Diddy trial latest: Defence giving closing argument in sex trafficking trial - after prosecution described rapper's 'kingdom'

Sky News

4 hours ago

Closing arguments are being heard in court, after a six-week case against Sean 'Diddy' Combs. The prosecution describes the hip-hop mogul's "kingdom", in which "everyone was there to serve" - while drugs were "essential" to "freak offs". Follow the latest below.
14:48:21
An 'exaggerated trial' charging 'threesomes as racketeering,' the defence say
Defence attorney Marc Agnifilo begins his argument by telling the court: 'I have to move around, I can't stay in one place.' He has already been pacing energetically around the court ahead of the jury being seated.
He says, 'This trial is a tale of two trials,' saying the first has been told from the mouths of witnesses, from text messages, from videos and from the evidence.
Agnifilo says the second trail, given by the prosecutors, 'is very different,' calling it 'a trial of a lifestyle'. He refers to Diddy as having a 'swinger' lifestyle, going on to say the prosecution have charged 'threesomes as racketeering' and calling it an 'exaggerated trial'.
14:28:31
Proceedings slightly delayed
The start of the defence's closing argument has been delayed while the court waits for a juror who has had transit issues.
14:17:49
The jury is seated
The jury is brought in and Marc Agnifilo tests his microphone while pacing around the lectern.
It is just after 9.15am in New York, and this is the final pre-deliberation morning of the trial.
14:04:44
Court is now in session
Court has begun for the day, and Diddy enters and gives his family a wave, makes a heart signal with his hands , and gives a thumbs up.
The judge is sharing a few words with the court, and asking about today's exhibits, and checking everyone is ready to get started.
13:55:55
Welcome back to our live coverage of the Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial
We're back with live updates of the Sean "Diddy" Combs trial in Manhattan, New York.
Yesterday, the prosecution gave its closing arguments, with US attorney Christy Slavik urging the jury to hold Diddy "accountable," concluding her speech by telling the court: "It is time for justice, and it's time to find him guilty."
Today, the defence will give their closing argument, led by Diddy's lead council, Marc Agnifilo. It is expected to last around three hours.
That will be followed by the government's rebuttal given by Maurene Comey which should last an hour.
Finally, Judge Arun Subramanian will deliver the jury charge.
23:59:08
Prosecution gives closing arguments - here's a recap
Today, we saw prosecutors give their final argument in the sex-trafficking trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs.
It follows more than six weeks of testimony against the hip-hop mogul, during which we've heard from 34 witnesses.
For a full recap, click on the link below...
22:07:42
What should we expect from tomorrow?
Today has seen the prosecution round off its case, tomorrow we will hear from the defence.
Diddy's lead attorney Marc Agnifilo will give his closing argument tomorrow at 2pm UK time (9am in New York). He has said he intends to speak for around four hours.
The defence's closing argument will be followed by the government's rebuttal, which is expected to last one hour.
We'll be back live blogging then - join us to follow the closing days of a case that has made headlines around the world.
21:54:36
Court is adjourned for the day
The prosecution's closing argument lasted for four hours and 49 minutes, putting the government's case against Diddy on all five charges.
Diddy is charged with one count of racketeering conspiracy, two charges of sex-trafficking, and two charges of transportation to engage in prostitution.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has strenuously denied all allegations of sexual abuse.
21:48:37
A time to hold Diddy 'accountable', prosecution says, as it finishes closing arguments
Wrapping up the closing arguments, the prosecution's Christy Slavik thanks the court for its focus, admitting, "a lot of the evidence was hard to hear and hard to see".
She says Diddy "manipulated, controlled and forced" Cassie, Jane and Mia into sex acts, set Kid Cudi's car on fire and broke into his house.
Concluding, she said: "You heard texts, travel records, bank records, audio and video, presenting a clear picture of how he committed crime after crime and how he and his inner circle helped him commit crimes and how far they'd go to cover them."
Slavik goes on: "That proves to you he is guilty." She says before today, Diddy "was able to get away with it due to his money, power and influence. But that stops now…
"It is time to hold him accountable, it is time for justice, and it's time to find him guilty."