Diddy Unlikely to Testify as Defense Prepares to Present Case in Trial

As the high-profile racketeering trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs nears its end, signs suggest Combs will not take the stand in his own defense.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey is expected to rest the government’s case on June 20, after which Combs’ defense team will begin presenting their side.

According to statements made to Judge Arun Subramanian, the defense expects to take less than a week, fueling speculation that Combs himself will not testify, a move often interpreted as strategic in high-stakes trials.

The main prosecution witness, Cassie Ventura, spent an entire week on the stand. Legal experts note that for Combs to address the wide range of allegations directly, he would likely require as much time, if not more.

Courtroom Conduct and Jury Concerns

Combs’ demeanor in the courtroom has already drawn attention. On June 5, Judge Subramanian reprimanded the former Bad Boy CEO for making facial expressions and gestures that appeared directed at jurors, behavior the court deemed unacceptable.

“There should be no efforts to have any interactions with this jury,” the judge warned, even threatening to remove Combs from the proceedings if it continued.

While there have been no additional reports of direct interaction between Diddy and the jury, complications have arisen regarding the jury pool itself.

On June 16, concerns were raised about the integrity of Juror 6, whose conflicting statements about their residence in New Jersey and the Bronx cast doubt on their eligibility to serve.

“The record raises serious concerns about the juror’s candor and whether he shaded answers to get on and stay on,” the judge commented.

Trial Timeline and Charges

The trial is expected to conclude before the Fourth of July weekend. Diddy faces multiple serious charges, including conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution.

If convicted, he could face a sentence ranging from 20 years to life in prison.