a day ago
Sean "Diddy" Combs Trial: Prosecutors Drop Arson, Kidnapping Theories
Originally appeared on E! Online
The prosecution is streamlining their case against Sean 'Diddy' Combs.
As the rap mogul's federal trial for sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution—to which he has pleaded not guilty—completes its seventh week in session, the prosecution has submitted a letter to Judge Arun Subramanian, amending parts of their theories of attempted arson and kidnapping.
'The Government is no longer planning to proceed on these theories of liability,' the prosecution stated in the letter obtained by E! News, 'so instructions are no longer necessary.'
In addition to dropping parts of their argument of the first count—one count of racketeering conspiracy—the letter sought to clarify Combs' two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
When discussing the charges in closing statements this week, the letter notes that it is 'imperative' the jury understands that 'earlier consent is not determinative' of whether a victim was sex trafficked, adding that the same is true of forced labor, which is part of Combs' sex trafficking counts.
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Additionally, the letter requests that 'the Court instruct the jury that sex trafficking/labor and payment to the victim for that conduct are not mutually exclusive.'
Combs currently faces five counts in his federal trial—the aforementioned counts as well as two for transportation to engage in prostitution. The letter from the prosecution comes shortly after Combs' team rested their defense after only 20 minutes June 24, and the 55-year-old waived his right to testify.
'We have discussed it thoroughly, that is my decision,' Combs—who has been in federal custody since his September arrest—told the judge of his decision to not take the stand. 'That is totally my decision, I am making it.'
In his rare statement addressing the court, Combs—whose team has motioned for a mistrial multiple times—also expressed gratitude for how Subramanian has handled the case thus far.
'I'm doing great, your honor,' Combs told the judge, 'wanted to tell you thank you, you're doing an excellent job.'
Keep reading for everything to know about Combs' trial so far…
Sean 'Diddy' Combs Confirms He Won't Be TestifyingDefense Shares Estimation on Closing ArgumentsJuror Sees Apparent Footage From 'Freak Offs'Hotel Rooms Were Stocked With Baby Oil, Plan-B Pills For 'Freak Offs'Cassie Ventura and Sean 'Diddy' Combs's Texts About His Alleged Abuse RevealedSean 'Diddy' Combs' Former Assistant Denies Being Drug Mule But Says He Bought Thousands of Dollars in Drugs for the RapperJudge Cancels Court on Day 26 of Sean 'Diddy' Combs Trial Over Sick JurorSecond Sean 'Diddy' Combs Jury Member Faces Possible DismissalKanye West Supports Sean 'Diddy' Combs With Courthouse VisitSean 'Diddy' Combs' Ex Says Mogul Was Upset After She Attended Another Man's 'Freak Off'Prosecutors Seek Removal of Juror in Sean 'Diddy' Combs' TrialSean 'Diddy' Combs' Ex Has Heated Exchange With Defense Team During Cross-ExaminationSean 'Diddy' Combs' Ex Says She Wondered What Was 'Driving Him' SexuallySean 'Diddy' Combs' Ex Mentions Koby Bryant, Shaquille O'Neil and Michael Jordan During TestimonySean 'Diddy' Combs' Ex Says Mogul's Chief of Staff 'Influenced a Great Deal' of Their RomanceJudge Denies Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Defense Team's Second Motion for a MistrialSean 'Diddy' Combs' Ex Details Hourslong 2024 BeatingSean 'Diddy' Combs' Ex Says Attack By Rapper Left Her 'Golfball-sized' WeltsSean 'Diddy' Combs' Ex Details Homeland Security Raid at Her HomeSean 'Diddy' Combs' Ex Says He Threatened To Release Sex TapesSean 'Diddy' Combs' Ex Says She Fainted After Reading Cassie Ventura's LawsuitSean 'Diddy' Combs' Ex Says She Threw Up 3 Times During 'Hotel Night' Without DrugsSean 'Diddy' Combs' Legal Team Makes Second Request For MistrialSean 'Diddy' Combs' Ex Says He Is Still Paying Her Rent
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