The sex trafficking trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is nearing an end without the famed rapper/producer taking the stand in his defence.

New York

The trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution is approaching its end. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges and opted not to take the stand in his defense. Over six weeks, the jury heard from 34 witnesses, including ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and other former partners, who described their experiences and the nature of their relationships with Combs. 

Prosecutors presented testimony from male sex workers and former assistants, while the defense argued that the events described were part of Combs' personal life and did not constitute criminal activity. After the prosecution rested, the defense did not call any witnesses. Closing arguments are scheduled, after which the jury will begin deliberations.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs doesn’t testify as sex trafficking trial nears end

Were the escorts and ex-girlfriends who took part in drug-fueled sex marathons known as freak-offs, trafficked? It's a RICO conspiracy. The question at the crux of this case is whether Sean Combs was running a human trafficking operation. An organization is existing for the purpose of criminal activity but the orders are coming from up top. Combs has pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy two counts of sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. The jury heard from 34 witnesses over six weeks including Combs ex-girlfriend singer Cassie Ventura. And she was the star witness. Another ex-girlfriend testified that she felt she couldn't say no to the sexual encounters partly because he was paying for her rent and lifestyle at $10,000 a month. I think that prosecutors have done a very good job methodically bringing people onto the stand and telling stories that if the jury believes are true could prove every element of the various offenses. The court also heard from male sex workers Combs allegedly hired and former assistants who booked their plane tickets and set up the hotel rooms with bottles of baby oil allegedly at Combs' request. Where might there be reasonable doubt? Defense attorneys argue that this was Combs' personal life. Combs' team seems confident. After the prosecution rested it opted not to call any witnesses starting and wrapping its case in half a day. They said that yes Sean Combs could be violent but violence alone does not prove these charges. Combs didn't take the stand but did speak in court on Tuesday. The judge asked him if it was his decision not to testify. He said yes your honor and went on to tell the judge quote you're doing an excellent job. Closing arguments are set to start Thursday. Then the jury will begin deliberating. Ali Chiasso, CBC News, Toronto.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv will do "anything" to advance EU accession talks. Zelenskyy spoke alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, President of the European Council António Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

Kyiv

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CBS News political contributor Caroline Polisi joins "CBS Mornings" to break down the jury's verdict in Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal trial and the judge's decision to deny bail for the music mogul ahead of his sentencing.

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Tehran

Iran Strikes

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Sean (Diddy) Combs was found guilty on prostitution-related charges, but was acquitted on more serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking giving him a maximum sentence of 20 years. But the courtroom victory was subdued following a judge’s ruling to deny him bail.

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Bryan Kohberger changed his plea to guilty Wednesday for the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students. CBS News national correspondent Carter Evans has more on the case.

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Jurors in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal criminal trial said they have reached a verdict on four of the five counts, but they cannot reach a verdict on Count 1, which is racketeering conspiracy. The judge has instructed the jury to keep deliberating. Deliberations will resume Wednesday (July 2).

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Former criminology graduate student Bryan Kohberger has agreed to plead guilty to killing four Idaho college students in 2022, a move that would spare him the death penalty under a deal with prosecutors, ABC News reported on Monday (June 30).

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The jury has informed the judge in Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial that they have concerns about one juror's ability to follow the court's instructions. Deliberations in the trial are underway.

Jury in Sean "Diddy" Combs trial sends note to judge

Jury deliberations are set to begin in the Sean "Diddy" Combs sex trafficking and racketeering trial. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has the latest updates.