Diddy Scores Legal Win as Prosecutors Drop Kidnapping, Arson Claims from Racketeering Case

Sean 'Diddy' Combs scored a huge courtroom victory after prosecutors decided to drop key parts of the charges against him

Sean "Diddy" Combs earned a partial legal victory after federal prosecutors informed a U.S. judge that they would no longer pursue key allegations tied to kidnapping and arson in his ongoing racketeering trial.

In a letter to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, prosecutors stated they will not proceed with theories involving attempted arson and kidnapping as part of the racketeering conspiracy charge against Combs. While all charges under the RICO statute remain in place, these specific acts will not be presented to the jury.

Combs, 55, is still facing charges related to transportation for prostitution, bribery, drug trafficking, witness tampering, and other sex trafficking claims. The move to drop certain claims was described as a measure to streamline jury instructions, which are currently being discussed in court ahead of closing arguments.

In a letter to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian prosecutors said they will no longer pursue theories presented during the blockbuster trial, including that the music mogul (pictured in court Tuesday) was involved in attempted arson and kidnapping

The arson allegation stemmed from testimony by rapper Kid Cudi, who claimed that Combs broke into his home after discovering Cudi’s alleged relationship with Combs' former partner, Cassie Ventura. Shortly afterward, a Porsche belonging to Cudi was set ablaze in his driveway. No charges were filed in that incident.

The kidnapping claim originated from testimony by Combs’ former assistant, Capricorn Clark, who alleged Combs forced her into a vehicle while armed, taking her to Cudi’s residence during the same incident.

Legal expert and former federal prosecutor David S. Weinstein described the decision as a “partial victory” for the defense. He said prosecutors effectively conceded they lacked sufficient evidence to support these allegations, prompting their removal from the jury’s consideration.

Weinstein emphasized that although the allegations are no longer part of the case, they were never standalone charges but rather components of the overarching RICO indictment. Prosecutors must still prove at least two predicate acts under RICO to secure a conviction.

The kidnapping theory stems from Combs' former assistant Capricorn Clark's testimony, where she said she was kidnapped by Combs, who was armed with a gun, and driven to Mescudi's home while he allegedly entered the residence.

The remaining charges—possession of drugs with intent to distribute, sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution, bribery, and witness tampering—now become the central focus of the case.

According to Weinstein, the decision may have been a strategic one to prevent the defense from capitalizing on weak evidence during closing arguments. He noted that removing unsubstantiated claims helps the prosecution present a cleaner, more focused narrative.

The timing may also have been influenced by the approaching July 4th holiday, which limits court availability and compresses the trial schedule.

Combs, currently held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The racketeering and sex trafficking charges each carry a minimum 15-year prison sentence, while the charge of transportation to engage in prostitution carries a maximum of 10 years.

The jury was dismissed Tuesday and is scheduled to return Thursday. Closing arguments are expected to continue through Friday. A charging conference—where attorneys and the judge finalize the legal instructions for the jury—is being held Wednesday afternoon.