Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial live updates: Defense wraps close saying government's case against Combs falls far short
What to know about the trial
Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo completed his closing arguments saying the government failed to prove any allegations of racketering charges filed against Combs.
Agnifilo said the defense made no attempt to dispute allegations that Sean 'Diddy' Combs battered then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. 'We own the domestic violence — I hope you guys know that,' he said as he began his closing.
Despite acknowledging the physical abuse, Agnifilo described the relationship between Combs and Ventura as 'a great modern love story.'
Judge Subramanian said the jury would be charged on Monday and would then begin deliberations.
Combs faces five criminal counts: one count of racketeering conspiracy; two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs has vociferously denied the allegations against him.
This live briefing may include graphic descriptions of sexual violence. For resources on sexual assault, call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline.
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In closing arguments, Diddy lawyer says Cassie relationship was a 'great modern love story'
This is a free article for Diddy on Trial newsletter subscribers. to get exclusive reporting and analysis throughout Sean Combs' federal trial. Today, jurors in Diddy's trial heard closing arguments from defense attorney Marc Agnifilo. Agnifilo, who addressed the panel for four hours, forcefully and sometimes derisively pushed back on the U.S. government's 'exaggerated' narrative. He asserted that Diddy was being unfairly persecuted for his sexual 'lifestyle,' insisting that his client was innocent of all charges. Agnifilo said the defense doesn't dispute that Diddy physically assaulted his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. ('We own the domestic violence,' Agnifilo said. 'I hope you guys know that.') But the rapper 'did not do the things he is charged with, racketeering or sex trafficking,' the attorney added. 'He is going to fight to the death to defend himself against what he didn't do.' The prosecution team alleges that Diddy sex-trafficked Ventura and another ex-girlfriend, ' Jane,' forcing them to participate in the drug-dazed 'freak offs' at the heart of the case. Agnifilo rejected that version of events, referring to Diddy's relationship with Ventura as 'a great modern love story' between two 'swingers.' Agnifilo argued that both women were consenting and sometimes enthusiastic participants in 'freak offs,' which the lawyer characterized as pleasant evenings in 'beautiful hotel rooms.' He attempted to downplay the marathon sexual encounters, including the fact that Diddy recorded them on video. 'He's not the only man in America making homemade porn,' Agnifilo said. In closing, Agnifilo implored the jury to 'summon the courage' and acquit Diddy. 'I am asking you to acquit Sean Combs of all the counts. He is not a racketeer,' Agnifilo said. 'He sits there innocent, so return him to his family.' What's next: The jury will get the case first thing Monday, Subramanian confirmed this afternoon. Then it can start deliberations. We'll keep you updated on all the key developments. The view from inside By Adam Reiss, Chloe Melas, Katherine Koretski and Jing Feng Agnifilo spoke animatedly, occasionally using a biting and jocular tone to convey skepticism about the government's case against his client. In one notable moment, Agnifilo appeared to mock the federal law enforcement officers who searched Diddy's houses, remarking that the agents made America 'safe from Astroglide,' the lubricant brand the rapper used for 'freak offs' with ex-girlfriends and male escorts. 'Way to go, fellas,' Agnifilo said. 'You guys just do you.' When the jurors were on a break, Maurene Comey, one of the prosecutors, complained to Judge Arun Subramanian about Agnifilo's tone. 'Respectfully,' Agnifilo replied, 'I think I'm allowed to be sarcastic.' In the prosecution's rebuttal, Comey said Diddy's defense team served up 'lies' and 'excuse after excuse' for the defendant's 'inexcusable behavior.' She added: 'Make no mistake, this trial was how, in Sean Combs' world, 'no' was never an option.' In other news: Diddy, sitting close to the defense table, appeared engaged during Agnifilo's summation — a sharp contrast with his generally downcast appearance during prosecutor Christy Slavik 's closing arguments yesterday. The music tycoon acknowledged his family in the courtroom earlier in the day, forming his hands into a heart and giving them a thumb-up.
NBC News
5 hours ago
- NBC News
Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial live updates: Defense wraps close saying government's case against Combs falls far short
What to know about the trial Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo completed his closing arguments saying the government failed to prove any allegations of racketering charges filed against Combs. Agnifilo said the defense made no attempt to dispute allegations that Sean 'Diddy' Combs battered then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. 'We own the domestic violence — I hope you guys know that,' he said as he began his closing. Despite acknowledging the physical abuse, Agnifilo described the relationship between Combs and Ventura as 'a great modern love story.' Judge Subramanian said the jury would be charged on Monday and would then begin deliberations. Combs faces five criminal counts: one count of racketeering conspiracy; two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs has vociferously denied the allegations against him. This live briefing may include graphic descriptions of sexual violence. For resources on sexual assault, call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline.
Daily Record
7 hours ago
- Daily Record
P Diddy and son Justin accused of rape in fresh lawsuit as sex-trafficking trial ends
P-Diddy's sex trafficking trial hears defence closing argyments. However, the disgraced music mogul faces a fresh rape accusations in new lawsuit. P Diddy and his son, Justin Combs have been accused of rape in a brand new law suit. The shamed star's current trial, in which he is accused of sex-trafficking, is being presented with te defence's closing arguments today. However, Diddy - real name, Sean Combs - faces fresh allegations, this time, along with his son. As per documents obtained by the Mirror US, a woman from Louisiana claims she connected with Justin, 33, on Snapchat, before she was invited to California where she was told she could further her career in the entertainment industry, reports the Mirror. She has accused Justin of luring her to his Los Angeles mansion in 2017 to be raped by his father, 55, and two other 'masked men.' The woman alleges she was offered pills, alcohol and marijuana before the three men arrived at the property, one of whom she claims to believe was Diddy. The rape was said to have lasted several hours. Diddy's lawyer denies the allegations. Diddy's team told the Mirror US, 'No matter how many lawsuits are filed it won't change the fact that Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted or sex trafficked anyone—man or woman, adult or minor. We live in a world where anyone can file a lawsuit for any reason. Fortunately, a fair and impartial judicial process exists to find the truth, and Mr. Combs is confident he will prevail in court." It comes as the I'll Be Missing You star's bombshell sex trafficking trial nears its end. Prosecutors finished their closing arguments on Thursday after five hours. On Thursday, the prosecution argued to the jury that Combs is the "leader of a criminal enterprise", who used violence and fear in "brutal crimes." Defence attorney, Marc Agnifilo, told the jury it's important to remember that none of the alleged victims called the police, as the defence's closing arguments began today. Instead, Cassie Ventura filed a lawsuit against Combs for $33m (£22m), of which she won $20m. The federal case was spurred by that lawsuit, so if Combs wasn't rich, there would be no federal criminal trial, he said. "He's a self-made successful black entrepreneur," he added, saying: "He's built wonderful, sophisticated businesses." Agnifilo also reminded the jury that Jane - an ex-girlfriend of Combs who testified against him under a pseudonym - is still living in a house that Combs pays for. "Jane came here and testified against him…I don't know what she's doing today, but whatever she's doing it's in a house he paid for. He takes care of people," Agnifilo added. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The music mogul was joined in court on Friday, June 27, by Justin and his twin daughters, who have supported their father in the final days of his sex-trafficking and racketeering trial following a long, emotional day on Thursday. Jessie and D'Lila stood beside the rapper as they sent support for the Diddy during the trial's closing arguments. Early on in the trial, the twins were present to support their father, even sharing a social media post saying, 'The past month has devastated our family. Many have judged both him and us based on accusations, conspiracy theories, and false narratives that have spiralled into absurdity on social media.' Diddy denies any wrongdoing in the federal charges brought against him.
