Diddy will not testify in his criminal trial

  • Diddy waived his right to testify
  • Defense attorneys will wrap their case in one day
  • Closing arguments expected Thursday

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(NewsNation) — Sean “Diddy” Combs confirmed to a federal judge Tuesday that he will not take the stand in his criminal trial.

It was already anticipated that the music mogul was not going to testify as his defense team told Judge Arun Subramanian earlier this week that they would wrap their case without any witnesses.

In a criminal trial, a defendant has the right to testify in their own defense, but they also have the right to remain silent, which is protected by the Fifth Amendment.

The government rested its case Tuesday and defense will be introducing exhibits into evidence before ending their presentation within the same day.

Defense attorney had initially anticipated a multi-week presentation prior to the trial. 

Criminal defense attorney Joe Tacopina told NewsNation’s Ashleigh Banfield when the trial began that when you put a defendant on the stand, the defense team’s effort to discredit the prosecution’s case can become “background noise.”

“Even a truth teller can be made to look like a liar under a skilled cross-examination,” he said.

Closing arguments will begin Thursday.

  • Sean "Diddy" Combs looks on as defense attorney Nicole Westmoreland cross examines Dawn Richard during Combs' sex trafficking and racketeering trial in Manhattan federal court, Monday, May 19, 2025, in New York. (Elizabeth Williams via AP)
  • Sean Diddy Combs listens during opening statements on the first day of trial in Manhattan federal court, Monday, May 12, 2025, in New York. (Elizabeth Williams via AP)
  • courtroom sketch of Diddy listening during his trial
  • Sean "Diddy" Combs watches as Regina Ventura, the mother of alleged victim Casandra "Cassie" Ventura, testifies at his sex trafficking trial in New York City, New York, U.S., May 20, 2025 in this courtroom sketch. REUTERS/Jane Rosenberg
  • courtroom sketch of Diddy looking at the audience

Combs has pleaded not guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Crime

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