In a highly unusual turn of events inside a federal Sex trafficking and racketeering trial that has yet to see the defendant stand to testify on his own behalf, Sean “Diddy” Combs delivered words of thanks Monday to the judge overseeing his case.
Nearly two months of prosecution testimony and 34 witnesses later, the government formally rested its case. The final witness, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Joseph Cerciello, concluded his testimony in a momentous shift in the high-profile proceedings. The two then had a small but newsworthy discussion between the music mogul and U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian.
When the judge asked Diddy how he felt, the Bad Boy founder replied, “I’m doing great, your honor. I’ve been wanting to tell you thank you, you’re doing an excellent job.” His statement was terse, but its implications resonated in the courtroom, suffused with tension and expectation. Judge Subramanian expressed her appreciation and returned the thanks before moving on to the procedural business.
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The judge then asked Diddy if he had decided not to testify in his defense. Diddy immediately responded, saying that it was not a spur-of-the-moment decision as he had consulted his lawyer(s) before reaching his decision. His lawyers also told the court that they would not be calling any witnesses to the stand and would instead be putting them on evidence with their closing case.
This decision reflects a defense that is more about attacking the state’s case than offering a competing story. It also highlights Diddy’s dependence on courtroom decorum and legal restraint instead of dramatic testimony to present his case. Judge Subramanian will hold a “charge conference” to finalize jury instructions. Closing arguments on both sides are expected to begin the next day, and jury deliberations will be imminent after that, ending what has become one of the most closely watched trials in the nation.
Diddy’s reserved appreciation and refusal to testify say much as the public awaits a judgment. They send a strong message that he’s putting complete faith in the court’s ability, his attorneys’ judgment, and, ultimately, the jury. Whether that decision will pay off for him is up in the air, but at least his few words may be heard far beyond the courtroom.
