Sean Diddy Combs Faces Sex Trafficking, Racketeering Trial in US

In the closing arguments of Sean “Diddy” Combs' trial, federal prosecutors painted a picture of the music mogul as the leader of a criminal enterprise that used violence, fear, and manipulation to traffic women for sex. Prosecutors presented evidence including testimony from two of Combs' former girlfriends, Cassie Ventura and a woman known as Jane, who described participation in drug-fueled sex parties called "Freak Offs," where Combs allegedly coerced them and used male escorts. The government argued that Combs transported people across state lines for prostitution and used his employees to facilitate and cover up these abuses, emphasizing that only one instance of coercion was needed for conviction. Defense attorneys acknowledged Combs' occasional violence but disputed that the activities constituted sex trafficking, asserting the encounters were consensual and motivated by affection. The jury was reminded that they must weigh the prosecution's evidence of coercion and abuse against the defense's claims of consent and that a unanimous verdict is required. Deliberations were expected to start shortly after the closing arguments.