A pivotal moment just unfolded in the high-stakes Diddy trial, as Sean “Diddy” Combs informed Judge Arun Subramanian that he will not testify in his ongoing sex trafficking trial. This announcement came mere moments after the prosecution officially rested its case, marking a critical juncture in the widely followed Diddy court case.
Sean Combs is currently facing severe federal charges, including sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy. These allegations claim that Combs led an enterprise that coerced women into drug-fueled sexual encounters, which he has consistently denied, asserting all interactions were consensual and part of a swinger lifestyle. If convicted, the repercussions could be life-altering.
The Diddy sex trafficking trial, which began earlier this year, saw the prosecution conclude its presentation of evidence on June 24, 2025, after more than six weeks of testimony. The court was presented with extensive evidence, including nearly an hour of explicit video recordings, numerous text messages, travel receipts, hotel invoices, and financial transfers. Prosecutors called 34 witnesses to the stand, among them former girlfriends, employees, and a notable appearance by rapper Kid Cudi. Five witnesses testified under immunity, providing what the prosecution deemed crucial insights into the alleged activities.
During the courtroom session on June 24, 2025, Sean Combs directly addressed Judge Arun Subramanian. When asked if he wished to testify, he calmly stated it was his decision, made in consultation with his lawyers. He also notably expressed gratitude to the judge, saying,
“I’m doing great, Your Honor. I’ve been wanting to tell you thank you. You’re doing an excellent job,”
highlighting a rare moment of civility amidst the intense legal proceedings.
Following the prosecution’s conclusion, the defense team, led by Alexandra Shapiro, promptly filed a Rule 29 motion for acquittal on all counts. This motion argued that the prosecutors had failed to adequately prove the charges, especially the racketeering conspiracy, claiming there was no evidence that Combs’ staff facilitated any coercion.
While typically denied, this move underscores the defense’s strategy to challenge the prosecution’s narrative through legal arguments rather than additional testimony. The defense plans to present some evidence by reading it into the record, but notably, they will not be calling any witnesses to the stand, including Sean Combs himself. This decision to forgo Diddy testimony aligns with reports suggesting such a move would expose him to intense cross-examination regarding other alleged actions, potentially creating further civil liabilities.
With the prosecution having rested and the defense set to present its limited evidence without witnesses, closing arguments are now scheduled for Thursday and Friday of this week. A verdict in the high-profile Sean Combs trial is anticipated very soon after, bringing this closely watched Diddy court case to its critical conclusion.
