Federal prosecutors have significantly narrowed the scope of their racketeering conspiracy case against Sean “Diddy” Combs, removing several key allegations just days before closing arguments are set to begin. A letter from the U.S. Attorney's office on Wednesday revealed that instructions relating to attempted kidnapping under both California and New York law, attempted arson under California law, aiding and abetting sex trafficking, and obstruction of justice would no longer be presented to the jury. This move is seen by legal experts as an attempt to streamline and strengthen the prosecution's case against the music mogul, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Despite the trimming of charges, prosecutors are proceeding with serious allegations, including drug distribution, forced labor, sex trafficking, and transporting men for the purpose of prostitution. The core of their argument asserts that Combs conspired with his employees—including security staff, his chief of staff, and personal assistants—to coerce his girlfriends into multi-day, drug-fueled sexual encounters with male prostitutes. Prosecutors maintain that Combs utilized his vast business empire to finance and provide logistical support for these alleged activities.

The trial, which has spanned seven weeks, has featured testimony from 34 witnesses called by the prosecution, painting a picture of Combs as an out-of-control and violent figure. One of the most prominent testimonies came from Casandra Ventura, known as Cassie, who dated Combs from 2007 to 2018. Cassie detailed being beaten by Combs and forced into “disgusting” sex with male sex workers during “freak-offs,” his term for sexual marathons. A pivotal moment in the trial was the showing of a 2016 security video from the Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles, which captured Combs hitting, kicking, and dragging Cassie. A hotel guard testified that Combs paid $100,000 to suppress this video, which remained hidden until it aired in May 2024.

Another key witness, testifying under the pseudonym “Jane,” described dating Combs from 2021 until his arrest. She recounted being pressured into having sex with other men, despite her pleas, and alleged that Combs put her in a chokehold, punched her, and forced her into an encounter with a sex worker. Both Cassie and Jane testified that Combs threatened to release sex videos if they refused his demands.

Further chilling accounts came from rapper Kid Cudi (Scott Mescudi), who testified that Combs broke into his home in late 2011 after learning Cudi was dating Cassie, followed by his car being firebombed. Former Combs employee Capricorn Clark corroborated this, stating Combs came to her home with a gun, demanding they go “kill Cudi.” Clark also testified to being locked in an office for five days for a polygraph test after jewelry went missing, with threats of being thrown in the East River if she failed.

Other former personal assistants also testified to various alleged misconducts. “Mia” accused Combs of sexual assault and rape, while Bryana “Bana” Bongolan, Cassie’s friend, claimed Combs dangled her over a balcony railing. Assistants George Kaplan, David James, and Brendan Paul described clearing hotel rooms of liquor bottles and drugs, stocking supplies like baby oil and condoms, buying drugs for Combs, and witnessing him with multiple handguns. Federal agents further testified to finding “freak-off” supplies, AR-15 rifles, and other firearms during raids on Combs’ homes.

The defense team, in contrast, presented only 30 minutes of evidence and Combs himself waived his right to testify. Their strategy focused heavily on cross-examination, attempting to undermine the credibility of accusers by highlighting inconsistencies, their willingness to maintain contact with Combs, and suggesting they were part of a “#MeToo money grab.” Despite the serious allegations, some prosecution witnesses, like George Kaplan and celebrity stylist Deonte Nash, expressed continued respect and even love for Combs.

To secure a conviction on the single racketeering charge, the jury must unanimously agree that Combs is guilty of at least two underlying offenses. While a defense attorney noted that the prosecution appears to have proven the elements of the crime, securing a conviction against a celebrity remains a challenging task. Closing arguments are anticipated to commence on Thursday, marking the final stages of this high-profile trial.