Sean Combs‘ prosecutors drop some kidnapping, arson, sex trafficking charges; defense team doesn’t call any witnesses and rests in under 30 minutes
In a dramatic courtroom moment on Tuesday, June 24, federal prosecutors wrapped up their case against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, concluding 28 intense days of testimony from 34 witnesses in his trafficking and racketeering conspiracy trial.
“At this time, subject to confirming all of the government records are accurate in the record, the government rests,” prosecutor Emily Johnson announced in court.
The prosecution’s case paints Combs as a predator who leveraged his celebrity status and massive fortune to manipulate women into unwanted sexual encounters, purely for his own gratification.
If convicted in this high-stakes racketeering case, Combs faces potential life imprisonment. Prosecutors allege he used his billion-dollar empire as cover for a criminal organization that maintained his public image while bankrolling years of illegal activities.
The trial revealed shocking allegations, including claims that Combs orchestrated a Porsche firebombing, kidnapped former employees, and engaged in bribery. Prosecutors say he forced women to watch him with male prostitutes during drug-fueled parties that went on for days. They claim he silenced victims through violent tactics, coercion, and threats of public humiliation or financial destruction.
“To the public, he was Puff Daddy, or Diddy, a cultural icon, a businessman larger than life,” Johnson told the jury in her opening statement. “But there was another side to him, a side that ran a criminal enterprise.”
A grand jury indicted Combs in September 2024 on charges including racketeering conspiracy, s– trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. After rejecting a plea deal, his trial began last month. He maintains his innocence, pleading not guilty and arguing all sexual activities were consensual, not trafficking.
“Sean Combs is a complicated man but this is not a complicated case. This case is about love, jealousy, infidelity, and money,” defense attorney Teny Geragos argued to jurors, insisting the government is mischaracterizing personal relationships. “It will not work.”
The trial exposed stark contrasts between Combs’ polished public persona and alleged behind-the-scenes chaos.
Two ex-girlfriends testified about being forced into “freak offs” and later blackmailed to stay quiet. Six former assistants described catering to outrageous demands, including drug purchases and cleaning up after wild parties.
Law enforcement raids on Combs’ properties allegedly uncovered illegal drugs, unregistered weapons, and bulk baby oil supplies.
The defense plans to rest without calling witnesses, only submitting evidence.
Join the SL Community
Have an opinion on what you just read? Sign up to be a part of the Socialite Life community in order to post a comment, bookmark your favorite articles, topics, and contributors.
