Diddy trial nears verdict: Prosecutors rest after weeks of explosive testimony ¡ª here¡¯s what has happened so far

After nearly seven weeks of explosive allegations, emotional testimony, and intense courtroom drama, the federal sex trafficking and racketeering case against Sean ¡°Diddy¡± Combs has entered its final stretch. On June 24, prosecutors officially rested their case after 29 days of presenting a disturbing narrative of manipulation, abuse, and control. With testimony from dozens of witnesses, including former partner Cassie Ventura and federal agents, a far darker image of Diddy has emerged, one which is in stark contrast to the powerful, glamorous image he once projected.

Sean Combs, largely silent throughout his trial, briefly took centre stage Tuesday to confirm he won¡¯t testify. With the jury out, he stood in a bronze sweater and told Judge Arun Subramanian, ¡°That is my decision, your honour¡­ made with my lawyers.¡± When asked if it was voluntary, he added, ¡°I¡¯m making this freely.¡±

With both sides now having rested their cases, a verdict in this high-profile trial is just around the corner. If you're catching up or curious about how we got here, here¡¯s a quick look at everything that¡¯s happened so far.

What are the charges that Diddy is facing?

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Diddy, who was arrested last September, is facing five serious federal charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation for prostitution. Prosecutors allege that for over a decade, Combs operated a criminal enterprise that used his celebrity status, staff, and influence to recruit, drug, and coerce women into participating in what were described as ¡°freak-offs", private, drug-fuelled sex parties involving paid male escorts.

Cassie Ventura¡¯s testimony

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One of the most gripping parts of the trial came when Cassie Ventura, Diddy¡¯s ex-girlfriend, testified over four days. She took the court in mid-May over the course of four days. During her shocking testimony, she claimed that Diddy controlled her emotionally, physically, and sexually. She described being pressured into hundreds of sex acts with hired men while under the influence of drugs, sometimes at gunpoint. She said Diddy would sometimes watch or record the encounters and often reacted with violence afterward. Her testimony framed the alleged abuse as long-term, manipulative, and deeply traumatising.

Another woman, ¡°Jane¡±, takes the stand

Earlier this month, a second woman, referred to only as ¡°Jane¡±, echoed Cassie¡¯s allegations. She described being brought into Combs¡¯s world under the pretence of career opportunities but soon found herself coerced into similar ¡°freak-off¡± scenarios. She said the abuse continued up until August 2023, suggesting that this wasn¡¯t just historical behaviour, it was ongoing. Her emotional testimony added weight to the prosecution¡¯s pattern-of-abuse argument.

Staff, bodyguards, and a federal agent back the claims.

Prosecutors also called former employees, including drivers, assistants, and a stylist, who supported parts of the women¡¯s stories. One Homeland Security agent, Joseph Cerciello, presented travel records and communications that appeared to show Combs¡¯s staff coordinating escort travel and hotel stays¡ªevidence the government used to argue the operation was planned and systematic.

Even rapper Kid Cudi briefly testified, confirming a strange claim made earlier by Cassie¡ªthat Diddy had once blown up his car in response to a personal falling out. While Cudi wasn¡¯t injured, the story added to the picture of Diddy as volatile and controlling.

The defence leans on consent and context

Combs¡¯s legal team chose not to call any witnesses, relying instead on selected text messages from Cassie and others that appeared affectionate or sexual. Messages like ¡°I love you¡± and ¡°Be your lil freak¡± were used to suggest the relationships were consensual. They also argued that while Diddy may have been controlling or even abusive in some moments, none of it amounted to sex trafficking or racketeering.

The defense strategy was to highlight gaps in the prosecution¡¯s conspiracy argument, suggesting that Diddy¡¯s employees didn¡¯t know they were facilitating anything criminal and that the women involved made their own choices.

Diddy trial: What's next in the case?

With the prosecution rested and the defense wrapping up a short presentation of exhibits, closing arguments are expected Thursday, June 26, followed by jury deliberations as early as Friday. If convicted, Diddy faces a minimum of 15 years in prison, with the possibility of a life sentence.

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