Sean “Diddy” Combs sex trafficking trial closing arguments begin; prosecutors say he wielded “power, violence and fear”

Federal prosecutors made their closing arguments Thursday in the sex trafficking trial against Sean “Diddy” Combs in New York.

“Over the last several weeks, you’ve learned a lot about Sean Combs,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik said to the jury at the beginning of her presentation, which lasted about five hours. “He’s the leader of a criminal enterprise. He doesn’t take no for an answer. And now you know about many crimes he committed with members of his enterprise.”

Slavik said Combs used “power, violence and fear” to rule a criminal enterprise, which allegedly facilitated brutal sex crimes. Slavik said Combs “counted on silence and shame” to allow his abuse to continue. She also said he used a “small army” of employees to harm women and then cover it up.

“He thought that his fame, wealth and power put him above the law,” Slavik said.

Combs, 55, has denied the allegations against him. He is facing 15 years to life in prison if he’s convicted. The high-profile trial, which began May 12 in federal court in Manhattan, is one of the most closely watched celebrity cases in recent years.

Combs’ attorneys will make their closing arguments on Friday, followed by an hour of prosecution rebuttal. The judge will then instruct the jury on relevant legal standards they should apply to reach a verdict. Jury deliberations might not start till next week.

After calling on 34 witnesses over seven weeks — including Combs’ ex-girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie Ventura Fine, and rapper Kid Cudi — the prosecution rested Tuesday. The defense also rested that same day without calling any witnesses, presenting its case for less than 30 minutes. The hip-hop mogul didn’t take the stand.

As is common after prosecutors rest at criminal trials, Combs’ lawyers made arguments to toss out the charges, arguing the charges weren’t proven. The judge said he’ll rule at a later date.

Charges against Sean “Diddy” Combs
Combs has pleaded not guilty to five counts.