The federal government is heavily leaning on its allegations that Sean "Diddy" Combs is guilty of transporting individuals across state lines for sex as his criminal trial reaches the final stretch.
Prosecutors argued their case for the final time during closing arguments on Thursday, June 26. According to TMZ, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik spoke to the jury and argued that the music mogul violated the Mann Act numerous times. The Department of Justice defines the Mann Act as "knowingly transporting any individual, male or female, in interstate or foreign commerce or in any territory or possession of the United States for the purpose of prostitution or sexual activity."
"Over the last several weeks, you've learned a lot about Sean Combs," Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik told the jury, per CBS. "He's the leader of a criminal enterprise. He doesn't take no for an answer. And now you know about many crimes he committed with members of his enterprise."
AUSA Slavik argued that Combs used "power, violence and fear" to orchestrate the sometimes violent sex crimes through a criminal enterprise. She claimed he broke the law when he hired male escorts and brought them across state lines to have sex with his former girlfriends Casandra "Cassie" Ventura and "Jane," both of whom testified about their experiences during the 7-week trial. Slavik recalled various examples of the alleged crime that were presented throughout the trial. She also reminded the jurors that force, coercion, or consent isn't necessary for them to find him guilty of the charge.
Combs' defense team previously dismissed the allegations and clarified that their client paid the escorts for their service. During his closing argument Friday morning, attorney Marc Agnifilo called the proceedings a "false trial" and argued Combs simply lived a "swinger's lifestyle." He mentioned Cassie's allegations that Combs raped her and forced her to participate in the "freak off" sex parties, but painted her as a strong woman "who actually likes sex." He also brought up the 2016 video of Combs beating the singer in a hotel, but emphasized that Combs isn't being charged for that incident.
“We own the domestic violence, I hope you guys know that,” Agnifilo told the jury. “It happened. That’s not charged. He did not do the things he is charged with.”
His family, including his elder children, was in the courtroom during the closing arguments to support him. Combs is charged with sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution, and racketeering. He could face life in prison if he's convicted on all counts. As the defense closes out their arguments, the jury could reach a verdict by the end of the day Friday or top of next week.