The high-profile trial of music star Sean “Diddy” Combs is now at a very important stage. On Thursday, June 26, both the prosecution and defense teams are set to give their final speeches to the jury. These closing arguments will be long, and each side will try to explain why they believe Combs is guilty or innocent. After weeks of emotional testimonies, this moment could decide what happens next for the 55-year-old musician and businessman.

Combs is being accused of running a criminal group for many years. The government says he was involved in serious crimes like forced labor, bribery, setting fires, threatening witnesses, and sex trafficking. They believe he and his close team used these illegal activities to make money and live a flashy lifestyle while pretending to be successful and respectable in public.

One of the biggest charges is racketeering, which means organizing and managing a group that does illegal things. If he is found guilty of this, he could be sentenced to life in prison. He’s also facing other charges like two counts of sex trafficking and transporting women across state lines for sex work. Prosecutors say he forced two women, including singer Cassie Ventura and another woman referred to as “Jane,” to have drug-fueled sex with others over a period of years.

Combs’ legal team has denied all of the claims. They say the relationships were consensual and that none of the women were forced. His lawyers argue that many of the people speaking against him are only doing it because they are jealous, want fame, or are hoping to make money. They tried to show that the witnesses are not trustworthy.

More than 30 people testified during the trial. Those who spoke in court include past assistants, escorts, family members, hotel staff, police officers, and a psychologist. One hotel security guard said he was given $100,000 in cash to keep quiet about things he saw.

Prosecutors shared lots of evidence during the trial. This included text messages, phone call records, money sent using CashApp, hotel bookings, flight records, and even videos from parties. They claimed these parties were part of the illegal acts. The defense, however, said the videos and messages showed love and consent, not crime.

Sean Combs chose not to speak during his trial, which is a common legal move. In criminal cases, it’s the job of the prosecutors to prove someone is guilty, so the accused person doesn’t always need to talk in court.

The case, which started in early May, has gotten huge public attention. Every day, many influencers and social media personalities gather outside the federal court in Manhattan. Even though people aren’t allowed to bring phones into the courtroom, the trial has gone viral online.

While Combs has stayed away from the public entrances of the courthouse, other well-known people have come to show support or testify. One big moment was when rapper Kid Cudi told the court that Combs’ people burned his car.

Closing arguments should end by Friday. It’s possible, though unlikely, that the jury might begin discussions the same day. Lawyers believe the jury will most likely get the case on Monday.

Once that happens, the jury of 12 people will decide if Sean Combs is guilty or not. The world is waiting to see what will happen to a man once seen as a powerful icon, who is now facing the chance of spending the rest of his life in prison.