Diddy’s Legal Team Shifts Strategy: No Witnesses Called After Prosecution Closes Case

Today, jurors heard more evidence in Diddy’s trial. Federal prosecutors presented text messages and testimony to show what they describe as his troubling behavior. The prosecution is expected to wrap up its case soon.

Diddy’s attorney, Marc Agnifilo, stated that they won’t call witnesses. However, they will present some evidence. Legal analyst Danny Cevallos suggests this is a strategic choice. Defense teams often wait to see how the prosecution performs before deciding their next steps.

Here are some key takeaways from today’s proceedings:

• Testimony Details: Joseph Cerciello from Homeland Security spoke about Diddy allegedly paying for a sex worker named Cabral to stay at a hotel in New York in September 2023. This connects to the government’s charges, including facilitating prostitution.

• Text Messages: Jurors saw text exchanges where Diddy’s ex-girlfriend, referred to as "Jane," pushed back against his demands. She expressed her discomfort, saying, "I don’t want to be used and locked in a room to fulfill your fantasies." This aligns with the government’s argument that Diddy coerced women to meet his sexual desires.

• Repeated Demands: In other messages, Jane revealed her exhaustion and feelings of being trapped, mentioning, "I’m not a porn star" and describing how drained she felt after encounters.

During the trial, the jury watched explicit videos featuring Jane. Diddy remained composed, often not looking at the screen, while his mother, Janice Combs, focused on the jury.

Analyzing the Defense’s Strategy: Cevallos pointed out that not calling witnesses minimizes risk. The burden of proof lies with the government, meaning the defense can afford to be cautious. If they don’t present witnesses, it keeps the prosecution on its toes.

It’s likely that Diddy won’t testify himself. His team knows that answering questions about sensitive topics, like the accusations against him, could be risky.

Looking Ahead: Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey mentioned that Cerciello will continue to testify tomorrow. The prosecution is expected to wrap up by midday, with closing arguments possibly as early as Thursday.

The trial has drawn significant public interest. Many are following updates through social media, sharing opinions and reactions that reflect broader conversations about celebrity accountability and abuse.

The overall response sheds light on changing social attitudes towards such cases. People are now more willing to voice their thoughts on justice and support for survivors.

For detailed coverage, check out NBC for the latest updates on the trial.

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