Sean Combs' Potential Testimony at Federal Trial Diminishes as Proceedings Progress

The chances of Sean (Diddy) Combs taking the stand in his federal sex trafficking trial are decreasing significantly. On Tuesday, defense attorney Marc Agnifilo indicated that their case could conclude in as little as two days, with a maximum estimate of five days. This information came during a hearing where Judge Arun Subramanian hinted that the jury might begin deliberating as soon as next week. If Combs were to testify, it would likely take over a week given previous testimony from his former girlfriends, which already consumed a significant portion of the trial.

Combs, aged 55, has entered a not guilty plea regarding charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. He has been in federal custody in Brooklyn following his arrest in September, which occurred at a hotel in Manhattan. The prosecution may finish presenting their case as early as Wednesday, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey.

The courtroom atmosphere has been tense, particularly after Judge Subramanian reprimanded both the prosecution and defense lawyers for issues regarding media leaks stemming from a confidential court session involving a juror. The judge warned that both Comey and Agnifilo would be held responsible for any future violations and emphasized that severe penalties could follow.

As the trial continues, prosecutors have resumed displaying various forms of evidence, including text messages and phone records, to demonstrate that Combs orchestrated a racketeering conspiracy. This alleged conspiracy involved exploiting his influence in the music industry and employing associates to manipulate and abuse women, facts brought to light by testimonies from his ex-girlfriends. Ventura, who had a long-term relationship with Combs from 2007 to 2018, and another woman known as “Jane,” who dated him from 2021 until his arrest, both testified about coercive experiences tied to their relationships with him. Defense attorneys, however, argue that the prosecution is misrepresenting consensual relationships among adults.