Additional Coverage:
- Diddy’s lawyers signal they won’t be calling defense witnesses (businessinsider.com)
Diddy Expected to Skip Testifying in Sex-Trafficking Trial
The defense in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex-trafficking and racketeering trial has indicated it will not call any witnesses, a surprising turn of events. Combs had reportedly been preparing to testify for weeks, but appears to have changed his mind.
This decision comes after legal experts suggested that taking the stand could expose Combs to damaging cross-examination about his past, including previous arrests and sexual abuse lawsuits. While the defense had initially planned to call several witnesses, including a psychiatric expert and Combs Global employees, they now appear to be shifting strategy.
Although Combs won’t testify, the judge will formally confirm his decision to waive this right before the defense rests its case, expected Tuesday or Wednesday. According to Michael Bachner, a former prosecutor who worked on Combs’ 2001 gun and bribery case (in which Combs was acquitted), this procedure is standard to ensure Combs doesn’t later claim he was prevented from testifying.
Bachner believes avoiding the stand is a wise move, as it shields Combs from questioning about other accusers not directly involved in the current indictment. Prosecutors had previously sought to introduce testimony from these women but were blocked by the defense.
The prosecution, which has called over 30 witnesses, including ex-girlfriends Cassie Ventura and a woman identified as “Jane,” is expected to rest its case on Tuesday. Closing arguments are anticipated to begin Thursday, after which the jury will begin deliberations. Combs, 55, faces a potential life sentence if convicted on the top charges.
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- Diddy’s lawyers signal they won’t be calling defense witnesses (businessinsider.com)