A jury will start deliberating on Monday in the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs after hearing conflicting views from prosecutors and a defense lawyer about whether he was involved in sex trafficking over a 20-year period.
Prosecutors claimed that Combs had coerced, threatened, and violently forced two ex-girlfriends to have sex with male sex workers for his own pleasure, pointing to instances of violence as evidence that the women were not consenting. However, the defense lawyer argued that the government’s approach to sex crimes risked criminalizing consensual behavior in the swinger lifestyle that Combs and his girlfriends enjoyed.
Combs, the 55-year-old founder of Bad Boy Entertainment, has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges. The trial will continue on Monday with the judge providing instructions to the jurors before they begin deliberations.
During closing arguments, prosecutors reaffirmed their allegations against Combs, despite earlier reports suggesting they had withdrawn claims of arson and kidnapping. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik highlighted various crimes allegedly committed by Combs, including arson and kidnapping, as well as the core charge of sex trafficking.
In response, defense attorney Marc Agnifilo criticized the government’s case, using humor to belittle the prosecution’s claims. He mocked the extensive search of Combs’ residences for baby oil and lubricant, suggesting that it was an overreaction to find these items. Agnifilo also portrayed the prosecution as unfairly targeting Combs following a lawsuit filed by one of his former girlfriends.
The trial will soon reach its conclusion as the jury prepares to deliberate on the charges against Combs.
During the first week of the trial, a settlement was reached for $20 million the following day. However, the accusations made led to a criminal investigation, with claims of numerous drug-fueled “freak-offs” where the plaintiff was allegedly coerced into engaging in sexual acts for days with male sex workers under the direction of Combs. Another witness, known as “Jane,” testified to similar encounters termed “hotel nights” occurring between 2021 and Combs’ arrest. Agnifilo argued that the prosecution unfairly targeted Combs, emphasizing the lack of incriminating evidence in his successful businesses. He portrayed the case as an intrusion into personal lives, likening it to an assault on everyone’s privacy and sex life. The defense attorney referenced Combs’ preference for recording intimate moments, dismissing it as commonplace. He metaphorically described the investigation as wrapping a crime scene tape around private spaces, including bedrooms and hotel rooms. At one point, he humorously referenced the need for more tape akin to the movie “Jaws.” The defense was criticized by the judge for suggesting bias by the prosecutors. The defense attorney accused the government of singling out Combs, insinuating a targeted approach in the investigation without prior complaints. In response, the prosecutor emphasized that Combs was not above the law and had evaded justice for years. The trial concluded with the prosecutor reminding the jurors that Combs is a person accountable for his actions, signaling an end to his alleged impunity.
In the courtroom, he is treated equally under the law. The abundance of evidence clearly demonstrates his culpability. It is now necessary to ensure he is held responsible. Pronounce him guilty.
