Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team announced Monday that they will rest their defense without calling a single witness. That includes Combs himself. The decision comes as the high‑profile federal sex‑trafficking and racketeering trial approaches its conclusion in Lower Manhattan.
Defense Makes Sudden Change
Originally, Combs’ attorneys had planned to call three defense witnesses. Those included two employees of his Combs Enterprises and a forensic psychiatric expert. Lead counsel Marc Agnifilo informed the court yesterday that those plans were abandoned in favor of relying on evidence already agreed upon by both sides.
Agnifilo explained that no further testimony is necessary. Instead, the defense will emphasize stipulations and previously admitted documentary and video evidence. He also confirmed that Sean Combs—who has testified once before in a 2001 trial where he was acquitted—will not take the stand this time.
As a reminder, jurors are instructed not to penalize a defendant for choosing not to testify. Judge Arun Subramanian is expected to reiterate this rule before deliberations begin.
Prosecution Wraps Presentation
Over the past six weeks, the prosecution has called more than 30 witnesses. These include three women who made dramatic allegations that Combs coerced them into violent sex acts during so‑called “freak‑off” parties. They also presented private video clips depicting what they allege were non‑consensual activities. The footage was shown to the jury via headsets, but kept out of public view due to its explicit nature.
Last on the stand was Homeland Security Special Agent Joseph Cerciello, who testified about records tied to alleged trafficking activities. The prosecution is set to rest its case by Tuesday, following Cerciello’s testimony.
What This Move Means
Legal analysts suggest Diddy’s defense may be avoiding the risks of hostile cross‑examination. Had Combs taken the stand, he could have faced probing questions about past arrests, lawsuits, and the explicit content presented by prosecutors.
No harm is meant by a defendant choosing silence, but legal observers say it can raise eyebrows. By forgoing witnesses entirely, Combs avoids potentially damaging exchanges and focuses on procedural defenses. Experts say this strategy is a double‑edged sword because it prevents the prosecution from exposing vulnerabilities via hostile questioning, but also means the defense offers no direct counter‑narrative to the charges.
Final Steps Before Deliberation
With the prosecution expected to close Tuesday, a charge conference before Judge Subramanian will follow. Closing arguments are scheduled for Thursday, after which the jury may begin deliberations.
If Sean Combs is convicted on any counts—ranging from racketeering to sex‑trafficking by force or fraud—he could face life in prison.
Combs continues to deny all accusations, describing his relationships with accusers as consensual. His defense maintains that the evidence presented by prosecutors supports no criminal intent or wrongdoing.