Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ defense to make closing argument in sex trafficking trial
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense attorneys are preparing to make their final plea to jurors on Friday, asking them to acquit the hip-hop mogul of sex trafficking and other serious charges as his high-profile trial in Manhattan nears its conclusion.
Combs, a former billionaire and influential figure in American music, has pleaded not guilty to charges including racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking, and two counts of transportation for prostitution. If convicted on all counts, the Bad Boy Records founder faces a minimum of 15 years in prison, with the possibility of a life sentence.
On Thursday, during the first day of closing arguments, federal prosecutor Christy Slavik told jurors that Combs used “power, violence, and fear” to operate a criminal enterprise and exploit two former girlfriends for sex trafficking.
“The defendant used power, violence and fear to get what he wanted,” Slavik said. “He thought that his fame, wealth and power put him above the law.”
Combs’ legal team has acknowledged that he was at times violent in past relationships but argued that this did not amount to sex trafficking. They claim the sexual activity described during the trial was consensual, not coerced.
Over the course of six weeks of testimony in Manhattan federal court, jurors heard from two of Combs’ former girlfriends, who described participating in multi-day, drug-fueled sex parties—referred to as “Freak Offs”—involving male sex workers, while Combs allegedly observed, masturbated, and sometimes recorded the encounters. Combs did not take the stand in his own defense.
Evidence presented included hotel surveillance footage showing Combs physically assaulting one of the women, along with testimony from former staff who described preparing hotel rooms and supplying drugs for the parties.
Jury deliberations are expected to begin late Friday or on Monday. A unanimous verdict is required for conviction on any of the charges.
