'Diddy' Combs unlikely to testifying in sex trafficking case?

As the high-profile federal trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs enters its final stages, the possibility of the music mogul taking the stand appears unlikely. With prosecutors nearing the end of their case and the defence signalling a brief response, the focus is now shifting to closing arguments and jury deliberations—potentially as early as next week.

The trial, which has included disturbing testimony and mounting evidence, continues to draw national attention.Attorney Marc Agnifilo hinted that Sean 'Diddy' Combs is unlikely to testify, when he told Judge Arun Subramanian that the defence case could take less than two days, but no more than five.If Sean Combs chose to testify, his time on the stand could have stretched beyond a week. For comparison, testimony from two of his former girlfriends took up two full weeks of the six-week trial so far.Sean Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. He has been held at a federal jail in Brooklyn since his arrest at a Manhattan hotel in September.Assistant US Attorney Maurene Comey told the court that the prosecution is expected to rest its case by Wednesday, or Friday morning at the latest.On Tuesday, the judge expressed frustration and reprimanded both prosecutors and defense lawyers after details about a closed court session involving a juror last Friday were reportedly leaked to the media.

Judge Arun Subramanian stated that he believes someone present at the sealed court hearing violated his secrecy order. He warned that moving forward, both prosecutor Maurene Comey and defense attorney Marc Agnifilo would be held accountable for any future breaches. He added that violations could lead to serious consequences, including criminal contempt charges. “This is the only warning I will give,” he firmly stated.Meanwhile, on Tuesday, prosecutors continued presenting evidence to jurors, including text messages, phone records, and hotel logs. The material aims to support claims that Sean “Diddy” Combs led a racketeering conspiracy, using his influence, staff, and associates in the hip-hop industry to control and abuse women—among them, two of his former girlfriends.Combs' ex-girlfriend Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura and another woman, testifying under the pseudonym “Jane,” told jurors that he used threats and money to pressure them into multi-day sex marathons. During these encounters, Combs allegedly watched, directed, and sometimes filmed them as they engaged with male sex workers.