Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is facing charges of sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution, and racketeering at a trial in New York City, and Christy Slavik – the assistant U.S. attorney – described Combs in his closing statements as a man who “doesn’t take no for an answer”. Federal prosecutors have been building this case through extensive investigations across multiple jurisdictions.
“The defendant used power, violence and fear to get what he wanted,” speaking to the jurors, Slavik said. The prosecution has presented extensive evidence during the trial, including witness testimonies and documented communications spanning several decades of alleged criminal activity.
The attorney alleged that Combs was at the center of a criminal enterprise. Under federal law, racketeering charges require proof of an ongoing criminal organization that commits multiple crimes as part of its operations, with severe penalties including potential life imprisonment.
Slavik also noted that all of Combs’ employees were “there to serve him”. The prosecution argued that the alleged enterprise included various staff members, associates, and business partners who facilitated illegal activities across multiple states and countries.
“The concept is simple. The law recognizes that when someone commits a crime as part of a group — what the law calls an ‘enterprise’ — they’re more powerful and more dangerous,” he explained. “It’s his kingdom. Everyone was there to serve him.” RICO laws were originally designed to combat organized crime families but have since been applied to various criminal enterprises in business and entertainment industries.
Slavik told the jurors that it was time to hold Combs accountable for his actions and for the rap star to face justice. The prosecution’s case included testimonies from numerous witnesses, many of whom were former employees and associates who cooperated with federal investigators.
The jury is set to deliberate following the closing arguments, which are expected to conclude on Friday (06.27.25). Legal experts note that jury deliberations in complex racketeering cases typically require significant time given the extensive evidence and multiple charges involved.
Combs could spend the rest of his life in prison, if he’s found guilty on the sex trafficking or racketeering charge. Sex trafficking convictions carry mandatory minimum sentences, while racketeering convictions can result in decades of imprisonment depending on the underlying criminal acts.
In 2024, Combs pleaded not guilty to five counts of sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution, and racketeering. The indictment represents one of the most high-profile criminal cases involving a music industry figure in recent decades.
“Not guilty,” asked during a court hearing how he pleaded to the charges, the rap star replied. Court records show that Combs has been represented by a team of experienced criminal defense attorneys specializing in federal racketeering cases.
“He’s going to fight this. He’s innocent. He came to New York to establish his innocence,” Marc Agnifilo – Combs’ lawyer – subsequently insisted that the record producer was determined to “establish his innocence,” telling reporters outside the court. “We believe in him wholeheartedly. He didn’t do these things. There’s no coercion and no crime.” Agnifilo has extensive experience defending high-profile federal criminal cases.
Agnifilo also insisted that Combs – who founded the Bad Boy Records label in 1993 – was “not afraid of the charges” he was facing. Bad Boy Records became one of the most successful hip-hop labels, launching the careers of artists like The Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans, and Mase during its peak years.
“He’s been looking forward to this day, and he’s been looking forward to clearing his name,” Agnifilo said. The defense team has argued that the government’s case relies heavily on unreliable witnesses seeking reduced sentences or immunity deals in exchange for their cooperation.
The trial has attracted significant media attention, with numerous journalists covering the proceedings from the federal courthouse in Manhattan. Legal analysts note that the case could set important precedents for how federal authorities prosecute alleged criminal enterprises in the entertainment industry, with potential lasting implications for the music business.
