Federal prosecutors have narrowed their racketeering conspiracy case against Sean "Diddy" Combs, dropping three elements-attempted kidnapping, arson, and aiding and abetting sex trafficking-just one day before closing arguments in his federal sex crimes trial. The 55-year-old music mogul still faces five counts, including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transporting individuals for prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty.
The Justice Department, in a letter to the court, stated: "The Government is no longer planning to proceed on these theories of liability so instructions are no longer necessary." The move was intended to streamline the jury instructions ahead of closing arguments.
Defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro had earlier filed a motion for acquittal on all counts, calling the kidnapping and arson allegations "insufficient." She cited testimony from former employee Capricorn Clark, who claimed she was held and threatened with drowning if she failed polygraph tests, but argued there was no evidence Diddy orchestrated or knew about it. In the arson charge, rapper Kid Cudi, born Scott Mescudi, alleged that Diddy firebombed his Porsche in 2012 after discovering a relationship with Cassie Ventura. Shapiro responded there was no direct evidence linking her client to the act, noting DNA on the bottle was female.
The trial, now in its final phase, has hinged heavily on Ventura's testimony. She described being raped by Combs in 2018, regular use of dissociative drugs during orchestrated sex events known as "freak offs," and suffering physical abuse over their decade-long relationship. "Sean Combs is a complicated man, but this is not a complicated case," defense attorney Teny Geragos told jurors during opening arguments.
Former federal prosecutor Mark Chutkow noted, "The case really rises and falls with the testimony of Cassie Ventura." He explained that bringing racketeering charges allowed prosecutors to present a broader array of misconduct, including alleged acts of violence, drug use, and sexual coercion.
Jurors also heard from other witnesses, including a woman identified only as "Jane," who claimed she felt coerced into sexual acts and said Combs continues to pay her legal and housing expenses. Prosecutors introduced extensive supporting evidence, including text messages, videos, and witness testimony, though some alleged co-conspirators were not charged or called to testify.
Anthony Capozzolo, another former federal prosecutor, said, "None of the witnesses at trial have testified to participating in a racketeering conspiracy," questioning whether the prosecution has proven the required coordinated enterprise for RICO.
Nevertheless, Capozzolo emphasized that the remaining sex trafficking charges alone carry serious consequences, including a minimum 15-year sentence. "Even if prosecutors fail to convict on the top racketeering charge," he said, "a 'compromise' verdict may prove costly to Combs."
Criminal defense attorney Adanté Pointer added that even one conviction could carry significant prison time. "So essentially, the prosecution only needs to win on a single charge, while Diddy needs to run the table on all the charges to avoid prison time," Pointer said.
