New York — Jurors are expected to begin deliberations in the sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs on Monday, with the potential for severe penalties, including a life sentence. The jury, composed of eight men and four women, will enter the deliberation room after receiving final legal instructions from federal Judge Arun Subramanian. The case has unfolded over seven weeks, featuring sometimes graphic testimony about the music mogul’s alleged violent behavior and sexual exploits, including drug-fueled encounters referred to as “freak-offs.”
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to multiple federal charges, including racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking related to his former girlfriends. Allegations in the case detail how he allegedly facilitated the transportation of sex workers across state lines for the purposes of prostitution.
In closing arguments last week, federal prosecutors painted a picture of Combs as a man who wielded his fame and fortune to exploit others. “The defendant utilized power, violence, and fear to fulfill his desires,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik asserted, indicating that his celebrity status led him to believe he was untouchable by the law.
On the opposite side, Combs’ defense attorney, Marc Agnifilo, argued that the case is less about any criminal wrongdoing and more about financial motivations. He highlighted that one witness who testified against Combs also pursued a separate civil lawsuit.
The trial featured testimony from 34 witnesses, including notable figures such as R&B singer Cassie, whose legal name is Casandra Ventura, and a woman identified only as “Jane.” Both recounted instances of violence and coercion inflicted upon them by Combs, describing forced participation in numerous sexual encounters involving hired male escorts. The jury also viewed security footage from a 2016 incident in a Los Angeles hotel where Combs was seen engaging in violent behavior towards Cassie.
Throughout the proceedings, Combs opted not to take the stand, and his legal team did not present any witnesses in his defense. Instead, they focused on challenging the credibility of the accusers through rigorous cross-examinations. Although acknowledging his client’s past in violent scenarios, the defense maintained that the sexual encounters were consensual, framing the prosecution as unwarranted intrusion into Combs’ personal life.
As the jury prepares to make their decision, the stakes remain high for the high-profile entrepreneur and music producer, whose career spans decades and genres. The outcome will not only influence Combs’ future but also add another layer to the ongoing conversation about power dynamics and accountability in the entertainment industry.