The music mogul, who has been on trial since May, still faces multiple counts of sexual abuse and sex trafficking, but some of the most severe allegations have been dropped just before closing arguments.

The dismissed charges include attempted kidnapping, attempted arson, and aiding and abetting sex trafficking.

In a letter to Arun Subramanian, the presiding judge, prosecutors explained that they were following the court’s directive to “streamline jury instructions”.

Despite the dropped charges, Combs remains accused of sex trafficking and related offenses. However, prosecutors struggled to substantiate allegations involving the kidnapping of former employee Capricorn Clark and singer Cassie Ventura.

Clark had claimed she was forced to take a lie detector test over missing jewelry, while Cassie alleged she was held against her will at a London hotel.

The prosecution abandoned the attempted arson charge, which accused Diddy of ordering an attack on rapper Kid Cudi’s car in a fit of jealousy. No direct evidence linking Combs to the incident was presented during the trial.

While the core sex trafficking charges remain, prosecutors have removed certain elements, including aiding and abetting. They did not specify which parts of the sex trafficking counts would be excluded from the jury’s consideration.

In their letter, prosecutors also requested that jurors be instructed that prior consent to sexual activity does not prevent someone from later withdrawing consent.

They further emphasized that payment does not eliminate the possibility of forced labor, a key factor in sex trafficking cases.

Throughout the trial, multiple witnesses testified against Combs. The trial continues as the jury prepares to deliberate on the remaining charges.

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