The possibility of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs testifying in his federal sex trafficking trial in the US appears unlikely. His lawyer predicted a defense presentation lasting only two days, and the judge indicated jury deliberations could begin as early as next week.
Lawyer Marc Agnifilo’s statement came in response to Judge Arun Subramanian’s inquiry about the defense’s estimated presentation time. Agnifilo suggested it could last less than two days, but not more than five.
If Combs were to testify, it would likely extend the trial by more than a week. Testimony from two of his former girlfriends already occupied two of the trial’s six weeks.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges.
Assistant US attorney Maurene Comey stated that prosecutors could conclude their case as early as Wednesday, and no later than Friday morning.
These estimates were provided after the judge reprimanded both prosecution and defense lawyers for a media leak regarding a closed court proceeding involving a juror on Friday.
The judge suspects someone present at the sealed hearing violated his secrecy order. He warned that Ms. Comey and Mr. Agnifilo would be held responsible for any future breaches, with potential penalties including criminal contempt “at the most extreme level.”
“This is the only warning I will give,” he stated.
Meanwhile, prosecutors continued presenting evidence on Tuesday, including text messages, phone calls, and hotel records. This evidence aims to support the charges that Combs oversaw a racketeering conspiracy, utilizing his employees, associates, and prominent position in the hip-hop industry to control and abuse women, including two former girlfriends.
Former girlfriends Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, and a woman testifying under the pseudonym “Jane,” told the jury that Combs used threats and financial incentives to coerce them into frequent, multi-day sex marathons. They testified that Combs watched, directed, and sometimes filmed them engaging with male sex workers.
Defense lawyers argue that prosecutors are attempting to criminalize consensual sex between adults by targeting Combs.
