By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The prosecution has concluded its case against Sean “Diddy” Combs, resting Tuesday following six weeks of harrowing and often graphic testimony. A total of 34 witnesses were called to the stand, with the most notable being Combs’ former girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, whose four-day testimony painted a disturbing picture of abuse, control, and coerced sexual acts.

Ventura, currently pregnant, recounted being forced into drug-fueled sex acts with male escorts—what Combs reportedly referred to as “freak offs.” She told jurors she never wanted to participate but felt she had no choice.

Rapper Scott Mescudi, known to fans as Kid Cudi, testified about his own relationship with Ventura and the abusive dynamic he observed between her and Combs. His account added weight to Ventura’s claims of manipulation and violence.

The prosecution also relied on testimony from two other women who had relationships with Combs—one using the pseudonym “Mia,” a former assistant, and another identified only as “Jane.” Both offered stark, first-hand accounts of the culture Combs allegedly fostered behind closed doors.

Mia testified that Combs sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions and that she frequently cleaned up after the couple’s “hotel nights.” She also recalled witnessing Combs physically lash out at Ventura.

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Jane described being expected to engage in sex acts with escorts to satisfy Combs. She described a lifestyle where his constant sexual demands left her “sore, tired, exhausted, and overwhelmed.”

With the prosecution’s case complete, the defense promptly filed a Rule 29 motion for judgment of acquittal on counts one through five, including the racketeering charge under the RICO statute. Defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro argued that prosecutors had failed to prove Combs engaged in racketeering or that there was any conspiracy.

“There is no enterprise,” Shapiro told the court. “This was Combs engaging in sex acts in his time with his girlfriends.”

She challenged the claim that staff members—such as bodyguards and senior aides—were complicit in facilitating the alleged criminal behavior. “They did errands and made travel arrangements, but they did not have anything to do with what went on with Combs and his girlfriends in the hotel room,” Shapiro said. She added that while employees may have seen baby oil, Astro glide, alcohol, and drugs, they weren’t participants in any conspiracy.

Shapiro also pointed to text messages where Combs allegedly instructed aides to keep details from one another. In one message, he wrote that “KK can’t know about the FO,” referring to freak‑offs and his chief of staff, Kristina Khorram.

According to the defense, Khorram and others attempted to help Ventura when they became aware of violence, and there’s no evidence any of them believed the women were being coerced.

In a brief but poignant moment outside the jury’s presence, Combs announced he would not testify in his own defense. Dressed in a brown sweater and white collared shirt, he addressed Judge Arun Subramanian directly. When the judge asked how he was doing, Combs replied, “I’m doing great; how are you, your honor?” and added appreciatively, “I wanted to tell you, thank you, you’re doing an excellent job.”

Combs told the court he had discussed his decision “thoroughly” with his lawyers and confirmed, “That is solely my decision,” leaning forward to speak into the microphone. He clarified that the choice was made in consultation with counsel.

Closing arguments are scheduled for Thursday, and the jury is expected to receive the case no later than Friday.

Stacy M. Brown

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