Diddy trial live updates: Latest on charges, closing arguments in Combs' sex-crimes case

USA Today

7 hours ago

This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing.
Sean "Diddy" Combs' legal fate hangs in the balance as the music mogul's landmark criminal trial nears a close.
After more than a month of harrowing testimony from several individuals in Combs' personal and professional orbit – from ex-girlfriends Casandra "Cassie" Ventura Fine and "Jane" to Danity Kane alum Dawn Richard and rap peer Kid Cudi – prosecutors rested their case in the sweeping federal sex-crimes proceeding on June 24.
In their final round of arguments, attorneys for the U.S. government zeroed in on graphic evidence from Combs' alleged "freak off" sex parties, which included video footage, text messages and financial records. Prosecutors painted a picture of Combs and his employees being personally involved with organizing the elaborate sexual performances, working with escorts, Combs' partners and others.
Meanwhile, Combs' attorneys rested their case in less than half an hour, with the defense opting not to call any witnesses to the stand. Their arguments mainly focused on romantic – and occasionally explicit – texts between Combs and Ventura Fine.
Although Combs' alleged abuse is at the center of the trial, the Grammy-winning rapper told the court he would not be testifying. Judge Arun Subramanian asked Combs' lead lawyer Marc Agnifilo if he spoke with his client about his right to testify, and Agnifilo said they discussed it at length.
Combs, 55, was arrested in September and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty.
Take a look back at some of the biggest moments from the trial, as well as where Combs' case stands.
Why didn't Diddy's lawyers call any witnesses?
Prosecutors spent weeks calling dozens of witnesses in their arguments against Combs. The jury heard from his former girlfriends and business associates, federal agents, security officers and others.
But his lawyers wrapped up their case in less than 30 minutes without calling anyone to the stand. Why?
One factor to note: Defendants in criminal cases aren't required to present evidence, and judges instruct juries not to hold that against defendants. To win a guilty verdict, prosecutors have to prove their cases beyond a reasonable doubt.
Combs' lawyers haven't explained why they didn't call any witnesses. But they may think prosecutors haven't cleared that bar, or they don't want to risk calling a witness who could sway the jury against their client.
Baby oil, Cialis: Diddy demands laundry list of supplies for 'freak off'
As prosecutors wrapped up their argument, jurors saw and heard messages from Combs demanding supplies for an alleged "freak off."
"There's no more baby oil," Combs said in one audio message to his chief of staff Kristina "KK" Khorram, chuckling. "I can't believe I'm out of baby oil." He thought he had 20 bottles at the time.
In a separate message to Khorram, Combs said he needed "five more bottles of everything." Later, his team responded that they were bringing him baby oil, lubricant from the brand Astroglide, his Apple TV and multiple lattes.
Combs continued to send audio messages, one asking for vegetable soup and another in which he said, "Can security bring me some money? I need $5,000."
In another message he asked for "a Cialis, please," joking "See? I'm going to keep on calling you to make sure you have everything I need." Cialis is a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction.
Diddy says he doesn't want to testify during trial
The embattled rapper verbally confirmed on June 24 he did not want to take the stand – one of the only times Combs spoke out loud during his weekslong trial.
Combs exchanged a few remarks with the judge, saying he was doing "great" and that he thought the judge was managing the trial well. The rapper said it was "solely my decision" not to to testify, and he "thoroughly" discussed it with his legal team.
Diddy on trial newsletter: Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges.
Has the Diddy trial reached a verdict?
No, a verdict has not yet been reached in Combs' criminal case.
Following presentations from prosecutors and Combs' attorneys, which wrapped June 24, the trial will now enter closing arguments before the jury is sent into deliberations. Closing arguments are expected to begin Thursday, June 26 and stretch into the following day.
Defense attorney Teny Geragos said both prosecutors and defense lawyers estimate their arguments will last four hours each.
Regarding jury deliberations, a meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, in which prosecutors and Combs' attorneys will talk about jury instructions with Judge Subramanian. Jurors won't be present for the discussion.
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Diddy's eerie favorite TV show revealed by ex-girlfriend
Combs' ex-girlfriend, who testified under the pseudonym "Jane," revealed on June 10 the eerie TV show Combs reportedly counts as his favorite.
Under cross-examination, Jane said she "endured" nights in hotels with escorts because she wanted to spend time with Combs – bathing him, rubbing his feet, cuddling with him and watching the NBC true crime series "Dateline" until he fell asleep.
A centerpiece of "Dateline" programming is highlighting injustices and crimes perpetrated by men against women.
Former Diddy aide Mia says rapper assaulted Cassie at Brad Pitt movie premiere
Combs' former assistant, a woman who went by the pseudonym "Mia," testified on June 2 that she witnessed a 2012 discussion between Combs and Ventura Fine escalate into physical violence at the premiere of the Brad Pitt film "Killing Them Softly," which took place at the Cannes Film Festival in France.
She claimed she saw Combs grit his teeth while digging his nails into Ventura Fine's arm, and eventually insisted that Ventura Fine leave, which she did.
Diddy's ex-assistant talks 50 Cent feud
Capricorn Clark, another former assistant of Combs who took the stand, recalled an incident concerning the rapper's longtime feud with fellow emcee 50 Cent.
On May 27, Clark testified she was accompanying Combs to an MTV office to speak to reporters when she overheard him tell his security guard that he didn't like "nonsense" in his work, but he did "like guns." Clark noted that 50 Cent was at the MTV offices that day, and "he had an issue with" the rapper.
Combs and 50 Cent's rivalry dates back nearly 20 years. The "Get Rich or Die Tryin" rapper, born Curtis Jackson, is producing a docuseries to premiere on Netflix about the allegations against Combs.
Britney Spears, Michael B. Jordan, Rihanna: Diddy trial filled with celebrity name-drops
Although Ventura Fine and Kid Cudi have arguably been the biggest names to testify at Combs' trial, several Hollywood A-listers were name-dropped throughout the rapper's high-profile case.
Some of these stars included pop singers Rihanna, Beyoncé and Britney Spears; R&B singer-songwriter Usher; music executive Jimmy Iovine; and actor Michael B. Jordan.
During her May 15 testimony, Ventura Fine said Combs suspected that she was in a relationship with Jordan after the pair broke up in 2015, alleging the rapper attempted to get in contact with her afterward.
Former Diddy aide Capricorn Clark alleges physical violence, Kid Cudi break-in
In emotional testimony, Clark alleged the hip-hop mogul kidnapped her and threatened to kill her multiple times while she worked for him.
While on the stand May 27, Clark claimed she was once held against her will for five days after several pieces of jewelry went missing at the rapper's home. She said she was "petrified" and forced to take polygraph tests over and over again.
She also described an alleged break-in carried out by Combs, during which he rushed to Kid Cudi's Los Angeles home with a gun after he learned the fellow rapper, born Scott Mescudi, was dating Combs' ex-girlfriend Ventura Fine.
Why was baby oil found at Diddy's home?
During a September 2024 press conference, U.S. attorney Damian Williams detailed the paraphernalia discovered during the federal raids of Combs' homes. The items included multiple AR-15 guns, large-capacity magazines, "evidence" of Combs' alleged sex crimes and over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant.
According to Combs' original indictment, the baby oil bottles were used during the hip-hop mogul's alleged "freak-off" parties, which were described as "elaborate and produced sex performances" that involved sex workers.
Combs and his employees conducted "freak offs" by booking hotel rooms and stocking them with supplies such as baby oil, lube, extra bedsheets and lighting, per the indictment. The rapper allegedly "arranged, directed" and "masturbated" during these sometimes dayslong "performances," and drugs were reportedly distributed to victims, in part, to keep them "obedient and compliant."
What is Diddy charged with?
Combs is facing federal sex-crimes and trafficking charges in a sprawling case that has eroded his status as a power player and kingmaker in the entertainment industry.
He was arrested in September 2024 and later charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. The rapper has pleaded not guilty to the five counts against him.
What is a RICO? Racketeering meaning
Racketeering is the participation in an illegal scheme under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute, or RICO, as a way for the U.S. government to prosecute organizations that contribute to criminal activity.
Using RICO law, which is typically aimed at targeting multi-person criminal organizations, prosecutors allege that Combs coerced victims, some of whom they say were sex workers, through intimidation and narcotics to participate in "freak offs" – sometimes dayslong sex performances that federal prosecutors allege they have on video.
How to stream the Diddy trial
The trial will not be televised, as cameras are typically not allowed in federal criminal trial proceedings.
USA TODAY will be reporting live from the courtroom. Sign up for our newsletter for more updates.
Contributing: USA TODAY staff
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