On Friday morning, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ lead lawyer initiated the closing arguments of the defense team in his sex trafficking and racketeering trial. He told the jurors that the idea of using his company as a platform for racketeering is part of a fabricated trial, and asserted that the prosecution is misrepresenting consensual, non-conventional sexual acts as criminal offenses.
Lawyer Marc Agnifilo, who heads a team that includes Teny Geragos, Brian Steel, Alexandra Shapiro, and others, began their closing statements on Friday morning. The defense decided not to bring any new witnesses after the prosecution finished presenting its case on Wednesday, instead choosing to present fresh evidence. On the same day, Combs informed Judge Arun Subramanian that he would not be testifying in his own defense. In response, Agnifilo’s closing remarks challenged, sometimes humorously, the extensive case presented by federal prosecutors over the past six weeks. This came a day after a prosecution attorney spent nearly five hours on Thursday, summarizing the case details and explaining to the jury how each piece of evidence and testimony relates to the five charges listed in the indictment issued in September.
Comb’s legal team has entered a ‘not guilty’ plea for him in relation to five charges mentioned in an indictment, such as sex trafficking and racketeering. Since September, he has been detained without bail in Brooklyn, and his federal trial, which started on May 5, has been ongoing.
Over the past six weeks in the federal courthouse on Pearl Street in lower Manhattan, Agnifilo depicted the events as a “saga of two trials.” One portrayal centered around federal prosecutors distorting Combs’ unconventional yet consensual sexual activities into a series of alleged criminal acts. The other narrative, however, showcased witnesses who testified about a successful Black businessman admired within his community.
In reference to the two instances he mentioned, one was described as “presented by the prosecution” while the other encompassed evidence, which he explained to the jury on Friday.
He stated, “This isn’t about wrongdoing. It’s about finances,” then alluding to the civil lawsuit filed by his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in October 2023, a legal action that marked the start of Sean Combs’ reputation decline and attracted federal attention: “Cassie Ventura filed a $30 million lawsuit against Sean Combs because he has $30 million.
During a prolonged court appearance, Ventura testified earlier in this ongoing trial (which started with jury selection on May 5), lasting over a week so far. During her testimony, she disclosed that the $30 million civil lawsuit, which was resolved the very next day, brought her approximately $20 million. Additionally, she mentioned an ongoing lawsuit against the Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles, where an incident involving Combs resulted in footage of her being beaten and dragged. This footage later leaked to CNN.
Amplifying his show of disdain, Defense Attorney Agnifilo ridiculed the prosecution for labeling his client’s private life as a criminal act. Combs was charged with coordinating and recording “excessive” or extended hotel sex sessions involving a male sex worker or workers and his partner. These sessions often involved the use of Astroglide lubricant and baby oil, were fueled by drugs, and were frequently filmed by Combs as he watched. During the testimony of witness “Jane”, she suggested that Combs might be bisexual but too uncomfortable to participate in same-sex relationships himself. Additionally, she referred to Combs as a “cuckold” on the stand, explaining this term refers to a man who derives pleasure from watching his female partner have sex with another man. (In a broader context, it is a husband of an unfaithful wife.)
He expressed that the terminology can vary – be it “swinging” or “threesomes,” ultimately it’s the same thing. It’s ludicrous, he emphasized, for them to portray his personal life as a criminal act of extreme complexity and severity.
Next, the lead lawyer shifted the discussion towards the claim that Combs Global, previously known as Combs Enterprises, operates like a criminal organization, as the prosecution has suggested. Agnifilo, however, found this notion utterly unreasonable.
Seriously, that’s not a real trial we’re discussing, right?” the main lawyer explained to the jury.
Afterward, Agnifilo joked about “Jane,” who was in a relationship with Combs from 2021 until his arrest in 2024. She testified that during their involvement, the almost billionaire would cover her $10,000 monthly rent; she further revealed on the stand that the imprisoned tycoon continues to pay her rent.
Agnifilo jokingly commented, ‘I hope she’s enjoying herself today. By the way, can you tell me where she is? She seems to be at the place he owns the house,'”
or more casually:
“Agnifilo made a joke saying, ‘She’s having a good time today, I wonder where that is happening? Looks like it’s at his house she lives in,’
The sensational raid on Combs’ properties last year marked another step in the government’s actions against the fallen mogul. In March, federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations reportedly swooped down on Combs’ homes in Miami and Los Angeles, believed to be linked with his company, Bad Boys Film Production. They stormed the premises to seize computers and other items. At the time, Combs’ lawyer called the raids excessive. Agnifilo later joked about the alleged discovery of vast amounts of lubricants, a detail that sparked humor when news of the raids were made public.
He remarked, ‘I suppose it’s all been worthwhile.’ Piled high with tubes of Astroglide, they have it now – America’s streets are safe from this product. I’m grateful for the swift action of the special response team. They’ve secured the baby oil as well, great job gentlemen.
Reflecting on that massive operation, I couldn’t help but joke, “Funny enough, today marks the 50th anniversary of ‘Jaws’. Seems like we could use a bigger boat, a bigger crime scene perimeter too!
Maurene Comey, who was leading the federal investigation, expressed concerns during a conversation with Judge Subramanian before lunch, stating that the defense’s arguments, which she deemed inappropriate and sarcastic towards her team, were problematic, as reported by NBC News.
Agnifilo was quick with a reply, telling the judge, “I think I’m allowed to be sarcastic.”
This is a developing story. More to come.
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2025-06-27 21:25