By Stacy M. BrownBlack Press USA Senior Nationwide Correspondent
The prosecution concluded its case in opposition to Sean “Diddy” Combs June 25, following six weeks of harrowing and infrequently graphic testimony. A complete of 34 witnesses had been known as to the stand, with probably the most notable being Combs’ former girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, whose four-day testimony painted a disturbing image of abuse, management and coerced sexual acts.
Credit score: AP Picture/ Mark Von Holden
Ventura, who was pregnant throughout her testimony however has since delivered her child, recounted being compelled into drug-fueled intercourse acts with male escorts—what Combs reportedly known as “freak offs.” She instructed jurors she by no means wished to take part however felt she had no alternative.
Rapper Scott Mescudi, identified to followers as Child Cudi, testified about his personal relationship with Ventura and the abusive dynamic he noticed between her and Combs. His account added weight to Ventura’s claims of manipulation and violence.
The prosecution additionally relied on testimony from two different ladies who had relationships with Combs—one utilizing the pseudonym “Mia,” a former assistant, and one other recognized solely as “Jane.” Each provided stark, first-hand accounts of the tradition Combs allegedly fostered behind closed doorways.
Mia testified that Combs sexually assaulted her on a number of events and that she continuously cleaned up after the couple’s “lodge nights.” She additionally recalled witnessing Combs bodily lash out at Ventura.
Jane described being anticipated to have interaction in intercourse acts with escorts to fulfill Combs. She described a life-style the place his fixed sexual calls for left her “sore, drained, exhausted, and overwhelmed.”
With the prosecution’s case full, the protection rested its case and promptly filed a Rule 29 movement for judgment of acquittal on counts one by 5, together with the racketeering cost below the RICO statute. Protection lawyer Alexandra Shapiro argued that prosecutors had didn’t show Combs engaged in racketeering or that there was any conspiracy.
“There isn’t a enterprise,” Shapiro instructed the court docket. “This was Combs participating in intercourse acts in his time together with his girlfriends.”
She challenged the declare that workers members—similar to bodyguards and senior aides—had been complicit in facilitating the alleged legal conduct.
“They did errands and made journey preparations, however they didn’t have something to do with what went on with Combs and his girlfriends within the lodge room,” Shapiro stated. She added that whereas workers might have seen child oil, Astroglide, alcohol and medicines, they weren’t individuals in any conspiracy.
Shapiro additionally pointed to textual content messages the place Combs allegedly instructed aides to maintain particulars from each other. In a single message, he wrote that “KK can’t know concerning the FO,” referring to freak‑offs and his chief of workers, Kristina Khorram.
In response to the protection, Khorram and others tried to assist Ventura once they grew to become conscious of violence, and there’s no proof any of them believed the ladies had been being coerced.
In a quick however poignant second exterior the jury’s presence, Combs introduced he wouldn’t testify in his personal protection. Wearing a brown sweater and white collared shirt, he addressed Choose Arun Subramanian immediately. When the decide requested how he was doing, Combs replied, “I’m doing nice. How are you, your honor?” and added appreciatively, “I wished to inform you, thanks, you’re doing a superb job.”
Combs instructed the court docket he had mentioned his resolution “completely” together with his attorneys and confirmed, “That’s solely my resolution,” leaning ahead to talk into the microphone.
Closing arguments are scheduled for June 26, and the jury is anticipated to obtain the case no later than June 27.
