Sean Combs was the leader of a criminal enterprise, says prosecuter
Sean 'Diddy' Combs has been accused of being the "leader of a criminal enterprise". The 55-year-old rapper 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". Speaking to the jurors, Slavik said: "The defendant used power, violence and fear to get what he wanted." The attorney alleged that Combs was at the centre of a criminal enterprise. Slavik also noted that all of Combs' employees were "there to serve him". He explained: "The concept is simple. The law recognises that when someone commits a crime as part of a group — what the law calls an 'enterprise' — they're more powerful and more dangerous. "It's his kingdom. Everyone was there to serve him." Slavik told the jurors that it was time to hold Combs accountable for his actions and for the rap star to face justice. The jury is set to deliberate following the closing arguments, which are expected to conclude on Friday (27.06.25). Combs could spend the rest of his life in prison, if he's found guilty on the sex trafficking or racketeering charge. In 2024, Combs pleaded not guilty to five counts of sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution, and racketeering. Asked during a court hearing how he pleaded to the charges, the rap star replied: "Not guilty." Marc Agnifilo - Combs' lawyer - subsequently insisted that the record producer was determined to "establish his innocence". Agnifilo told reporters outside the court: "He's going to fight this. He's innocent. He came to New York to establish his innocence. "We believe in him wholeheartedly. He didn't do these things. There's no coercion and no crime." Agnifilo also insisted that Combs - who founded the Bad Boy Records label in 1993 - was "not afraid of the charges" he was facing. Agnifilo said: "He's been looking forward to this day, and he's been looking forward to clearing his name."
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