The sex-trafficking case against Sean “Diddy” Combs is in its final stretch after the prosecution and defense finished laying out their arguments to jurors in New York on Tuesday.
The panel of jurors heard from more than 30 witnesses, watched troves of footage, and viewed hundreds of pages of documents over seven weeks in a Manhattan courthouse as both sides presented the panel of jurors their case.
Prosecutors argue that Combs sex-trafficked women by coercing them into fulfilling his sexual desires, transported male escorts for prostitution purposes, and conspired with a “criminal enterprise” to commit crimes.
Combs and his defense team dispute those allegations. Lawyers say the music mogul had an unusual sex life, but that all of his actions were consensual.
The music mogul stood up before Judge Arun Subramanian on Tuesday to confirm he would not testify – a common practice for defendants in criminal trials.
Closing arguments are expected to begin on Thursday and move into Friday.
Once closing arguments are finished, jurors will be charged and begin deliberations.
Key Points
- Combs speaks in court, confirms to judge he will not testify
- Defense makes motion for acquittal
- Prosecution rests
- The prosecution's case: weeks of witness testimony and explicit evidence
- Defense rests its case
Defense agrees to not bring up current events
20:54 , Ariana BaioJudge Arun Subramanian is holding a charging conference on Wednesday at 12 p.m. where lawyers will go over language for the jury charge.
Before court was adjourned for the day, prosecutor Maureen Comey asked defense not to bring up any current events in their closing statements in order to prevent objections.
Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo appeared to agree to that.
That was in reference to a report that alleged the defense team was possibly going to bring up Iran or other current events to compare to the charges against Combs.
Prosecution anticipates deliberations to begin Monday
20:46 , Ariana BaioProsecutors anticipate that jury deliberations in the sex-trafficking case against Combs could begin Monday.
Lawyers for the government and defense believe they will take all of Thursday and potentially all of Friday to hear closing arguments in the case.
Defense rests its case
20:36 , Ariana BaioAfter a brief presentation in which defense attorneys disputed several aspects of the government’s case, defense attorneys have rested their case.
Jurors have been dismissed for the day and have been asked to return Thursday for closing arguments.
Defense lawyers show loving text messages between Cassie and Combs
20:34 , Ariana BaioDefense attorneys are laying out their case to jurors, providing text messages between Cassie Ventura and Combs that show the more loving side of their relationship.
In messages, Ventura expresses love for Combs and offers to do more for him. During one exchange, Combs asked Ventura if she could participate in “freak offs” without getting high. Ventura replied that she could under certain circumstances.
The messages reiterate what defense attorneys have been saying for the last several weeks, that women who participated in “freak offs” did so voluntarily.
Jury returns, defense begins presenting its case
20:19 , Ariana BaioJurors have returned from lunch and are back in the courtroom.
The defense is going to present its argument now.
Defense makes motion for acquittal
20:17 , Ariana BaioDuring jurors’ lunch break, defense attorneys made a motion to dismiss the charges against Combs, citing a lack of evidence from the government.
This motion, known as Rule 29, is commonly pursued during criminal trials but is rarely granted by judges.
Defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro went one by one through the charges and explained why they should be dismissed against Combs.
Shapiro claimed the government did not show enough evidence for the racketeering conspiracy charge by failing to prove others conspired with Combs.
She also said there was no proof that Combs sex-trafficked Cassie Ventura because there were no messages indicating Ventura did not want to participate in “freak offs.”
Combs confirms to judge he will not testify
19:54 , Ariana Baio, Kelly RissmanAs expected, Combs told Judge Subramanian that he will not testify in his sex-trafficking trial.
Standing up, Comb confidently assured the judge he did not plan to testify and that he had consulted with his lawyers before making the decision.
When asked how he was doing, Combs replied, “I’m doing great, your honor. I wanted to tell you you’re doing a great job.”
Subramanian asked Combs if he discussed testifying with his lawyers, to which Combs said, “Yes, thoroughly.”
“That is my decision, your honor. That is solely my decision. I mean it’s my decision with my lawyers,” Combs said.
The last line gave Subramanian a chuckle
The prosecution's case: weeks of witness testimony and explicit evidence
18:52 , Ariana BaioProsecutors for the government essentially wrapped up their case against Sean “Diddy” Combs on Tuesday after seven weeks of witness testimony and troves of evidence.
Jurors heard from more than 30 witnesses, including Combs’ ex-girlfriend, musician Cassie Ventura, his former assistant “Mia,” and his other ex-girlfriend “Jane.”
All three testified that they experienced Combs’ rage through physical and verbal abuse throughout their time with the music mogul.
Ventura and “Jane” also testified about feeling pressured to participate in Combs’ drug-fueled sex marathons in hotels with male escorts.
Prosecutors showed jurors evidence through photos, videos, bank statements, phone records, emails, and more.
Prosecution rests
18:35 , Ariana BaioThe prosecution has rested its case in its sex-trafficking trial against Sean “Diddy” Combs.
After calling 34 witnesses, including Combs’ ex-girlfriends, over eight weeks, lawyers for the government have provided all their evidence and testimony.
Defense attorneys will now have the opportunity to provide their arguments to jurors after the lunch break.
Cross-examination ends, prosecution moves to re-direct
18:25 , Ariana BaioDefense attorney Geragos has finished cross-examining Special Agent Cerciello and now the prosecution is re-directing questioning of the witness.
Jurors watch more 'freak off' footage
18:10 , Ariana BaioJurors are now being asked to watch specific clips related to “Jane” and Combs’s “freak offs” together. The defense has been relentlessly pushing the argument that “Jane” and other girlfriends enjoyed these experiences.
This footage cannot be viewed by the public or media, it is for jurors eyes only.
Defense continues to show explicit messages
17:28 , Ariana BaioThe defense is continuing to show explicit messages sent between Combs and “Jane” about planning and preparing for “freak offs.”
Geragos has utilized more time than previously thought to cross-examine Special Agent Cerciello.
Much of the time has been spent reviewing text messages where “Jane” appears to be interested in Combs and the hotel nights with male escorts.
Combs hid a 'hotel night' from his staff
16:24 , Ariana BaioCombs tried to hide planning for a “hotel night” from his staff, according to text messages between the music mogul and his ex-girlfriend “Jane.”
In one text to “Jane,” Combs asked her to find a hotel to set up a “freak off” and later asked her to let him know when the “coast [is] clear.”
Messages between ‘Jane’ and ‘Sly’ were not part of government’s chart
15:30 , Ariana BaioDefense attorney Teny Geragos has brought up text messages between “Jane,” Comb’s ex-girlfriend, and “Sly,” a male entertainer, that were not included in the government’s initial chart.
In separate texts, “Jane” told a male sex worker she enjoyed their encounter, claimed she was “excited” to see him, and tried to set up a time for him to come over.
Special Agent Joseph Cerciello back on the stand
14:56 , Ariana BaioAfter a brief bathroom break, the jury is back in the courtroom and Cerciello is on the stand. Defense attorneys are resuming cross-examination.
Lawyers argue over evidence
14:42 , Ariana BaioBefore the jury enters the courtroom, lawyers for Combs and the government have been arguing about text messages the defense wants to submit into evidence.
The text messages, between Combs and Cassie Ventura, would support the defense’s argument that Ventura was not coerced into “freak offs.”
However, the government is attempting to exclude those from being presented as evidence, claiming they are irrelevant to the case.
Diddy’s lawyers to offer unusual defense involving Iran in closing statement, report says
13:55 , James LiddellJust days after the U.S. and Iran exchanged strikes, a new report states that Sean “Diddy” Combs’s defense team could refer to the tensions in the Middle East during its closing argument later this week.
Read more:
Diddy’s lawyers may offer unusual defense ‘involving Iran’ in closing statement
Defense expected to continue cross-examination
13:21 , Ariana BaioGood morning and welcome back to The Independent’s live coverage of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex-trafficking trial in New York City.
Defense attorneys are expected to continue cross-examination of Special Agent Joseph Cerciello today. Once they’re done, prosecutors will conduct re-direct and Cerciello will be off the stand.
What you missed on Monday
Monday 23 June 2025 20:37 , Ariana BaioSpecial agent Joseph Cerciello’s testimony continued on Monday with prosecutors showing jurors a chart that combined flight, hotel and payment records with messages between Combs, his ex-girlfriend, his staff, and a male escort company.
Cerciello testified that Combs sent messages to his staff demanding items for “freak off” such as baby oil, Astroglide, coconut water, vegetable soup, and more. Combs also texted agents at the male escort company asking for lower rates.
Cerciello also testified that “Jane” sent messages saying she did not want to participate in a “freak off” because it made her feel “used.”
Defense attorneys began cross-examination of Cerciello and showed jurors text messages where “Jane” appeared to want to participate in “freak offs” and even messaged with male escorts.
Court adjourned for the day
Monday 23 June 2025 20:16 , Ariana BaioCourt has been adjourned for the day and cross-examination of Special Agent Joseph Cerciello is expected to continue tomorrow.
Defense lawyer Teny Geragos said there’s roughly an hour and some left of cross-examination.
Closing arguments are likely to begin Thursday.
Defense shows other side of 'Jane's' text messages
Monday 23 June 2025 19:46 , Ariana BaioDefense attorney Teny Geragos is having Special Agent Cerciello review text messages that the prosecution did not include in its chart, where “Jane” shows a desire to be with Combs.
In one text message from 2021, “Jane” told Combs she couldn’t wait to hook up with him, calling Combs her “favorite person.”
In other messages, she told Combs she missed him and used explicit language to express her desire to be with him.
Cross-examination of special agent begins
Monday 23 June 2025 18:59 , Ariana BaioAfter a break for lunch, the jury is back in the courtroom and defense attorneys are beginning cross-examination of Special Agent Cerciello.
Oprah Winfrey and Bishop TD Jakes address rumors they attended Diddy’s parties
Monday 23 June 2025 18:52 , Kevin E G PerryOprah Winfrey and the high-profile pastor Bishop T.D. Jakes have both publicly denied attending parties hosted by embattled rap mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Read more:
Oprah Winfrey and Bishop TD Jakes address rumors they attended Diddy’s parties
Prosecution wraps up testimony of special agent
Monday 23 June 2025 18:04 , Ariana BaioProsecutors have just finished their direct examination of Special Agent Joseph Cerciello.
Judge Subramanian has dismissed jurors for lunch.
When court resumes, defense attorneys will begin cross-examination
Combs requested vegetable soup and baby oil for 'freak offs'
Monday 23 June 2025 17:45 , Ariana BaioCombs asked staff for a litany of things to prepare for, or sustain him, during “freak offs,” prosecutors shared during the special agent’s testimony.
That list includes baby oil, Cialis, Astroglide, coconut water, vegetable soup, and an Apple TV system.
Combs' staff coordinated hotels, travel, IV fluids and more
Monday 23 June 2025 17:36 , Ariana BaioProsecutors are going through troves of text messages and voicemail between Combs, “Jane,” male escorts, and his staff about coordinating travel, lodging, and more for “freak offs.”
In one exchange, Combs and his staff arranged for I.V. fluids to be administered to him and others who participated in the drug-fueled sex marathons.
Jurors are hearing Combs’s voice through voicemails that he sent to staff with requests.
Texts show Combs refused to pay for male escort due to poor performance
Monday 23 June 2025 17:00 , Ariana BaioIn more text messages between Combs and a representative from Cowboys 4 Angels, a male escort agency, Combs refused to pay $600 because the escort “couldn’t perform.”
Cassie Ventura, Combs’ ex-girlfriend, previously testified that Combs would refuse to pay escorts if they could not perform up to his standard.
Jane texted that she did not want to be used in a ‘freak off’
Monday 23 June 2025 16:52 , Ariana BaioJurors saw text messages where “Jane,” the pseudonym for Combs’ ex-girlfriend, said she did not want to participate in a “freak off” because it made her feel used.
In September 2023, Combs inquired if “Jane” would meet him in New York City to participate in a hotel night, but she declined, saying it was “clear” he only wanted her “for a hotel binge.”
“Jane” said she did not want to be “used” and “locked in a room” to fulfill Combs’ fantasies.
Ultimately, she did meet Combs in New York.
‘I am a long timer:’ Combs asked male escort agency to stop raising rates
Monday 23 June 2025 16:20 , Ariana BaioCombs used one particular male escort agency so often that he asked an agent to stop raising their rates on him, according to text message seen in court.
In a September 2023 text, Combs asked a representative from Cowboys 4 Angels, a male escort agency, to “Stop raising my rate I am a long timer.”
Combs’ ex, Cassie Ventura, previously testified that the two often used the agency when looking for a third person to conduct “freak offs” with.
Ultimately, the agency representative told Combs that it was individuals who raised their rates, not the company.
Inside the courtroom: Combs listens to 'freak off' footage
Monday 23 June 2025 16:06 , Kelly RissmanJurors watched 14 clips of seven sex encounters with headphones on.
During the first clip, Combs was shifting in his chair and looking around as if he were uncomfortable. He can only listen to the audio of the clips because the explicit videos aren’t shown on attorney screens.
Court on a 15-minute break
Monday 23 June 2025 16:01 , Ariana BaioThe judge has given jurors a 15-minute break this morning before prosecutors continue with Cerciello’s testimony.
Special agent testifies that Combs paid for sex workers' travel
Monday 23 June 2025 15:59 , Ariana BaioSpecial Agent Cerciello is testifying about flight, phone, and financial records that he says show Combs paid for a sex worker to travel across the country for “freak offs.”
One flight and hotel record shows the sex worker stayed at Trump International Hotel in New York in September 2023 after taking a flight from Atlanta to Newark. Those transactions were paid for by Combs.
Jurors watch more than 10 minutes of 'freak off' footage
Monday 23 June 2025 15:19 , Ariana BaioJurors have been shown at least 13 different clips of sexually explicit videos on Monday while a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations testifies.
The videos were filmed in November and December 2021, and February, August, and October 2022.
Federal agents discovered at least 50 sexually explicit videos in Combs’ possession that were created from December 17 to December 2021, Cerciello testified.
When jurors see explicit videos they view them with private screens and headphones so the public and members of the media cannot see them.
Combs' staff put Plan B in his hotel room
Monday 23 June 2025 14:46 , Ariana BaioIn a text message, reviewed by Cerciello, Combs’s chief of staff, Kristina Khorram (also known as “KK”), made sure the music mogul had Plan B in his hotel room.
KK had planned for Combs to stay at the Waldorf Astoria in Las Vegas and in a text message to Combs, notified him that Plan B was in the nightstand.
Special Agent is back on the stand
Monday 23 June 2025 14:26 , Ariana BaioSpecial Agent Joseph Cerciello with Homeland Security investigations is back on the stand.
Cerciello is reviewing flight records and messages between Combs and others.
