The prosecution described Sean “Diddy” Combs as a leader of a criminal enterprise built on power and violence in a nearly five-hour closing argument on Thursday.
Why It Matters
Combs is facing federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Sean “Diddy” Combs, far left, and attorney Marc Agnifilo, right, sit at the defense table during witness testimony in Manhattan federal court, Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in New York. Sean “Diddy” Combs, far left, and attorney Marc Agnifilo, right, sit at the defense table during witness testimony in Manhattan federal court, Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in New York. Elizabeth Williams via AP
What To Know
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik delivered the closing argument for the prosecution.
Combs ‘Doesn’t Take No for an Answer’: Prosecutor
Slavik began by alleging that Combs is the leader of a criminal enterprise.
“He doesn’t take no for an answer,” Slavik said.
She said aspects of the sex trafficking scheme included bribery, forced labor, threats and manipulation.
Slavik said Combs used “power, violence and greed” to control his alleged victims.
Slavik said the alleged racketeering scheme involved several of Combs’ employees, including chief of staff Kristina Khorram and security staff like D-Roc and Uncle Paulie.
“Everyone was there to serve him,” Slavik said.
The prosecutor said Khorram was paid $600,000 per year for her work, which included ensuring that drugs and cash were delivered to Combs’ hotel room.
“That’s what a racketeering conspiracy is,” Slavik said.
The prosecution has alleged that Combs organized drug-fueled parties called “freak offs,” where individuals were coerced into performing sexual acts. Slavik said high-ranking employees were aware of the freak offs.
“It defies logic to think his most trusted lieutenants were in the dark,” Slavik told the jury. “They knew what was happening, and they helped him do it.”
Prosecutor Alleges Drugs, Sex Workers Used in Freak Offs
Slavik said drugs utilized during freak offs included cocaine, meth, ketamine, oxycodone, Xanax, ecstasy, GHB and mushrooms.
Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura was given drugs at every freak off she participated in, Slavik said. Another ex-girlfriend of Combs, who testified under the pseudonym “Jane,” allegedly received drugs at every freak off except for one.
Slavik alleged that Combs used drugs as a way to get Ventura and Jane to agree to the sexual encounters.
Slavik said Ventura had sex with at least 15 different escorts during freak-offs, and Jane had sex with at least six.
“They didn’t want to have sex with other men,” Slavik said.
Prosecutor Alleges Use of Threats, Manipulation by Combs
Slavik said Combs used Jane’s rent, which he began paying in 2023, as part of his coercion to get her to participate in freak-offs.
Combs allegedly threatened to release sex tapes of Jane to her child’s father. He also allegedly threatened to release sex tapes of Ventura when she did not want to participate in freak-offs.
Slavik said Combs called Jane after Ventura filed a lawsuit against Combs in November 2023. The phone call was played in court.
During the call, Combs said he needed Jane’s “friendship.” Slavik alleged that Combs was trying to determine if she also planned to speak out against him.
‘No Safe Space’ for Ventura: Prosecutor
Slavik said Comb and Ventura’s relationship was “not normal” and Combs “molded her” into compliance.
“There was no safe space for Cassie,” Slavik said. “He didn’t take no for an answer. He didn’t stop.”
Jurors were shown photos of Ventura’s injuries and surveillance footage from a Los Angeles hotel showing Combs assaulting Ventura in 2016.
Slavik said the video should “leave no doubt” that Combs committed sex trafficking. The prosecutor said Combs was also violent with Ventura during freak-offs from 2012 to 2014.
“She knew when he was happy, she was safe,” Slavik said.
What People Are Saying
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik, in the prosecution’s closing argument: “If the defendant wanted a freak off, that’s what happened. There was no way around it.”
Defense attorney Teny Geragos, in the defense’s opening statement: “This case is about voluntary adult choices made by capable adults in consensual relationships.”
What Happens Next
The defense will deliver its closing argument on Friday. After closing arguments conclude, the jury will start deliberations.
Combs is facing life in prison if convicted.
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