The prosecution is streamlining its case against Sean "Diddy" Combs with precision. As the rap mogul's federal trial for sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for prostitution—to which he has steadfastly pleaded not guilty—enters its seventh week, the prosecution has submitted a letter to Judge Arun Subramanian, revising portions of their theories pertaining to attempted arson and kidnapping. In the letter, obtained by E! News, the prosecution declares, "The Government is abandoning these theories of liability, thereby rendering related instructions unnecessary."
Furthermore, the prosecution has not only dropped segments of their argument regarding one count of racketeering conspiracy but has also sought to clarify the two counts of transportation for prostitution leveled against Combs. Addressing the jury's closing statements this week, the letter underscores the "crucial" understanding that "prior consent is not decisive" in determining whether a victim has been sex trafficked, emphasizing that this same principle applies to forced labor, which is integral to Combs' sex trafficking charges. Additionally, the letter requests the court to instruct the jury that "sex trafficking/labor and payment to the victim for such conduct are not mutually exclusive concepts."
Combs currently stands accused of five counts in his federal trial, encompassing the aforementioned charges as well as two additional counts related to transportation for prostitution. This letter from the prosecution surfaces shortly after Combs' defense team rested their case after a mere 20 minutes on June 24, with the 55-year-old electing to forego his right to testify. "We have deliberated extensively, and this is my decision," Combs informed the judge, who has been in federal custody since his arrest in September. "It is solely my choice, and I am making it."
In his rare address to the court, Combs, whose legal team has repeatedly motioned for a mistrial, also expressed his gratitude towards Subramanian for his handling of the case thus far. "I'm doing well, your honor," Combs told the judge. "I wanted to thank you; you're doing an exemplary job."
