Sean “Diddy” Combs operated a criminal enterprise for more than two decades, using “power, violence, and fear” to commit a series of brutal crimes, prosecutors said Thursday, June 26, during closing arguments in his federal trial.
Speaking for nearly five hours, lead prosecutor Christy Slavik painted a damning portrait of the 55-year-old music mogul, accusing him of believing his “fame, wealth, and power” placed him above the law.
“He’s the leader of a criminal enterprise,” Slavik told the court. “He doesn’t take ‘no’ for an answer. And now you know about many crimes he committed with members of his inner circle.”
The prosecution alleges Combs engaged in racketeering, sex trafficking, forced labor, arson, and bribery, detailing a pattern of abuse spanning two decades. Slavik said the rapper coerced his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and another woman, known only as Jane, into drug-fueled sexual performances — which Combs allegedly called “freak offs,” “hotel nights,” or “king nights.”
“He used power, violence, and fear to get what he wanted,” Slavik said. “He thought he was untouchable.”
Combs faces one count of racketeering conspiracy, two charges of sex trafficking, and two charges of transportation for the purpose of prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty and has denied all allegations of sexual abuse.
Slavik detailed how Combs used a “small army” of employees — including bodyguards, assistants, and other staff — to facilitate and conceal his crimes. She claimed the group committed hundreds of racketeering acts, including the distribution of drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine, MDMA, and Oxycodone. Some of these substances were allegedly procured by staff, while others were found during federal raids on Combs’s properties.
The jury also saw video footage purportedly showing Combs physically assaulting Cassie at the InterContinental Hotel. During the screening, Combs reportedly looked away, appearing dejected and withdrawn.
Among the most disturbing accusations: that Combs ordered the kidnapping of his personal assistant Capricorn Clark, locked a girlfriend in a hotel room after stomping on her face, and even tried to blow up rapper Kid Cudi’s car.
Combs’s legal team has acknowledged instances of domestic violence, but insists no federal crimes were committed. They argue that the women participated willingly in the alleged sex acts, the drugs were for personal use, and that no conspiracy existed, as employees never agreed to commit crimes.
However, Slavik pushed back forcefully in her closing, arguing that staff members repeatedly took part in criminal activities under Combs’s direction.
“Before today, he was able to get away with it due to his money, power, and influence,” Slavik said. “But that stops now. It’s time to hold him accountable. It’s time for justice. It’s time to find him guilty.”
Combs has been held at a New York correctional facility since his arrest in September 2024. If convicted on all charges, he faces a minimum sentence of 15 years, and could be sentenced to life in prison.
On Friday, his lead attorney Marc Agnifilo is expected to deliver the defence’s closing argument, followed by a government rebuttal. Judge Arun Subramanian will then instruct the jury, which may begin deliberations by late afternoon.
The 12-member jury must reach a unanimous verdict to convict on any of the charges.
