Embattled rapper, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
The prosecution has rested its case after six weeks of testimony from 34 witnesses. The defense then made a Rule 29 motion, arguing that the prosecution failed to meet its burden of proof against Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Once the jury returned from lunch, the defense presented and rested its case.
Here’s what happened in court:
Rule 29 Motion:
Combs’ defense attorney, Alexandra Shapiro, made a Rule 29 motion—a routine motion typically made by the defense in a criminal trial after the government rests its case—requesting a judgment of acquittal on all counts. She argued that the government had failed to meet its burden of proof.
Counts:
Regarding the racketeering count, Shapiro contended that prosecutors failed to show that anyone conspired with Combs. She also claimed that Combs “actually took steps to conceal the nature of the sexual activity he was engaging in from his employees,” including former chief of staff Kristina Khorram.
Shapiro further argued that the prosecution did not prove the sex trafficking charges related to Jane Doe and Cassie Ventura.
Rebuttal:
Prosecutor Christy Slavik responded by stating that the evidence presented at trial more than sufficiently supports allowing the case to go before the jury. The judge said he would reserve his decision on the motion.
“I’m doing great”:
While the jury was out of the courtroom, the judge addressed Combs directly regarding his decision not to testify in his own defense. When asked how he was feeling, Combs responded, “I’m doing great, Your Honor,” and added, “I’ve been wanting to tell you thank you. You’re doing an excellent job.”
The judge chuckled and replied, “Thank you, I appreciate it.”
The judge then confirmed with Combs that he understood his right not to testify, that no adverse inference could be drawn from his decision, and asked whether it was indeed his personal decision. “That is my decision, Your Honor,” Combs replied.
The Defense’s Case:
Defense attorney Anna Estevao began by reading several text messages between Ventura and Combs into the record, which showed the two positively discussing plans for a “freak off.” The defense rested its case by the end of the day.
Stipulations:
Another defense attorney, Teny Geragos, read stipulations concerning statements made by witnesses in pre-trial interviews. These included:
A statement from a man Combs allegedly hired to have sex with Ventura.
Clarifications that, during several meetings with the government, Dawn Richard did not claim that Combs threatened her by saying, “Where he comes from, people go missing if they say things.”
That in Mia’s first three meetings with law enforcement, she did not state that Combs initiated sexual contact with her.
That Bryana Bongolan did not tell prosecutors, during a pre-trial meeting, that Combs said he could kill her at a photoshoot.
What’s Next:
The jury will not be in court on Wednesday. They are expected to return on Thursday, when closing arguments will begin.
Defense attorneys and prosecutors have agreed to hold court from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET on both Thursday and Friday.
Prosecutor Maurene Comey told the judge that she does not expect jury deliberations to begin until Monday.