In a closely watched trial presided over by Indian American Judge Arun Subramanian, the jury has begun deliberations in the Sean "Diddy" Combs sex abuse trial. The trial, which has spanned seven weeks, has involved harrowing accounts, and substantial evidence. Judge Subramanian, the first South Asian to serve on the U.S. federal court in New York, is overseeing the case, which includes allegations of sex trafficking, racketeering, and abuse.
The prosecution rested their case after calling 34 witnesses, including Combs' ex-girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie Ventura, who testified about a decade-long abusive relationship. Ventura detailed allegations of rape, sex trafficking, and physical assault. Another woman testified under the alias "Jane," also describing coercion, threats, and psychological manipulation, claiming she was pushed into complying with Combs's sexual demands. The defense, after the prosecution rested, presented its case in under 30 minutes and called no witnesses. Combs himself chose not to testify, but told Judge Subramanian that he was doing an "excellent job".
The charges against Combs include sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Prosecutors allege that Combs exploited his fame, wealth, and influence to force women into performing drug-fueled sexual acts with escorts. They argued that Combs led an organized network that carried out his orders, including forced labor, witness tampering, arson, kidnapping, and bribery. If convicted on all counts, Combs could face a life sentence.
The defense argued that the encounters were consensual and that prosecutors were unfairly targeting Combs' personal life. Combs' lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, sought to discredit the key accusers, claiming they were motivated by financial gain and emphasized that Combs' past relationships, though sometimes violent, were consensual and do not equate to criminal conduct. He rejected the notion of a criminal conspiracy, while prosecutors urged jurors to see through what they described as an effort by the defense to distort the facts, portraying Combs as believing he was above the law.
The jury, consisting of eight men and four women, must reach a unanimous verdict on each of the five charges Combs faces. Judge Subramanian has instructed the jury on the legal requirements they must consider.
Throughout the trial, Judge Subramanian has maintained order, even cautioning Combs about his courtroom behavior. At one point, Judge Subramanian warned Diddy's legal team that the court could issue a formal instruction to the jury or have Diddy removed from the courtroom altogether if he continued making facial expressions towards the jury.
The outcome of the trial remains uncertain as the jury deliberates. The case has drawn significant attention due to the serious nature of the allegations and the prominence of the defendant.
