Diddy’s lawyers conclude, say govt failed to prove racketeering charges

Lawyers representing music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs have told a U.S. court that the federal government failed to prove its allegations of racketeering and sex trafficking brought against their client.

Diddy’s lead counsel, Marc Agnifilo, wrapped up his closing arguments on Friday, urging the jury to dismiss the charges. He claimed the government unfairly targeted Diddy following a civil lawsuit filed by the rapper’s ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.

“This is about money,” Agnifilo said, arguing that the federal case only gained traction after Cassie sued Combs for $30 million. He told the jury that what occurred between Diddy and Cassie amounted to domestic violence and not human trafficking, which is not among the charges.

The defense also questioned the credibility and relevance of prosecution witnesses, saying none provided evidence supporting racketeering claims. “This is a fake trial,” Agnifilo told the jury, claiming prosecutors focused on Diddy’s private life instead of proving criminal enterprise activity.

During the prosecution’s rebuttal, Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey dismissed the defense’s claims and maintained that Diddy abused his wealth and power for decades. “The defendant is not a god,” she told the jury. “It is time to hold him accountable.”

Comey said the government had presented enough testimony, text messages, audio, and bank records to prove that Combs orchestrated a long-running criminal operation involving sex trafficking and other offenses.

The court session briefly delayed due to a juror’s transportation issue, resumed with Diddy arriving in a beige sweater, giving a thumbs-up and making a heart gesture to supporters.

Earlier, the prosecution had raised concerns that the defense might attempt to inject political issues or global events, like the Iran conflict, into the case during summation. The judge warned against introducing such arguments.

The case, which has spanned seven weeks, includes multiple counts, two related to sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for prostitution.