The prosecution has painted a damning picture of Sean “Diddy” Combs, labelling him the orchestrator of a criminal enterprise fuelled by power, violence, and intimidation. In a dramatic summation, prosecutors described the music mogul as a man who “refused to take no for an answer” and used fear to get his way.
“The defendant was a very powerful man,” one prosecutor told the jury. “But he became more powerful and more dangerous because of the support of his inner circle and his businesses, the enterprise.”
Diddy is facing a raft of serious allegations, including sex trafficking and racketeering, in a federal case that has gripped the public’s attention. The trial, now entering its final stages, has heard extensive testimony from former associates, alleged victims, and law enforcement officials.
On Friday, Diddy’s defence team delivered its closing argument, vehemently rejecting the government’s case as “false” and “exaggerated”. Lead defence counsel Marc Agnifilo urged the jury to see through what he characterised as a narrative built on flawed testimony and financial motivations.
Agnifilo particularly challenged the credibility of Ventura, the prosecution’s key witness. He depicted her not as a victim of sex trafficking, but as a woman with agency who willingly engaged in sexual relationships with Combs. He reminded the jury that Ventura had already received a $20 million settlement from Combs in 2023 following a civil suit, and is also expected to receive an additional $10 million from the owner of the hotel in Los Angeles where the alleged assault occurred in 2016.
“If you had to pick a winner in this whole thing, it’s hard not to pick Cassie,” Agnifilo remarked. “This isn’t about a crime, this is about money.”
Diddy remains an active presence in court
While Diddy chose not to take the stand, he has remained an active presence in court, frequently conferring with his legal team and reacting openly during witness testimony. Earlier this month, the judge admonished him for attempting to influence the jury through sustained eye contact and vigorous nodding during cross-examination, warning that such behaviour could see him removed from the courtroom.
With both sides having delivered their final arguments, the case now rests in the hands of the jury. A verdict is expected within the coming days.
