Day 29: Prosecutors Deliver Blistering Closing Argument—Diddy Accused of Leading a Criminal Enterprise
By Trinity Barnette
After six relentless weeks of testimony, the prosecution finally had its moment to connect the dots—and they did it with fire. On June 26, federal prosecutor Christy Slavik spent over four hours in court delivering closing arguments, accusing Sean “Diddy” Combs of being the calculated, manipulative leader of a sex trafficking ring disguised as a music empire.
The Government’s Theory: Diddy as Criminal Kingpin
Slavik wasted no time. From the outset, she called Combs the “leader of a criminal enterprise”—one that exploited women, used intimidation to maintain power, and functioned through racketeering, sex trafficking, and violence. According to Slavik, the enterprise served Combs’ personal desires through a pattern of coercion and control.
She told the jury that the only reason Combs had gotten away with it for so long was “because of his money, his power, his influence.” And she urged them to be the ones to finally hold him accountable.
The Structure: Enterprise and Inner Circle
Slavik painted a clear image of the support system around Combs. His so-called “inner circle” included his former chief of staff Kristina Khorram, assistants, and bodyguards—individuals who, according to the government, operated like lieutenants in a criminal organization. Slavik accused Khorram specifically of managing logistics for escorts, knowing what went on during “hotel nights,” and handing Combs thousands of dollars in cash for these encounters.
This was not an operation built on secrecy—it was structured, deliberate, and reinforced by those closest to him.
Breaking Down the Charges
Slavik used a PowerPoint to walk jurors through each of the five federal counts Combs faces. The centerpiece of the case is racketeering conspiracy, a charge that requires the jury to find:
There was a conspiracy to participate in the Combs enterprise.
The enterprise affected interstate or foreign commerce.
Combs knowingly and willfully became a member.
He or another member committed at least two racketeering acts.
Those acts include:
Transportation for Prostitution: The government says Combs paid for individuals, including Cassie Ventura and Jane, to travel across state lines for sexual purposes.
Forced Labor: Combs allegedly forced Ventura and Jane into days-long sexual encounters, deprived them of sleep, and used drugs, threats, and manipulation to exert total control.
Drug Distribution: Slavik said drugs were an “essential” part of the so-called “Freak Offs,” with Combs’ team coordinating distribution efforts.
Kidnapping: Jurors were reminded of Ventura’s testimony that Combs forced her to stay in a hotel for a week after he physically assaulted her in 2009.
Bribery: The infamous InterContinental Hotel incident was highlighted again—where Combs allegedly paid $100,000 to a hotel staffer to delete footage showing him assaulting Ventura.
Sex Trafficking: Perhaps the most damning, Slavik said Combs trafficked both Ventura and Jane, presenting jurors with images of 27 men he allegedly hired to have sex with them through coercion, drugs, and violence.
Slavik made clear: this case isn’t about criminalizing unconventional sex. It’s about criminalizing exploitation.
Witness Tampering and Control
Slavik also accused Combs of obstructing justice after Cassie Ventura’s civil suit was filed in November 2023. She told jurors that Combs attempted to “neutralize” those who could hurt him, including Jane, and reminded them that Combs was denied bail three times over fears of continued obstruction.
Final Message to the Jury
Slavik closed by thanking the jury and urging them to hold Combs accountable. Her final message was clear: “Up until today, the defendant was able to get away with these crimes because of his money, his power, his influence. That stops now.”
What Comes Next
Today, June 27, defense attorney Marc Agnifilo is expected to begin closing arguments at 9 a.m. ET. Once he finishes, the government will have a final chance to rebut before the judge charges the jury and deliberations begin.
I’ll be covering it all in real time.
Stay locked in.
