Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs May Skip Testimony as Judge Indicates Jury Might Begin Deliberations Next Week

NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs may not take the stand in his federal trial for sex trafficking. His lawyer suggested that the defense could wrap up its case in just two days. With the prosecution expected to finish soon, jurors could start deliberating next week.

Attorney Marc Agnifilo informed Judge Arun Subramanian that they wouldn’t need as much time for their presentation unless Combs decided to testify. Previous testimonies from his ex-girlfriends took up a significant portion of the trial.

Combs, who is 55, has pleaded not guilty to the charges. He has been held in a Brooklyn federal jail since his arrest in September.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey mentioned that prosecutors plan to rest their case by Friday. Earlier in the trial, Combs’ ex-girlfriends, Cassie Ventura and another witness identified as "Jane," described troubling experiences with him. They testified about being pressured into sexual situations with male escorts that Combs orchestrated.

Recently, jurors watched nearly 20 minutes of explicit video from those encounters. Reactions in the courtroom varied; some jurors appeared uncomfortable while watching, while others responded differently.

The defense argued that these videos prove the sexual interactions were consensual. Defense lawyer Teny Geragos emphasized that the recordings were intimate and meant only for those involved.

On the flip side, prosecutors alleged that Combs used manipulation and threats to control the situation, insisting on very specific sexual activities.

In a related development, Judge Subramanian reprimanded both legal teams for a leak about a closed court proceeding. He warned that future violations could lead to serious consequences.

This case has drawn significant attention and sparked various discussions on social media about consent and power dynamics in relationships. According to a recent survey by YouGov, nearly 30% of Americans believe that celebrity status can complicate relationships, making it difficult for individuals to express consent freely.

This trial highlights the ongoing conversation around accountability and the implications of power within intimate relationships, something that resonates with many in today’s society.

For further insights into similar topics, consider looking at resources from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.

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