Federal prosecutors have accused music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs of leading a criminal operation for over 20 years. They say he used fear, violence, and power to carry out serious crimes. This was revealed on Thursday, June 26, during the closing arguments of his federal trial.
Lead prosecutor Christy Slavik spoke for nearly five hours, painting a negative image of the 55-year-old star. She said Combs believed his fame and money made him untouchable and 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 government claims Diddy was involved in crimes like racketeering, sex trafficking, forced labor, arson, and bribery. They also say he forced his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and another woman, known as Jane, into drug-fueled sex acts he called “freak offs” and “hotel nights.”
Diddy is facing five serious charges: one for racketeering conspiracy, two for sex trafficking, and two for transporting people for prostitution. He has denied all accusations and pleaded not guilty.
Slavik explained that Combs had a team of people — like bodyguards and assistants — who helped him commit and hide these crimes. She said this group was involved in hundreds of illegal acts, including dealing drugs like cocaine, MDMA, ketamine, and more. Some of the drugs were reportedly found in his homes during police raids.
“He used power, violence, and fear to get what he wanted,” Slavik said. “He thought he was untouchable.”
The jury was also shown a video that appears to show Diddy hitting Cassie at a hotel. While the footage played in court, Diddy reportedly looked away and appeared downcast.
Other shocking claims include Diddy ordering the kidnapping of his assistant, attacking a woman by stomping on her face, and trying to blow up rapper Kid Cudi’s car.
Diddy’s lawyers admit he was involved in some violent incidents but say none of it adds up to federal crimes. They argue that the women took part in the sex acts by choice, the drugs were for personal use, and there was no agreement among employees to break the law.
However, prosecutor Slavik pushed back hard. She said staff members followed Diddy’s orders and took part in criminal activities.
“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.”
Since his arrest in September 2024, Combs has been held in a New York jail. If the jury finds him guilty on all counts, he could get at least 15 years in prison — and possibly spend the rest of his life behind bars.
On Friday, Diddy’s main lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, is expected to give his closing argument. After that, the judge will instruct the jury, and they might start their final discussions by late Friday.
All 12 jurors must agree for Combs to be found guilty on any of the charges.
