Diddy Trial Update: Defense Rests Without Witnesses as Sean Combs Declines to Testify in Federal Sex-Trafficking Case

Sean “Diddy” Combs, facing serious charges including sex trafficking and racketeering, chooses not to testify as defense concludes in under 30 minutes; jury now awaits closing arguments.

New York, June 25 — In a dramatic turn in the high-profile federal sex-trafficking case against Sean “Diddy” Combs, the defense rested its case Tuesday afternoon after delivering a brief, witness-free presentation. Diddy himself declined to take the stand, confirming to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian that the decision was his, made in consultation with his ten-member legal team. The case, which could see the 55-year-old hip-hop mogul imprisoned for life if convicted, now moves to closing arguments set to begin on June 26.

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In a tightly packed Manhattan courtroom, Sean “Diddy” Combs ended his defense strategy with a surprising silence—opting not to testify in his own defense in the federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial that could land him behind bars for life.

“That is my decision, your honor,” Combs said calmly to Judge Arun Subramanian, affirming his choice after consulting with his legal team. Wearing a sweater and now notably white-haired, the music mogul added, “I’ve been wanting to tell you thank you, you’re doing an excellent job,” prompting a brief chuckle from the judge.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York rested its case after nearly 30 days of testimony, detailing disturbing allegations that include prostitution-related offenses, abuse, and drug-fueled sex parties involving multiple victims. Defense attorney Anna Estevao swiftly moved to submit exhibits into the record, completing her presentation in about 30 minutes. The prosecution chose not to rebut, ending the day on a quiet but intense note.

Combs’ strategy mirrors that of disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, who also declined to testify in his own defense earlier this month in a nearby courtroom. Weinstein’s longtime PR spokesperson, Juda Engelmayer, commented on the striking similarities: “In a case where so many witnesses took the stand to share deeply personal and often harrowing stories, the absence of someone as prominent as Diddy is bound to be noticed by the jury.”

Over the course of the trial, jurors heard from 34 witnesses presented by the prosecution. These included former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, who previously settled a separate lawsuit for $20 million in November 2023, along with hotel staff, male escorts, former inner-circle members, law enforcement, and even rapper Kid Cudi. Jurors were also shown graphic visual evidence of the alleged abuse.

In opening statements, the defense admitted Combs was a swinger, drug user, and domestic abuser, but insisted that those behaviors are not the subject of the current criminal charges. “He hasn’t been charged with any of that,” defense attorney Teny Geragos emphasized.

The final prosecution witness, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Joseph Cerciello, concluded testimony earlier Tuesday. Now, closing arguments are scheduled for June 26 and are expected to continue into the following day, with extended court hours. Jury deliberations could begin as soon as next week, and while Judge Subramanian has promised to conclude the case before July 4, there’s no deadline for how long jurors may take to reach a verdict.

Meanwhile, Combs still faces numerous civil suits across multiple states, including three new filings in Los Angeles just this week. He continues to deny all allegations, both criminal and civil, maintaining his innocence in every case brought against him.