In a significant moment during the ongoing legal proceedings, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs broke his silence in the courthouse, addressing the courtroom for the first time in several weeks. During this seventh week of trial, Diddy confronted a pivotal question that has intrigued legal analysts and the public alike: Will he take the stand to testify? The answer is a definitive no. While confirming his decision, Combs also expressed a compliment towards Judge Arun Subramanian, which came after the judge postponed his ruling on a crucial motion for acquittal regarding all charges against him.

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At 55 years old, Combs has maintained his not guilty plea throughout these proceedings. He remains in custody without the possibility of bail within a federal detention center located in Brooklyn, following rejection of multiple bail requests from various judges last year.

Overview of the Trial: Prosecution and Defense Present Their Cases

Today marked a crucial milestone as the prosecution concluded their case after more than six weeks of presenting evidence against the influential hip-hop mogul. Following the standard protocol after the prosecution rests in criminal trials, Combs’ legal team promptly filed motions to dismiss the charges, asserting that the prosecution had failed to substantiate its claims. Judge Arun Subramanian indicated that he would issue a ruling on these motions at a future date. Notably, Diddy achieved a full acquittal in 2001 connected to a nightclub shooting, while his former associate Shyne was sentenced to nine years for related offenses.

Later in the day, the defense also rested their case without introducing any witnesses. In stark contrast, the prosecution had summoned a total of 34 witnesses in their attempt to validate allegations of sex trafficking and a racketeering conspiracy that led to Combs’ arrest in September.

The defense contends that the prosecution has not successfully proven the charges against Diddy, nor demonstrated that his two former girlfriends felt coerced into participating in what were termed marathon sex events with male sex workers. Instead, defense attorneys argue that these encounters, referred to as “freak-offs” or “hotel nights,” were consensual sexual interactions consistent with a swingers lifestyle.

Diddy Engages Directly with the Trial Judge

In federal criminal trials, it is customary for the presiding judge to directly inquire of the defendant regarding their decision to testify. This procedure ensures that defendants understand that the choice is ultimately theirs, independent of their attorneys’ guidance. During Judge Subramanian’s inquiry following the conclusion of the prosecution’s case, he asked Combs about his well-being.

“I’m doing great, your honor,” responded the founder of Bad Boy Entertainment, who also took a moment to compliment the judge before further inquiries could be made. “I want to express my gratitude; you’re doing an excellent job,” Combs stated, to which the judge replied, “Thank you, I appreciate it.”

Combs subsequently clarified that he had engaged in thorough discussions with his legal counsel prior to deciding against testifying. “That is my decision, your honor,” he emphasized, adding: “That is solely my decision.” When prompted by the judge for further clarification, he elaborated: “I mean, it’s my decision with my lawyers. … I’m making it.”

In-Depth Look at the Trial’s Previous Seven Weeks

Since the commencement of the trial in early May, the government has called a range of witnesses, including former employees from Combs’ various business ventures. However, the majority of the evidence has stemmed from testimonies given by two of Combs’ former girlfriends: Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and an online personality who testified under the alias “Jane.”

Ventura provided testimony over four days during the initial week of the trial, indicating that she felt pressured to partake in numerous “freak-offs.” According to her, these sexual encounters were framed as a way for her to maintain intimacy with Combs after engaging in sexual activities with male sex workers, which he allegedly observed, sometimes filming these encounters while they coated each other in baby oil.

Conversely, Jane testified for six days, describing the sexual performances she referred to as “hotel nights.” She shared her perspective on these experiences after beginning therapy three months ago, stating that she felt coerced into these events as recently as August, yet participated because of her enduring affection for Combs. Ventura was romantically linked with Combs from 2007 until 2018, while Jane was involved with him from 2021 until his arrest, which interrupted her plans to meet him at a New York hotel at the time of his capture.

Throughout the trial, defense attorneys rigorously questioned the witnesses to bolster their argument for acquittal. Notably, several witnesses testified only after being granted immunity from potential criminal charges.

Active Defense Strategy: Diddy Participates From His Seat

Despite not taking the stand, Combs has played an active role in his defense strategy. He has communicated with his attorneys through notes, occasionally advising them on when to cease questioning a witness. On one occasion, the judge even called attention to Combs for nodding enthusiastically toward jurors during a particularly effective cross-examination conducted by his lawyer. Prosecutors argued that his gestures constituted a form of testimony without the opportunity for cross-examination, prompting the judge to issue a warning that he might exclude Diddy from the courtroom if such behavior continued.

In the last week, both the prosecution and defense presented jurors with over 40 minutes of recorded footage featuring Combs during the “freak-offs” or “hotel nights.” Observations indicated that several jurors appeared visibly uncomfortable while viewing and listening to the audio of these sexual encounters, although the majority maintained a neutral demeanor. The closing arguments are scheduled to commence on Thursday.

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Contributions to this report were made by Associated Press Staff Michael R. Sisak and Larry Neumeister via the AP Newsroom.