After several weeks of detailed and often emotional testimony, the high-profile trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is entering a decisive phase.
Legal teams are set to deliver their closing arguments on Thursday, with each side expected to present hours-long summations.
Combs, 55, faces multiple serious charges, including racketeering — a charge that implies the existence of a long-running criminal enterprise and could result in a life sentence if convicted. He is also charged with two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution.
Prosecutors allege that Combs orchestrated a decades-long pattern of abuse and criminal conduct, involving members of his inner circle. The alleged crimes include forced labor, arson, bribery, and witness tampering. Central to the prosecution’s case are two women: singer Casandra Ventura and another identified in court under the pseudonym “Jane.” Prosecutors claim both were coerced into years of drug-fueled sexual encounters with paid escorts.
Combs has denied all allegations. His legal team has argued that his relationships were entirely consensual and suggested that the motivations of several witnesses were driven by financial interests or jealousy. The defense maintained that their goal was not to prove Combs’ innocence, but to create reasonable doubt about the prosecution’s claims.
Among the 34 witnesses who testified were former employees, assistants, escorts, friends, and family members of Ventura, in addition to a hotel security guard who claimed he was bribed with $100,000. Law enforcement officers and a forensic psychologist also took the stand.
The government presented thousands of pages of phone and text records, with court sessions often focused on detailed readings of explicit and emotionally charged messages. Some messages suggested the victims were in distress, while others expressed affection — a point the defense highlighted repeatedly.
Jurors were shown video footage from alleged sex parties described by prosecutors as criminal in nature. The defense countered with messages and communications they say indicated consent. Financial records, including CashApp transactions to escorts and travel records, were also entered into evidence.
Since the trial began in early May, the proceedings have drawn intense public interest, with dozens of content creators and influencers gathering daily outside the Manhattan federal courthouse. Despite a strict ban on electronics inside the building, the trial has generated a steady stream of commentary and speculation online.
Combs, currently incarcerated, has not appeared publicly entering or exiting the courthouse. However, several high-profile individuals connected to the case, including family members and celebrities such as rapper Kid Cudi — who testified that Combs’ entourage set his car on fire — have made visible appearances.
Closing arguments are expected to conclude by Friday. While there is a possibility the jury could begin deliberations that same afternoon, legal teams have indicated the panel is more likely to receive the case on Monday. The final verdict will rest with 12 jurors, now tasked with determining the future of a man once revered as a powerful force in the music industry.
