Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team concluded its defence on Tuesday with a brief 20-minute presentation, following nearly seven weeks of prosecution testimony in his federal sex trafficking trial in New York.

Combs, who faces charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transporting individuals for prostitution, declined to testify in his own defense. Speaking briefly in court, he confirmed the decision was made jointly with his attorneys.

“It’s my decision with my lawyers,” he told US District Judge Arun Subramanian, also offering praise to the judge, “I want to tell you thank you, you’re doing an excellent job.”

Prosecutors allege that Combs leveraged his fame and business influence to operate a sex trafficking ring, coercing women into non-consensual sexual encounters through drugs, violence, and manipulation. More than 30 witnesses were called by the prosecution, including two of Combs ex-girlfriends, singer Casandra Ventura and another woman referred to as “Jane.”

In contrast, the defence called no witnesses. Instead, Combs’ attorneys submitted a handful of text messages they argue show consensual relationships. In one message, “Jane” wrote to Combs that she “always has fun” during so-called “freak-offs,” a term used to describe group sexual encounters.

Attorney Alexandra Shapiro argued the government had not proven its case, saying, “The victims were capable, independent women who could have left if they wanted to.” She emphasised that while Combs may have engaged in regrettable behavior, “domestic violence is not sex trafficking.”

Legal experts noted the defence’s decision not to present witnesses, particularly not Combs himself, was strategic, aimed at avoiding potential pitfalls under cross-examination.

Closing arguments in the high-profile case are scheduled for Thursday and Friday. If convicted, Combs faces a potential life sentence.

Erizia Rubyjeana

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