Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs probably won’t take the stand as a judge indicates the jury may receive the case next week.

Trial Update on Shaun “Diddy” Combs

All possibilities of music mogul Shaun “Diddy” Combs testifying in a federal sex trafficking trial seem to be ending on Tuesday. Lawyers have anticipated a defensive presentation spanning about two days, with deliberations by the judges expected to commence next week.

Attorney Mark Agnifilo mentioned to Judge Arun Subramanian that the defense could wrap things up in less than two days, or it might stretch out over five. There’s a suggestion, perhaps, that if Combs does take the stand, it might not be necessary.

Testimonies from two of Combs’ former girlfriends consumed a significant portion of the trial, totaling two weeks over the six-week span.

Combs, aged 55, has entered a not guilty plea concerning charges of sex trafficking and conspiracy. Since his arrest in September at a Manhattan hotel, he has been held in a federal facility in Brooklyn.

U.S. Attorney Aide Molen Comey indicated a hope for a break for prosecutors on Friday.

During the trial, one witness, identified as “Jane,” who was a former girlfriend of Combs, testified alongside another ex-girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura. Jane described intense multi-day sex marathons, sometimes captured on video, showcasing Combs engaging with a male sex worker, utilizing both threats and financial incentives. Both women expressed a desire to be with Combs.

On Tuesday, judges viewed an explicit video detailing nearly 20 minutes of intimate encounters from 2012 and 2014, which defense counsel seemed to question in relation to law enforcement’s involvement.

Ventura’s relationship with Combs lasted from 2007 until 2018, while Jane was involved with him from 2021 until his recent arrest.

As the recording played, one judge appeared to turn away from the screen for much of the time but still wore headphones to catch the audio. The audience was not allowed to view or hear the graphic material being presented.

While some judges remained seated to observe the evidence, moments like these make the trial complicated.

A prosecutor had previously shared a brief segment of the video, lasting about two minutes, with the judge.

In her opening statement, defense attorney Tenny Jelagos described the video as “strong evidence” suggesting the sexual activities depicted were consensual, not coerced.

Jelagos argued that while the footage may be difficult for some to watch, it’s important to understand that it wasn’t intended for public viewing and emphasizes intimacy.

She explained the necessity of reviewing the videos in the context of the government’s accusations of sex trafficking.

In contrast, U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson outlined that Combs allegedly used deception, drugs, threats, and violence towards both women, first involving Ventura and subsequently Jane, to force sexual encounters in the presence of a male escort.

Earlier Tuesday, the judge expressed frustration, reprimanding both the prosecution and defense regarding a media leak about court proceedings from the previous Friday.