Sean Combs faced his final day of defense testimony at his criminal trial on Tuesday. His legal team spent just thirty minutes presenting their case to jurors. Defense lawyers showed text messages from singer Casandra Ventura to support their arguments. The messages revealed Ventura expressing love for Combs during their relationship. Federal prosecutors had finished presenting evidence against the music executive after more than six weeks.
Combs chose not to speak during the proceedings about the serious charges against him. The government accuses him of forcing former girlfriends into sexual acts with other men. Prosecutors say he watched and sometimes recorded these encounters. Two women testified that Combs beat them and made threats about money and private videos. Defense attorneys admit their client sometimes acted violently but argue the sexual activities were voluntary.
The text messages defense lawyers read came from Ventura over many years of dating. One message from 2012 showed her saying talking to him was her favorite activity besides intimacy. Another message from 2017 had Ventura telling Combs she missed him and wanted to be his partner. A psychology expert explained that abuse victims often form strong emotional connections with their attackers.
Judge Arun Subramanian will meet with attorneys Wednesday to discuss instructions for the jury. Final arguments from both sides should begin Thursday morning. Jurors may start making their decision late Friday or early next week. Combs could receive fifteen years to life in prison if found guilty on all charges.
Combs chose not to speak during the proceedings about the serious charges against him. The government accuses him of forcing former girlfriends into sexual acts with other men. Prosecutors say he watched and sometimes recorded these encounters. Two women testified that Combs beat them and made threats about money and private videos. Defense attorneys admit their client sometimes acted violently but argue the sexual activities were voluntary.
The text messages defense lawyers read came from Ventura over many years of dating. One message from 2012 showed her saying talking to him was her favorite activity besides intimacy. Another message from 2017 had Ventura telling Combs she missed him and wanted to be his partner. A psychology expert explained that abuse victims often form strong emotional connections with their attackers.
Judge Arun Subramanian will meet with attorneys Wednesday to discuss instructions for the jury. Final arguments from both sides should begin Thursday morning. Jurors may start making their decision late Friday or early next week. Combs could receive fifteen years to life in prison if found guilty on all charges.
