
Prosecution to deliver closing arguments summarizing six weeks of graphic testimony
After more than six weeks of emotional, often graphic testimony about sex, drugs and violence, federal prosecutors on Thursday are set to summarize their case against Sean "Diddy" Combs, trying to convince a jury of eight men and four women, ages 30 to 74, that one of hip-hop's most acclaimed figures coerced women into drug-fueled sexual marathons with male escorts.
Prosecutors also allege that Combs used an inner circle of advisers, assistants, bodyguards and other employees to carry out a pattern of criminal activity.
While the prosecution has pruned some of the alleged crimes that underpin the racketeering conspiracy charge - no longer pursuing attempted kidnapping or attempted arson as acts in Combs' alleged liability - the arson of rapper Kid Cudi's car is still included as a predicate act, with prosecutors arguing it arose out of jealousy when Cudi started dating Combs' girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. The defense has countered that there's no direct evidence linking Combs to the arson.
In their closing argument, currently scheduled to begin Friday morning, defense attorneys are expected to deny Combs led the sprawling criminal conspiracy that prosecutors allege. They're also expected to argue that his sexual partners were not victims of sex trafficking who were coerced into taking part, but were willing participants and girlfriends who stayed with Combs for years.
Christy Slavik will deliver the government's closing statement, which is expected to last about four hours.
Marc Agnifilo will deliver the defense summation. He is expected to speak to the jury for about three hours, after which the prosecution will have the opportunity to deliver a rebuttal.