Twelve jurors will start deciding Sean Combs's fate on Monday. The music producer faces life behind bars on federal charges that accuse him of running a criminal organization. Prosecutors claim he forced women into drug-fueled sexual acts with male escorts over many years. Combs denies all charges against him. The case has lasted seven weeks with testimony from 34 witnesses.
Federal prosecutors say Combs used his fame and money to control women through abuse and threats. Two former girlfriends testified about years of violence and sexual coercion. Prosecutor Maurene Comey told jurors that Combs thought he was untouchable and above the law. She said the women showed courage when they spoke out against him. The government claims Combs led a criminal enterprise that committed kidnapping, bribery and arson.
Defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo argued that Combs had complicated but consensual romantic relationships. He called his client a successful Black businessman who never ran any criminal organization. The defense admitted Combs sometimes hit his partners but said domestic violence does not equal sex trafficking. They questioned the credibility of witnesses who testified against him.
Judge Arun Subramanian will explain the law to jurors before they begin deliberating. The eight men and four women must agree on each charge. They will review thousands of phone records, financial documents and witness testimony. Combs faces charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation for prostitution purposes.
Federal prosecutors say Combs used his fame and money to control women through abuse and threats. Two former girlfriends testified about years of violence and sexual coercion. Prosecutor Maurene Comey told jurors that Combs thought he was untouchable and above the law. She said the women showed courage when they spoke out against him. The government claims Combs led a criminal enterprise that committed kidnapping, bribery and arson.
Defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo argued that Combs had complicated but consensual romantic relationships. He called his client a successful Black businessman who never ran any criminal organization. The defense admitted Combs sometimes hit his partners but said domestic violence does not equal sex trafficking. They questioned the credibility of witnesses who testified against him.
Judge Arun Subramanian will explain the law to jurors before they begin deliberating. The eight men and four women must agree on each charge. They will review thousands of phone records, financial documents and witness testimony. Combs faces charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation for prostitution purposes.
