American Entertainment News: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Accused of Running Criminal Network Built on Power and Fear
Music icon Sean “Diddy” Combs is at the center of a major federal trial, where prosecutors allege he ran a violent and manipulative criminal operation for over 20 years.
On Thursday, June 26, during closing arguments, the prosecution claimed Combs relied on “power, intimidation, and aggression” to carry out a range of severe offenses.
Lead federal prosecutor Christy Slavik, speaking for nearly five hours, portrayed the 55-year-old music mogul as someone who saw himself as untouchable due to his celebrity status, affluence, and authority.
“He controlled a criminal enterprise,” Slavik stated. “He refused to accept ‘no’ as an answer. And now you’ve seen the extent of the crimes he committed alongside his inner circle.”
According to American Entertainment News coverage, the charges against Combs include racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, forced labor, arson, and bribery — all part of a prolonged pattern of exploitation. Prosecutors say he manipulated his former partner Cassie Ventura and another woman, referred to as Jane, into participating in drug-fueled sexual encounters, which Combs allegedly referred to as “freak offs,” “hotel nights,” or “king nights.”
“He wielded power, enforced through violence and fear, to get what he desired,” Slavik said. “He believed the law didn’t apply to him.”
Combs has pleaded not guilty and strongly denies all accusations of sexual misconduct. He is currently charged with one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts related to sex trafficking, and two counts involving transporting individuals for illegal sexual purposes.
Slavik further outlined how Combs used a network of staff — including security personnel, aides, and other employees — to help carry out and hide his crimes. The group allegedly engaged in hundreds of illegal acts, including the distribution of drugs such as cocaine, meth, ketamine, MDMA, and Oxycodone. Some of these substances were said to have been acquired by employees, while others were seized during law enforcement searches of Combs’s residences.
Jurors also viewed surveillance footage that appeared to show Combs physically attacking Cassie at the InterContinental Hotel. During the video’s presentation, Combs reportedly turned away and appeared emotionally withdrawn.
Among the most shocking allegations: that Combs directed the abduction of his assistant Capricorn Clark, violently assaulted a partner by stomping on her face, and even attempted to detonate rapper Kid Cudi’s vehicle.
While his defense team has acknowledged past incidents of domestic violence, they maintain that no federal crimes occurred. They argue the women were willing participants in the alleged sexual activities, the narcotics were for personal use, and there was no organized criminal conspiracy, as staff never explicitly agreed to commit crimes.
However, Slavik refuted that narrative in her closing argument, insisting that Combs’s employees consistently carried out illegal actions under his direction.
“Until now, his wealth, status, and influence allowed him to escape consequences,” Slavik declared. “But today, that ends. It’s time for accountability. It’s time for justice. It’s time to find him guilty.”
Combs has been detained in a New York correctional center since his arrest in September 2024. If convicted on all counts, he faces at least 15 years in prison and could be sentenced to life behind bars.
According to American Entertainment News, Combs’s lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo, is expected to present the defense’s final arguments on Friday, followed by a rebuttal from the prosecution. Judge Arun Subramanian will then instruct the jury, which could begin deliberating by late afternoon.
A unanimous decision from all 12 jurors is required for a conviction on any of the charges.
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