Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense team concluded their case on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, after presenting arguments for only about 20 minutes in his high-profile sex trafficking trial.
The brief defense followed nearly seven weeks of detailed arguments and testimony led by federal prosecutors in New York. Prosecutors closed their case earlier the same afternoon.
Combs’ legal team argued that the government had failed to prove any of the charges against him, and requested the case be dismissed. Combs also confirmed in court that he chose not to testify in his own defense, telling the judge, “It’s my decision with my lawyers.”
The music mogul has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution—charges that could carry a life sentence if convicted.
For the first time in weeks, Combs spoke directly in court, complimenting Judge Arun Subramanian by saying, “I want to tell you thank you. You’re doing an excellent job.”
Prosecutors allege that Combs used his celebrity influence and business empire to run a criminal network that exploited women. Throughout their case, they called over 30 witnesses.
Interestingly, Combs’ defense called no witnesses. Instead, they submitted text messages into evidence, including conversations with singer Casandra Ventura and another alleged victim, known in court as Jane. The messages were used to suggest that the women voluntarily participated in the sexual activities referred to as “freak-offs.”
One text from Jane, read aloud in court, said, “I always have fun” during their “hotel nights.”
Legal experts noted that calling additional witnesses, especially having Combs testify, could have been risky. The defense strategy appeared focused on undermining the prosecution’s claims without introducing further complications.
Combs’ attorneys also filed a motion requesting an acquittal, arguing that the prosecution had not sufficiently proven its case. Defense lawyer Alexandra Shapiro emphasized that the women involved were capable of making their own decisions and could have left at any time.
Closing arguments are scheduled for Thursday and Friday, as the trial nears its conclusion.
