Sean “Diddy” Combs’ lawyer makes closing argument, calls prosecution of music mogul a “faux trial”

Sean “Diddy” Combs was portrayed in his lawyer’s closing argument on Friday because the sufferer of an overzealous prosecution that attempted to show the leisure use of medication and a swinger way of life right into a racketeering conspiracy that might put the music mogul behind bars for all times.

Legal professional Marc Angifilo mocked the federal government’s case in opposition to Combs and belittled the brokers who seized lots of of bottles of Astroglide lubricant and child oil at his properties as he started a presentation anticipated to final a number of hours.

“Option to go, fellas,” he mentioned of the brokers.

He mentioned prosecutors had “badly exaggerated” proof of the swinger way of life and threesomes to mix it with leisure drug use and name it a racketeering conspiracy.

“He didn’t do the issues he is charged with. He did not do racketeering conspiracy and intercourse trafficking,” the lawyer mentioned.

Agnifilo additionally referred to as Combs’ prosecution a “faux trial” and ridiculed the notion that he engaged in racketeering. “Are you kidding me? Are you kidding me?” Agnifilo requested. “Did any witness get on that witness stand and say sure, I used to be a part of a racketeering enterprise — I engaged in racketeering?” No, Agnifilo argued, telling jurors that these accusations had been a figment of the prosecution’s creativeness.

Combs’ household, together with six of his youngsters and his mom, had been within the viewers for the closing, which came about a day after the prosecution made their closing arguments Thursday — after calling on 34 witnesses over the course of seven weeks. Combs’ ex-girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie Ventura Effective, and rapper Child Cudi, had been amongst those that testified.

The trial of Combs, 55, started on Could 12. Prosecutors allege he relied on staff, sources and affect of his enterprise empire to create a prison enterprise that engaged in — or tried to interact in — “intercourse trafficking, compelled labor, interstate transportation for the needs of prostitution, coercion and enticement to interact in prostitution, narcotics offenses, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice.” 

Combs has denied the allegations in opposition to him and pleaded not responsible to 5 counts. If convicted, he might resist life in jail.

Combs has been current on the trial however advised U.S. District Choose Arun Subramanian this week that he determined to not testify. 

“I imply, it is my choice with my legal professionals. … My choice to make. I am making it,” he mentioned.

The protection rested on Tuesday after presenting its case for lower than half-hour. It did not name any witnesses.  

Combs’ legal professionals constructed their case for acquittal by means of prolonged cross-examinations of presidency witnesses. Some testified solely in response to subpoenas and insisted they did not need to be there.  

In federal prosecutors’ closing arguments, Assistant U.S. Legal professional Christy Slavik mentioned to the jury that Combs used “energy, violence and worry” to rule a prison enterprise, which allegedly facilitated brutal intercourse crimes. Slavik mentioned Combs “counted on silence and disgrace” to permit his abuse to proceed. She additionally mentioned he used a “small military” of staff to hurt ladies after which cowl it up.

“He thought that his fame, wealth and energy put him above the legislation,” she mentioned.

Prosecution will make a rebuttal argument after the protection’s closing. Choose Arun Subramanian will then instruct jurors on the legislation earlier than deliberations start.

Kiki Intarasuwan

contributed to this report.