrettably violent” but insisted that “domestic violence is not sex trafficking,” seeking to differentiate alleged abuse from the core criminal allegations. She also suggested alleged victims were capable women who could have left relationships if they wished and pushed back on specific accusations and the role of staff. The judge has reserved his decision on this motion.
Notably, Sean “Diddy” Combs himself confirmed to the court that he would not take the stand to testify in his own defense. “It’s my decision with my lawyers” not to testify, he told Judge Subramanian, who he also briefly thanked, stating the judge was doing an “excellent job.” Legal experts suggest the decision not to call the defendant or other witnesses can be a strategic choice to avoid introducing potential complications or making the case overly reliant on one person’s testimony.
The prosecution’s case, which concluded earlier on Tuesday after six weeks, involved testimony from over 30 witnesses, including 34 specifically mentioned by one source. Prosecutors have alleged that Mr. Combs used his celebrity status and extensive business empire as a criminal enterprise to sex traffic women and conceal his actions. Key testimony came from Cassie Ventura, who testified for four days while pregnant, describing years of alleged physical abuse, coercive control, and rape. She detailed drug-fueled “freak off” sexual encounters with male escorts, testifying that these felt like a “job” requiring recovery due to lack of sleep, substances, and sex with strangers.
Other significant witnesses for the prosecution included a former personal assistant known as “Mia,” who accused Mr. Combs of multiple sexual assaults, and “Jane,” another former girlfriend who described similar encounters with escorts, leaving her feeling “sore, tired, exhausted, and overwhelmed.” Jane also testified about alleged coercion, physical abuse including a chokehold, and stated Mr. Combs continues to pay for her legal fees and rent. The prosecution also presented evidence including nearly 40 minutes of “explicit” footage of these “freak offs” to the jury, featuring both Cassie Ventura and Jane.
Brendan Paul, a former assistant to Mr. Combs, also testified for the prosecution. He described his role in regularly purchasing and transporting drugs for Mr. Combs, stating these were sometimes given to women participating in the “freak offs” to help them “disassociate.” Paul also detailed setting up hotel rooms for these encounters and described Mr. Combs’ expectation for his assistants to be incredibly efficient, using the phrase “move like SEAL Team Six.”
While the occurrence of the sexual encounters referred to as “freak-offs” was not disputed, the central point of contention in the trial revolves around consent. The defense presented text messages to argue consent, while the prosecution presented witness testimony, including accounts of drug use provided by Mr. Combs, to argue coercion.
With both the prosecution and defence having now formally rested their cases, the trial is moving rapidly towards its conclusion. Mr. Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution, and faces up to life in prison if convicted. The jury was given Wednesday off and is scheduled to return on Thursday morning to begin hearing closing arguments from both sides, which are expected to span Thursday and Friday.
