Final arguments in Sean "Diddy" Combs' trial are about to begin.

As the defense and prosecution get ready to present their closing arguments, the well-known federal trial of music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs is about to approach a crucial stage on Thursday, June 26.



Legal teams will present their final arguments to jurors following weeks of arduous testimony. It is anticipated that the hearing would be lengthy, with each side preparing to speak for several hours. The 55-year-old businessman and artist faces major federal charges, and the decision might decide his future.

Combs is charged with overseeing a multi-decade criminal scheme that included sex trafficking, witness tampering, arson, forced labor, and bribery. According to federal authorities, Combs and a small group of staff members planned and profited from these operations while preserving a successful and glamorous public persona.


Racketeering is one of the most serious offenses, and if found guilty, he could be sentenced to life in prison. Combs is also charged with two counts of prostitution-related transportation and two counts of sex trafficking. "Jane" and singer Casandra Ventura are among the two women he allegedly forced into years of drug-fueled escort sex, according to the prosecution.

All of the accusations have been flatly refuted by the defense. According to Combs' legal team, many of the witnesses were driven by greed, jealousy, or personal grudges, and the relationships in question were consensual. Their goal was to undermine the prosecution's witnesses' credibility.


During the trial, more than 30 people gave testimony, including a forensic psychologist, former aides, escorts, family members, hotel employees, and law enforcement officers. Interestingly, a hotel security guard claimed in court that he was paid $100,000 to remain silent.

Along with financial documentation demonstrating CashApp transactions, hotel reservations, and airline information, prosecutors also presented thousands of pages of phone and text message records. The defense highlighted texts they say reflect mutual affection and agreement, while the prosecution showed jurors camera footage of events they described as unlawful.


In criminal proceedings, when the onus is on the prosecution to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, Combs did not testify in his own defense, which is a standard legal tactic.

Despite a severe restriction on electronic devices inside the Manhattan federal courthouse, the trial has captured the public's attention, with scores of social media commenters and influencers assembling outside every day. The trial started in early May.


Several well-known people, including Combs' family and rapper Kid Cudi, who testified that Combs' colleagues reportedly lit his car on fire, have made appearances despite the fact that Combs is still behind bars and has avoided making public entrances.

By Friday, closing arguments should be over. Legal teams said the panel is more likely to get the case on Monday, even if there is a remote possibility jurors could start deliberations that day.


Then, when 12 jurors decide the fate of a man who was once hailed as a cultural icon but is now facing the prospect of life in prison, the entire world will wait for the decision.