Earlier than his protection briefly introduced its case, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs spoke brazenly within the courthouse for the primary time in weeks. In week seven, Diddy lastly answered the burning query that trial watchers have been asking. Will he testify? That reply is not any. And amid giving affirmation, Combs additionally threw Choose Arun Subramanian a lil’ praise. That got here after the choose reserved his choice on a movement for acquittal on all costs.
RELATED: A Timeline Of Diddy’s Previous Expenses & The One Time He Was Acquitted In 2001
Combs, 55, has pleaded not responsible. He has remained incarcerated with out bail in a federal lockup in Brooklyn after a number of judges blocked his bail appeals final 12 months.
Recap Of Each Sides Resting Their Case
At present, the prosecution rested after greater than six weeks of proof presentation in opposition to the hip-hop maven. In a routine transfer after prosecutors relaxation at felony trials, Combs’ legal professionals made arguments to toss out the costs. They claimed the costs weren’t confirmed. Choose Arun Subramanian mentioned he’ll rule at a later date. Diddy was previously acquitted as soon as in his profession in 2001 of all costs associated to a nightclub capturing, whereas Shyne served 9 years for it.
Later within the afternoon, the protection rested with out calling any witnesses. As compared, prosecutors have referred to as 34 witnesses to attempt to show intercourse trafficking and racketeering conspiracy costs that resulted in Combs’ September arrest.
Nonetheless, the protection says prosecutors didn’t show these costs or that Diddy’s two ex-girlfriends felt coerced into marathon intercourse occasions with male intercourse staff. As a substitute, protection legal professionals say the “freak-offs” or “lodge nights” have been consensual sexual encounters according to the swingers life-style.
Diddy Says THIS To The Trial Choose
For context, it’s commonplace observe at federal felony trials for the choose to immediately query the defendant about whether or not to testify. This ensures that the defendant is aware of it’s his choice, no matter what his legal professionals have advised him. When Subramanian questioned Combs after the prosecutors rested, the choose requested him how he was doing.
“I’m doing nice, your honor,” the Dangerous Boy Leisure founder answered, earlier than volunteering a praise to the choose earlier than one other query could possibly be posed. “I wish to inform you thanks, you’re doing a wonderful job,” Combs mentioned. The choose responded, “Thanks, I admire it.”
Combs mentioned he “completely” mentioned the matter together with his legal professionals earlier than deciding to not testify. “That’s my choice, your honor,” Combs mentioned, including: “That’s solely my choice.” Prodded by the choose, he clarified additional: “I imply, it’s my choice with my legal professionals. … My choice to make. I’m making it.”
Extra Particulars About The Final 7 Weeks Of Trial
For the reason that trial started in early Could, authorities witnesses have included former workers of Combs’ firms. Nonetheless, many of the proof has come from the testimony of two former girlfriends: Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and an web character who testified below the pseudonym “Jane.”
Ventura testified for 4 days through the trial’s first week. The 38-year-old mentioned she felt pressured to interact in a whole bunch of “freak offs” as a result of the encounters would allow her to be intimate with Combs after performing sexually with male intercourse staff. He allegedly watched them slather each other with child oil and typically filmed the encounters.
In the meantime, Jane testified for six days in regards to the sexual performances she labeled “lodge nights.” She mentioned she was placing them into perspective after starting remedy three months in the past. She mentioned she felt coerced into participating in them as just lately as final August, however did so as a result of she beloved and nonetheless loves Combs. Ventura was in a relationship with Combs from 2007 to 2018, whereas Jane was continuously with him from 2021 till his arrest. The arrest canceled her plan to satisfy him on the New York lodge the place feds took him into custody.
Protection legal professionals questioned the witnesses all through the trial to make their case for exoneration. A number of of them testified reluctantly or solely after they have been granted immunity from any crimes they could have dedicated.
No Testimony, However He’s Been Defending Himself From His Seat
Combs has been energetic in his protection. He’s written notes to his legal professionals, typically serving to them determine when to cease questioning a witness. As soon as, the choose referred to as him for nodding enthusiastically towards jurors throughout a profitable stretch of cross-examination by certainly one of his legal professionals. Prosecutors complained that his gestures have been a type of testifying with out being topic to cross-examination. The choose warned he may exclude Diddy from his trial if it occurred once more.
Up to now week, prosecutors and protection legal professionals have proven jurors over 40 minutes of recordings Combs fabricated from the “freak offs” or “lodge nights.” A number of jurors often appeared squeamish as they seen and listened to audio of the encounters, however most didn’t appear to react. Closing arguments are set to start on Thursday.
RELATED: Diddy Trial Week 7: Prosecution Shares Last Arguments, Protection Briefly Presents & Rests Case Amid Calling For Acquittal Of All Federal Expenses (LIVE UPDATES)
Related Press Employees Michael R. Sisak and Larry Neumeister contributed to this report by way of AP Newsroom.
What Do You Suppose Roomies?
