Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defence team rested its case on Tuesday in the music mogul’s federal sex trafficking trial, concluding with a brief 20-minute presentation after nearly seven weeks of detailed prosecution testimony.
Federal prosecutors wrapped up their case earlier in the day, having called more than 30 witnesses in an effort to prove that Combs used his fame and business empire to run a criminal network that trafficked women and concealed illegal acts.
Combs’ lawyers opted not to call any witnesses, instead submitting text message exchanges between the rapper and two of his accusers, singer Casandra Ventura and another woman identified in court only as Jane, as part of their argument that the alleged victims participated willingly in the activities described.
The defence argued that the government had failed to meet the burden of proof required for any of the charges Combs faces. “It’s my decision with my lawyers” not to testify, Combs told the judge, confirming he would not take the stand in his own defence.
The 54-year-old has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transporting individuals for the purpose of prostitution. If convicted, he could face life in prison.
Speaking in court for the first time in several weeks, Combs addressed U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian directly. “You’re doing an excellent job,” he said. “I want to tell you thank you.”
The defence presentation focused largely on a series of text messages intended to demonstrate that Combs’ former partners were consensual participants in what his legal team described as “freak-offs”—sexual encounters involving multiple participants, including male escorts.
In one message read aloud in court, Jane wrote to Combs, “I always have fun,” referring to the events she also called “hotel nights.”
Legal experts noted the strategic nature of resting a case without calling witnesses. “Calling new witnesses can introduce more problems for the defence,” said Mitchell Epner, a New York-based attorney and former federal prosecutor.
“Having Mr. Combs testify would have been an even riskier move, hanging the case mostly on his testimony.”
In a motion filed alongside the presentation, Combs’ lawyers asked the court to acquit him, arguing that prosecutors had not proven any of the allegations.
Defence attorney Alexandra Shapiro stated that the women involved “were capable” and could have left the situation if they chose to. She also hinted at key themes for closing arguments, scheduled for Thursday and Friday.
“Mr. Combs was regrettably violent,” Shapiro said, “but domestic violence is not sex trafficking.”
Prosecutors maintain that Combs coerced his ex-girlfriends into non-consensual sex acts through intimidation, drugs, and physical violence. The jury is expected to begin deliberations following closing arguments later this week.
