Sean “Diddy” Combs Declines to Testify in Federal Sex Trafficking Trial as Defense Rests Without Witnesses
- Victor Nwoko
- Jun 24
- 2 min read
Sean “Diddy” Combs confirmed Tuesday that he will not testify in his federal sex trafficking trial, telling U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian that he is doing an “excellent job” while asserting the decision was his alone.
The exchange came after prosecutors rested their case following more than six weeks of testimony and evidence aimed at proving sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges against Combs. The 55-year-old music mogul, who founded Bad Boy Entertainment, has pleaded not guilty and remains held without bail in a Brooklyn federal detention center after judges ruled he posed a danger to the community.
The defense rested later in the day without calling any witnesses, relying solely on cross-examinations during the government’s case. As is routine, defense attorneys argued that the charges had not been sufficiently proven and requested the judge dismiss the case. Judge Subramanian said he would rule on the motion at a later time.
Combs’ decision not to take the stand was confirmed in open court, with the judge ensuring he understood that the choice was ultimately his, regardless of legal advice. Combs said he had “thoroughly” discussed the matter with his attorneys and reiterated, “That is solely my decision.”
The government called 34 witnesses, including former employees of Combs’ companies and two key ex-girlfriends: singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and a model referred to only as “Jane.”
Ventura, 38, testified for four days, alleging she was pressured to take part in numerous group sex acts — referred to as “freak offs” — which involved male sex workers and were recorded by Combs. She described feeling coerced into these encounters in order to maintain intimacy with him.
“Jane,” who testified over six days, said she participated in similar encounters — called “hotel nights” — as recently as August 2023. She testified that she was still emotionally attached to Combs and believed the acts were necessary to sustain the relationship.
Prosecutors presented over 40 minutes of video and audio recordings showing the sexual encounters. Defense attorneys argued that the footage demonstrated consensual activity typical of a swingers lifestyle, not criminal conduct.
Combs remained active throughout the trial, often writing notes and assisting in real-time legal strategy. At one point, the judge warned him about his behavior, including nodding toward jurors, which prosecutors claimed amounted to non-verbal testimony.
Despite graphic content, most jurors appeared composed while watching the footage. The defense described the recordings as “powerful evidence” of consent, disputing allegations of coercion.
Closing arguments are scheduled for Thursday, as both sides prepare to deliver their final statements in a high-profile case that could have lasting implications for the hip-hop icon’s legacy.
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