Diddy’s Defense Rests Without Witnesses in Explosive Sex Trafficking Trial

The federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs is nearing its dramatic conclusion, with the embattled music mogul’s legal team resting its case without calling a single witness. The trial, which has gripped the entertainment world since jury selection began on May 5, is expected to head into closing arguments this Thursday.

On Monday, Diddy’s lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo, signaled that the defense would not call any witnesses, including Combs himself, and would instead rely solely on evidence already submitted. The judge is expected to confirm with Combs directly that he is waiving his right to testify.

This decision comes after weeks of emotional and often graphic testimony from more than 30 prosecution witnesses, including Diddy’s former romantic partners and employees. The prosecution rested its case Tuesday, setting the stage for the jury to begin deliberations later this week.

Strategy Shift: From Two Weeks to Two Days

Initially, Diddy’s legal team, led by Agnifilo and co-counsel Teny Geragos, indicated they would need up to two weeks to mount a defense. However, late last week, the team informed U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian that they would likely wrap up by Tuesday or Wednesday—an abrupt pivot that raises questions about their legal strategy.

Rather than presenting a rebuttal with live testimony, the defense opted to let the prosecution’s case stand largely uncontested, at least publicly. Legal analysts say this can sometimes be a tactical move—especially if the defense believes the prosecution failed to meet its burden of proof.

“The defense may be betting that the government’s witnesses lacked credibility or failed to tie Diddy directly to the most serious allegations,” said former federal prosecutor Jenna Caines. “Choosing not to present a case isn’t the same as having no defense—it’s often about signaling confidence in the jury’s doubt.”

Disturbing Testimony and Evidence

The trial has featured disturbing accounts of alleged abuse, coercion, and illicit drug use at so-called “freak off” parties, which prosecutors say were orchestrated by Combs and central to his sex trafficking enterprise.

Federal prosecutors introduced about 20 minutes of video footage from these events—graphic content so explicit it was shown only to the jury. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey described the videos as “explicit,” offering them as evidence of the environment Combs allegedly cultivated.

The government’s final witness, Homeland Security Special Agent Joseph Cerciello, concluded his testimony Monday. Before him, jurors heard from Brendan Paul, Combs’ former assistant and the individual named in a separate lawsuit by music producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones. Paul, who was granted immunity in exchange for his testimony, was previously accused of acting as a “mule,” procuring and distributing drugs and firearms for Combs. His felony cocaine possession charge was later dropped.

Allegations from Cassie Ventura and “Jane”

Among the most damning testimony came from Cassie Ventura, Combs’ ex-girlfriend of nearly a decade. Ventura testified that she was subjected to repeated emotional and sexual abuse during their relationship, which ended in 2018. She recalled the frequent use of ecstasy, ketamine, and cocaine at Combs’ parties, substances she said she used to dissociate during group sex sessions allegedly orchestrated by the rapper.

Another witness, testifying under the pseudonym “Jane,” told jurors that she too felt coerced into participating in group sex acts. She described being physically assaulted by Combs, including being choked, kicked, and punched. According to her testimony, the abuse continued up until a week before Combs was arrested in New York on federal charges.

Jane further claimed that Combs continues to cover her rent and legal fees, an arrangement prosecutors argued may influence her ability to speak freely.

Missing Witnesses, Lingering Questions

The prosecution’s case was not without its complications. Some key witnesses initially expected to testify were ultimately absent, and defense attorneys repeatedly raised doubts about the credibility of those who did take the stand.

Still, the cumulative effect of the government’s 34 witnesses—along with graphic evidence and personal accounts of abuse—could weigh heavily on the jury.

“The question now is whether the jury finds these stories credible and interconnected enough to support the weighty charges of sex trafficking and racketeering,” said trial consultant Nina Lorenz. “The absence of a defense presentation could either work in Combs’ favor or backfire spectacularly.”

What’s Next

Judge Subramanian is expected to instruct the jury on legal standards following closing arguments on Thursday. The jurors will then begin deliberations, determining whether the prosecution proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Combs was at the center of an organized criminal enterprise fueled by abuse, drugs, and manipulation.

If convicted, the music magnate could face decades in federal prison—a devastating fall from grace for a man once considered one of the most powerful figures in entertainment.

For now, the nation waits as the final act in the Diddy trial begins to unfold