Diddy's sex crimes trial is winding down – and prosecutors just made a major move
After weeks of shocking and graphic testimony in the disgraced mogul's sex crimes trial in NYC, prosecutors rested their case on Tuesday – and Combs actually got a break.
In a letter to judge Arun Subramanian, lawyers for the U.S. government narrowed the racketeering conspiracy charges, abandoning the claims of arson and kidnapping that stemmed from an alleged years-old beef with fellow rapper Kid Cudi.
'Specifically, the Government has removed instructions from the charge relating to (i) attempted kidnapping under both California and New York law, (ii) attempted arson under California law, and (iii) aiding and abetting sex trafficking,' the letter partially read. 'The Government is no longer planning to proceed on these theories of liability so instructions are no longer necessary.'
Veteran trial lawyer Mark Zauderer told Forbes a possible reason for the prosecutors' 'tactical' move: They have 'not likely proven to the jury's satisfaction' how the attempted arson and kidnapping allegations bolster Comb's racketeering charge.
READ MORE: The eyebrow raising things found in Diddy's hotel room the day of his arrest
As for how the original charges came to be: Back in May, former Diddy assistant Capricorn Clark testified that her boss kidnapped her at gunpoint in December 2011 after Combs learned Cudi was dating his on-off again girlfriend Cassie Ventura. Clark said Diddy forced her to drive over to the hip hopper's Beverly Hills home while she waited in the car.
She called Ventura as Combs and an associate entered the home of the 'Pursuit of Happiness' singer, who wasn't there. By the time Cudi found out what was happening and returned home, he claimed on the stand, his love rival was gone and his place was left in disarray.
Weeks later, Cudi's Porsche was set on fire in his driveway, a scenario that star witness Ventura testified Combs threatened doing; no suspect was ever arrested.
Meanwhile, Combs did not take the stand as his defense team began their closing arguments. Jury deliberations could start as soon as Monday.
Among the other charges the 55 year old Harlem native still faces are possession with intent to supply, transportation to engage in prostitution, bribery and witness tampering. He has pleaded not guilty to all.
READ MORE: Diddy had requirements for his 'freak-off' guests: report
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