Sean “Diddy” Combs ran a violent criminal enterprise for more than 20 years using “power, violence, and fear,” federal prosecutors alleged during closing arguments on Thursday, June 26, in his high-profile trial.
Over nearly five hours, lead prosecutor Christy Slavik painted the 55-year-old music mogul as a man who believed his “fame, wealth, and power” placed him above the law.
“He’s the leader of a criminal enterprise,” Slavik told jurors. “He doesn’t take ‘no’ for an answer. And now you know about many crimes he committed with members of his inner circle.”
Combs faces charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transporting individuals for prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty and denies all allegations of sexual misconduct.
The government alleges that Combs orchestrated a pattern of abuse spanning decades — including sex trafficking, forced labor, arson, bribery, and drug distribution. Prosecutors say Combs coerced his former partner, Cassie Ventura, and another woman identified only as “Jane,” into participating in drug-fueled sexual encounters he allegedly called “freak offs,” “hotel nights,” or “king nights.”
“He used fear and violence to control people,” Slavik said. “He thought he was untouchable.”
Prosecutors argued Combs relied on a network of bodyguards, assistants, and employees to facilitate and cover up hundreds of crimes, including the distribution of cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine, MDMA, and Oxycodone. Some drugs were allegedly supplied by staff; others were seized during federal raids.
The jury was also shown surveillance footage that appears to depict Combs physically assaulting Cassie at the InterContinental Hotel. During the viewing, Combs reportedly looked away, visibly subdued.
Among the most disturbing allegations: Combs allegedly ordered the kidnapping of former assistant Capricorn Clark, locked a girlfriend in a hotel room after stomping on her face, and attempted to blow up rapper Kid Cudi’s car.
The defense has acknowledged some instances of domestic violence but denies that any federal crimes occurred. They argue that the sexual activity was consensual, the drugs were for personal use, and there was no coordinated criminal conspiracy among staff.
Slavik rejected those claims in her closing, asserting that Combs’s team repeatedly followed his direction in committing crimes.
“Before today, he got away with it because of his money, power, and influence,” Slavik told the jury. “That ends now. It’s time to hold him accountable. It’s time for justice.”
Combs has been held at a New York correctional facility since his arrest in September 2024. If convicted on all charges, he faces a minimum of 15 years in prison — and could serve a life sentence.
Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo is expected to deliver closing arguments on Friday, followed by the prosecution’s rebuttal. Judge Arun Subramanian will then instruct the jury, which may begin deliberating by late afternoon. A unanimous verdict is required for conviction on any count.
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