Sean “Diddy” Combs has informed the court that he will not testify in his ongoing federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial. The mogul’s legal team hinted this decision Tuesday as they signaled an abbreviated defense. “Our case could last less than two days,” defense attorney Marc Agnifilo told Judge Arun Subramanian.
Strategic Silence: Defense Opts Out of Cross‐Examination
Combs, 55, is facing severe charges including sex trafficking by force or coercion, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation for prostitution. The defense’s move appears strategic. Legal analysts say avoiding Combs’ cross‐examination shields him from possibly damaging questions
“One or two days” in court, Agnifilo emphasized, would not accommodate Combs taking the stand .
Prosecutors have concluded most of their case. They have presented explicit video evidence from 2012 and 2014 depicting alleged coercive “freak‑off” encounters. Ex‑girlfriends Cassie Ventura and the woman known as “Jane” described emotional and financial manipulation—claiming Diddy withheld money and threatened consequences until they complied.
“Used lies, drugs, threats, and violence to force and coerce,” prosecutor Emily Johnson told jurors. The defense counters the acts were consensual private conduct between adults. Teny Geragos, Combs’ lawyer, argued the videos show consensual activity, noting they were “never meant to be seen by people outside of that room.”
Court Drama and Delays: Final Witness Delayed
The trial was briefly delayed Wednesday after a juror became ill. This interruption postponed the anticipated testimony of Brendan Paul—a former assistant to Combs and key prosecution witness cleared on drug charges in exchange for immunity. Now rescheduled post‑Juneteenth, Paul is expected to conclude the prosecution’s case.
Another juror was also dismissed earlier this week over honesty concerns. Despite these setbacks, the government anticipates closing arguments soon, with jury deliberations potentially starting next week.
What’s at Stake
Combs has pleaded not guilty, maintaining that all interactions were voluntary and consensual. The prosecution portrays the case as a “criminal enterprise” that manipulated women for years. If convicted on all counts, the mogul could face a life sentence.
Defense experts warn the jury could deadlock. Tre Lovell, a criminal defense analyst, noted that strong prosecution alleges may still fail without Combs’ direct testimony and cross‐examination.
Final Weeks Looming
With the prosecution nearly finished, the defense has signaled a concise rebuttal. By not taking the stand, Combs avoids exposing himself to aggressive cross‐examination—though some observers believe jurors may expect him to speak.
Judge Subramanian cautioned both sides to maintain confidentiality after a recent leak of sealed juror information. He held that future violations could result in contempt charges.
As the trial nears its climactic stage, attention is turning to closing arguments—and whether Diddy’s silence will sway the jury. Will his choice be seen as smart legal strategy, or will it raise doubts among jurors? The verdict may arrive as early as next week.