Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial: Rapper speaks for the first time
Sean ‘Diddy‘ Combs has been on trial for seven weeks in his sex trafficking case. On June 24th, the Bad Boy rapper officially spoke for the first time when addressed by Judge Arun Subramanian.
The judge asked Combs how he felt after the government rested its case. He responded, “I’m doing great, your honour. I’ve been wanting to tell you thank you, you’re doing an excellent job.”
After weeks of testimony from his ex-girlfriend Cassie, rapper Kid Cudi, and former assistants, Combs decided not to take the stand. When asked if he had talked to his lawyers about whether he should testify, he said, “Yes, thoroughly.”
Judge Subramanian wanted confirmation that it was his decision not to testify. “That is my decision, your honour,” Combs said.
Pressed again that the decision should be his own, Combs replied, “That is solely my decision. I mean, it’s my decision with my lawyers,” prompting a laugh from the judge.
His lawyer, Alexandra Shapiro, moved for an acquittal on all counts, claiming the government failed to prove the allegations against Combs.
“There’s, at best, thin proof that any of the other employees willingly participated in crimes with and for Mr Combs,” she said, claiming his assistants “didn’t know much, if anything, about what went on between Mr Combs and his girlfriends in the hotel rooms.”
She added that Combs “actually took steps to conceal the nature of the sexual activity he was engaging in from his employees.”
Combs pleaded not guilty to charges of racketeering, sex trafficking by force, and transportation for purposes of prostitution. If convicted of the five counts, he faces up to life in prison.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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