Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Defense Declares Trial a 'Fake' Amid Closing Arguments

During closing arguments in the trial against Sean 'Diddy' Combs, defense attorney Marc Agnifilo criticized the sex trafficking and racketeering charges, asserting they mischaracterize consensual relationships as criminal acts. The prosecution countered with claims of violence and manipulation, setting the stage for juror deliberations.

In a dramatic conclusion to the trial against Sean "Diddy" Combs, his defense team labeled the proceedings a "fake trial," arguing that the charges of sex trafficking and racketeering were grossly exaggerated. In a lengthy rebuttal, attorney Marc Agnifilo spent four hours convincing a jury that Combs’ lifestyle was unjustly scrutinized by the government. The 55-year-old rapper has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which also include transportation to engage in prostitution.

Agnifilo emphasized that Combs and his ex-girlfriends engaged in consensual "swingers lifestyle" activities and said, "The government targeted Sean Combs," prompting sustained objections from prosecutors. Prosecutor Christy Slavik had previously spent over five hours presenting a case depicting how Combs exploited his power to traffic women, further alleging he used drugs and violence to coerce them into participating in explicit acts, termed “freak-offs.”

During his closing argument, Agnifilo targeted the credibility of key witnesses, highlighting Combs' past 11-year relationship with Casandra Ventura. He portrayed Ventura not as a victim but as a willing participant, stating, "She's a woman who actually likes sex—good for her." He contended that domestic disagreements and physical altercations should not be classified as sex trafficking, seeking to dismantle the prosecution's narrative that highlights an infamous surveillance video from 2016 showing Combs allegedly assaulting Ventura in a hotel hallway.

In a strategic move, the defense lawyer downplayed the significance of the incident, arguing it did not demonstrate the intent to engage in trafficking, but rather illustrated a complex relationship. Agnifilo also questioned the prosecution's entire racketeering claim, contending there was a "gaping lack of evidence" to support the assertion that Combs maintained a criminal enterprise backed by loyalists. He pointed out that members of Combs’ inner circle, like ex-chief-of-staff Kristina Khorram, were viewed favorably and could not realistically be characterized as co-conspirators.

In her rebuttal, prosecutor Maurene Comey adopted a forceful stance against Agnifilo's claims, emphasizing the victims' experiences of emotional, physical, and financial entrapment. She pointed out Ventura’s civil lawsuit settlement, questioning the logic behind her risking perjury in federal court.

With jurors scheduled to reconvene for instructions on evaluating the case against Combs, deliberations on the charges—which could lead to life imprisonment—are imminent. The trial continues to capture public attention, with updates available through various media outlets, including the BBC’s "Diddy on Trial" podcast.