NEED TO KNOW
- Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ defense team is not expected to call any witnesses
- Closing arguments are now expected to begin Thursday, June 26
- A jury will decide on the fate of the music mogul, who has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ closely watched sex trafficking trial is nearing a conclusion, with the prosecution expected to rest its case on Tuesday, June 24 and the defense not expected to call any witnesses.
The testimony of prosecutors’ 34th and final witness, Homeland Security Special Agent Joseph Cerciello is expected to extend into Tuesday, which will be the 28th day of testimony during Combs’ trial, which began in May.
Combs’ lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo, said Tuesday that the defense did not plan to call any witnesses, though the team has submitted several exhibits into evidence.
The decision to forgo calling witnesses marks a reversal from Combs’ reported plan last week to call at least three: two Combs Enterprises employees and a psychological expert.
Combs is not expected to testify in his own defense, though Judge Arun Subramanian will likely ask Combs to formally confirm his decision not to take the stand at some point.
With no defense witnesses scheduled, closing arguments are expected to begin Thursday.
Combs’ trial has featured high-profile testimony from the likes of the Bad Boy Records’ founder’s ex, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, and rapper Kid Cudi.
Ventura described years of alleged abuse, including psychological manipulation, physical violence, and coerced sex acts involving others. She said Combs used his influence in the music industry to control and isolate her, echoing claims from her now-settled civil lawsuit.
Combs is charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty.
He has been denied bail three times amid concerns over witness tampering.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.
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