As the high-profile trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs nears its conclusion, his defense attorney argued for four hours that the charges of sex trafficking and racketeering are unfounded. Meanwhile, prosecutors presented a contrasting narrative, asserting that Combs exploited his power to sexually exploit women. Jurors are expected to begin deliberation soon.
Diddy’s Defense Calls Trial a 'Sham' as Jury Nears Deliberation
Diddy’s Defense Calls Trial a 'Sham' as Jury Nears Deliberation
In a fervent closing argument, Sean "Diddy" Combs' lawyer condemns the charges against the hip-hop mogul as exaggerated, while prosecutors counter with claims of abuse and coercion.
The trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs has reached a critical phase as closing arguments were presented to the jury in New York. Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo passionately maintained that the case against the hip-hop mogul is a "fake trial," emphasizing that the government has exaggerated claims of sex trafficking and racketeering against his 55-year-old client, who has pleaded not guilty.
During a four-hour discourse, Agnifilo framed Combs' alleged victims as willing participants in a consensual "swingers lifestyle," arguing that the government is targeting Combs unjustly. He specifically denounced accusations that Combs coerced women into engaging in sex acts for entertainment—events he dubbed as "freak-offs." "The government is criminalizing a lifestyle," Agnifilo declared.
In stark contrast, prosecutor Christy Slavik had earlier presented a detailed narrative over five-and-a-half hours, asserting that Combs abused his power to exploit women. According to the prosecution, Combs allegedly used drugs and violence to manipulate his ex-girlfriends into these sexual scenarios, including showcasing a 2016 surveillance video where Combs was seen physically confronting his then-partner, Casandra Ventura.
Agnifilo countered that this video did not depict sex trafficking, citing Ventura’s actions during the incident to support his claim. The defense attorney sought to cast doubt on the allegations of coercion, positing that Ventura’s long-term relationship with Combs was characterized by mutual consent rather than violence.
Throughout his defense, Agnifilo worked to discredit the testimonies of Ventura and another unnamed witness, insisting that their narratives lacked credibility. As he concluded his arguments, Combs exchanged an emotional hug with his lawyer, surrounded by supportive family members in the courtroom.
Responding to the defense, prosecutor Maurene Comey maintained a firm stance, condemning the suggestion that Combs' ex-girlfriends were lying. She reinforced the idea that there was an inextricable link between the violence they experienced and the alleged sexual exploitation.
As jurors prepare for deliberation, which is expected to commence shortly after the judge's instructions, Combs faces significant implications, including the possibility of life imprisonment over the most severe charges lobbed against him.
