After nearly seven weeks of testimony, the federal trial of music industry giant Sean "Diddy" Combs is almost over. Combs is on trial in New York for serious charges of racketeering, transportation for prostitution, among other offenses.
The case has received national notoriety and attention because of the allegations.
The prosecution called 34 witnesses with some being former assistants, past and present; Combs' ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura; and Jane (a witness who was an acquaintance or former acquaintance of Combs) and various federal investigators.
The prosecution's evidence has painted a picture of alleged abuse, control, and manipulation.
Combs did not testify on his own behalf. Instead, the attorneys for Combs offered documents - text messages; and entertained their cross examinations of the prosecution's witnesses.
At one point in a brief exchange in court, Combs made the judge chuckle, when asked whether he was going to testify, and simply said "I have nothing to say."
The prosecution and defense have completed putting on evidence to both sides, and closing arguments will likely begin this Thursday, and the jury can be expected to start deliberating next week.
Diddy breaks his silence in court: "I'm NOT testifying!"
— Power 105.1 (@Power1051) June 25, 2025
First time we've heard him speak at length during the trial. Even thanked the judge for doing an "excellent job" 👀
Meanwhile his defense team is asking for a full acquittal pic.twitter.com/njtABO0fhx
Prosecutors Drop Some Charges Before Jury Deliberates
Right before closing arguments, the prosecution strategically identified multiple charges to drop from the case: including the charges of attempted kidnapping. Officials say they chose to do this to lessen the case and clarify the jury instructions.
The main charges ie. racketeering, sex trafficking by force, and transportation of people for prostitution, were still in place. If Combs gets convicted, he could potentially spend up to life in prison .
Throughout the trial, both sides have been working to shape how the jury thinks about Diddy’s past and present behavior. While the prosecutors were focusing on patterns of coercion and abuse, the defense said a lot of the claims were exaggerated or not true.
Now, the Judges decision lies entirely with the jury, who will soon begin deliberating over the case evidence and testimony provided. A verdict is expected in the next couple of weeks.
