The prosecution has finally rested its case against Sean “Diddy” Combs in the seventh week of his sex trafficking trial. Now, as the defense presents its case, Combs spoke up in court for the longest amount of time since the trial began.
Just before 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Judge Arun Subramanian conducted the allocution of Combs, where the defendant formally decides whether or not to testify in their own trial.
Asked by the judge how he is feeling, Combs, wearing a bronze-colored sweater over a white collared shirt, stood up and said, “I’m doing great, Your Honor. I’ve been wanting to tell you thank you. You’re doing an excellent job.”
Subramanian chuckled and told Combs, “Thank you, I appreciate it,” before confirming with Combs that he is of a clear mind and not under the influence of any drugs. The judge asked Combs whether he understood his option to testify, and that the jury will be instructed not to draw any inference if he chooses not to. “Yes, Your Honor,” Combs said.
Combs was asked if he has discussed his decision with his lawyers. Speaking quickly and interrupting the judge, he said, “Yes, thoroughly.”
The judge asked Combs if it is his decision not to testify in his own criminal trial. “That is my decision, Your Honor,” Combs said. “That is solely my decision. I mean, it’s my decision with my lawyers.”
Subramanian asked once again if Combs understood that it is his decision to make. “Yes, my decision, I’m making it,” Combs replied.
Love Film & TV?
Get your daily dose of everything happening in music, film and TV in Australia and abroad.
The Bad Boy Records mogul is pleading not guilty to charges of sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution and racketeering. Before the allocution, Combs’ attorney Alexandra Shapiro delivered a motion for Combs’ acquittal on all five counts. “No reasonable juror could find him guilty on any of the counts beyond a reasonable doubt,” Shapiro said to the court, without the jury present. In what sounded like a preview of the defense’s closing argument, Shapiro pointed to “insufficient evidence” related to the charges against Combs.
On Thursday and Friday, the prosecution and defense will present their closing arguments, before the judge delivers instructions to the jury. The jury is expected to deliver a verdict next week. If convicted, Combs could spend the rest of his life behind bars.
From Variety US