Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defence team delivered their closing arguments on Friday, June 27, wrapping up the seventh week of his high-profile s£x trafficking and racketeering trial.
Defence attorney Marc Agnifilo focused on the quality of the prosecution’s evidence, telling the jury, “That matters.” He argued that federal authorities targeted Diddy following the Cassie lawsuit. “The Cassie lawsuit comes out, and these guys went and wanted to make a case because it’s Sean Combs,” he said. However, the prosecution objected to this argument, and Judge Arun Subramanian instructed the jury to disregard that claim.
Agnifilo ended by declaring Diddy’s innocence, urging the jury to have the courage to acquit. “Return him to his family who have been waiting for him,” he said.
In the prosecution’s rebuttal, Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey argued Diddy believed he was “untouchable.” She stated, “For 20 years, the defendant got away with his crimes… that ends in this courtroom. The defendant is not a God.” She urged the jury: “It is time to hold him accountable. Find him guilty.”
Earlier in his closing remarks, Agnifilo accused the government of putting on a “fake trial” and focusing on Diddy’s private s£x life. He claimed none of the witnesses testified to actual racketeering, noting that former employees described working for Diddy as difficult but enriching—comparing it to “Harvard Business School.”
“This is the fake trial I’m talking about,” Agnifilo said, insisting the prosecution failed to prove their racketeering theory.
He mocked the raids on Diddy’s homes, highlighting that authorities seized items like Astroglide and baby oil, but no substantial evidence to support criminal enterprise claims. “Where is the crime scene? The crime scene is your private s£x life,” he told the jury.
Agnifilo argued the case was ultimately about money, referencing the \$30 million lawsuit from Diddy’s ex, Cassie Ventura. “We’re here because of money,” he said, suggesting Cassie wouldn’t have sued if Diddy wasn’t wealthy.
The defence acknowledged past domestic violence between Diddy and Cassie but insisted it didn’t amount to s£x trafficking. “We own it,” Agnifilo said. “That’s not what he’s charged with.”
He concluded that Diddy did not commit the crimes he’s been accused of—racketeering conspiracy, s£x trafficking, obstruction of justice, or bribery.
When Diddy entered court Friday, he wore a beige sweater and made a thumbs-up, a heart sign with his hands, and hugged Agnifilo before taking his seat. A brief delay occurred due to a juror’s transportation issue, during which Diddy made a prayer gesture.
Before arguments concluded, the prosecution expressed concern the defence might reference unrelated political or global issues—like the Iran conflict—in their summation. Judge Subramanian warned against it, and Agnifilo assured the court there was “nothing to worry about.”
The prosecution had delivered its own closing on Thursday, outlining testimony, texts, bank records, and audio evidence to support charges of s£x trafficking, racketeering, and facilitating prostitution. They claimed Diddy ran a tightly controlled criminal enterprise and used wealth and power to escape accountability—until now.
“That stops now,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Slavik.
