Sean “Diddy” Combs’ high-profile sex trafficking and racketeering trial reached a pivotal moment on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, as both sides concluded their cases after six weeks of testimony. The music mogul’s legal battle is now moving toward closing arguments, with the defense declining to present any witnesses and Combs himself choosing not to testify.
Both Sides Rest Their Cases
Federal prosecutors in New York rested their case Tuesday against Sean “Diddy” Combs, while the music mogul’s defense team offered no witnesses of its own, moving the sprawling racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking trial to a close sooner than expected. This strategic decision by the defense accelerated the timeline for the conclusion of what has been one of the most closely watched celebrity trials in recent years.
Before the jury returned from lunch, the defense made a Rule 29 motion, arguing that the prosecution did not meet its burden to prove their case against Sean “Diddy” Combs. This procedural motion represents the defense’s attempt to secure a directed verdict, claiming insufficient evidence has been presented to justify a conviction.
Diddy Declines to Testify
In a significant development, Sean “Diddy” Combs may have made his fortune with lyrics, but told a judge Tuesday that he is reserving the right not to share his words by not taking the stand in his sex-trafficking trial, which is expected to conclude this week. The decision came after prosecutors completed their presentation of evidence.
Sean “Diddy” Combs has praised the judge at his sex trafficking trial as he confirmed he won’t be testifying. This decision follows legal strategy discussions with his defense team, who apparently concluded that the prosecution’s case was not strong enough to warrant the risk of cross-examination.
Recent Testimony Highlights
Throughout the trial, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ racketeering and sex-trafficking trial continues to reveal disturbing details about the music mogul’s alleged criminal enterprise. Recent testimony has included significant witness statements that paint a troubling picture of organized criminal activity.
The jury heard testimony from DeLeassa Penland, a special agent with the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, who provided crucial evidence about the government’s investigation. Her testimony was part of the prosecution’s effort to establish the scope and nature of the alleged criminal conspiracy.
Evidence Presented at Trial
The prosecution’s case has revealed extensive documentation of the alleged criminal enterprise. Text messages shown ad nauseam at this trial reveal just how extraordinary and involved Sean “Diddy” Combs’s sex life was and how central it was to his existence. Combs and his staff prepared extensively for various activities that prosecutors claim were part of a broader criminal conspiracy.
The evidence presented included detailed records of travel arrangements, communications, and financial transactions that prosecutors argue demonstrate a pattern of criminal behavior spanning years.
Key Witnesses and Testimony
Several significant witnesses have testified during the trial, including Ventura’s former best friend Kerry Morgan testified about two instances when she said she personally saw Combs engage in alleged criminal behavior. These firsthand accounts have been central to the prosecution’s case.
The testimony has covered a wide range of alleged criminal activities, from sex trafficking to racketeering conspiracy charges that could result in significant prison time if Combs is convicted.
What’s Next
With both sides having rested their cases, the trial now moves to closing arguments, where attorneys will present their final appeals to the jury. The timing suggests that jury deliberations could begin as early as this week, bringing this lengthy legal proceeding to its conclusion.
The outcome of this trial will have significant implications for the music industry and could set important precedents for how celebrity sex trafficking cases are prosecuted in federal court.