Prosecutors Say Diddy Ran Criminal Sex Trafficking Ring Using Violence & Fear

 

In closing arguments at the federal trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, U.S. prosecutor Christy Slavik accused the music mogul of leading a criminal operation built on fear and violence to sexually exploit women. Combs has been charged with racketeering conspiracy and multiple counts of sex trafficking. Prosecutors say he used his fame and wealth to create a system where two ex-girlfriends, including singer Cassie Ventura and a woman identified as Jane, were manipulated into participating in what were described as "Freak Offs" drug-fueled sex parties involving male sex workers while Combs watched or filmed.

Jurors heard damning testimony from both women, who described being emotionally and financially coerced. Jane said she participated out of fear of losing rent support. Prosecutors also shared hotel footage showing Combs assaulting one of the women and witness accounts from his staff who admitted to arranging drugs and hotel rooms for the events. Slavik argued that even if the women did not scream or flee, coercion was evident. She also emphasized that the law only requires one instance of non-consensual participation for a guilty verdict.

The prosecution insists that Combs built a criminal enterprise around these acts, and that his employees helped cover it up. The government is pushing for a conviction that could land Combs in prison for 15 years to life. Jurors will begin deliberations soon.

Sean "Diddy" Combs' defense team is challenging the charges by arguing that while his behavior may have been abusive or controlling at times, it did not rise to the legal definition of sex trafficking or racketeering. Combs has pleaded not guilty, and his lawyers contend the sex acts described were consensual. They claim the women took part willingly, sometimes even out of love or loyalty, and that any threats were exaggerated or misunderstood.

His lawyers also argue that there was no organized criminal enterprise. They say Combs’ staff did not knowingly support illegal activity and that if drugs were bought, they were for his personal use, not to coerce others. The defense points out that the prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt and that a single act of consent weakens the claim of ongoing trafficking.

Combs did not testify in his own defense, which is his legal right. The judge reminded jurors not to interpret his silence as guilt. Still, the visuals and messages presented by the prosecution, including footage of physical violence and texts hinting at coercion, weigh heavily on the jury.

Legal analysts note that the case comes down to whether the jury believes the women were manipulated and forced into sex acts, or whether they had the agency to consent. Prosecutors only need to prove that one of the "Freak Off" events was non-consensual to convict. The jury of 12 must reach a unanimous decision on each count.

Deliberations are expected to start either late Friday or Monday. If convicted on all charges, Combs could face life in prison, marking a dramatic fall for a man once seen as one of hip-hop’s most powerful figures.

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