Diddy Sex Trafficking Trial Heats Up as Prosecution Nears Rest
Cut to the chase: the courtroom spectacle surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking trial has reached a landmark moment. Federal prosecutors, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey, announced they plan to rest their case on June 24, setting the stage for the defense to take the reins. This announcement caps weeks of detailed testimony and reams of documentary evidence introduced to support allegations of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud, coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Joseph Cerciello returned to the stand on June 23 after a brief recess was granted so a juror could attend their son’s graduation. Cerciello, who has no direct involvement in alleged misconduct, meticulously reviewed thousands of records—bank statements, cell phone logs, travel itineraries—to help prosecutors weave a timeline of Combs’ movements. His all-day testimony, confirmed by NBC News courtroom reporters, moves the trial closer to the finish line.
Earlier in the week, former assistant Brendan Paul delivered candid on-the-job recollections. Paul, who worked under Combs at Bad Boy Records from 2022 to 2024, recounted firing notices over forgotten Lululemon gear, tough schedules that demanded “SEAL Team Six” efficiency, and coping strategies that included Adderall and “rare use of cocaine” to survive marathon shifts. His anecdotes—like the infamous Lululemon fanny pack incident—highlight the intensity and high stakes of working for a music mogul who “used to say he wants us to move like SEAL Team Six,” Paul told jurors on June 20.
While prosecutors rest, the court faced unexpected delays when Presiding Judge Arun Subramanian canceled proceedings on June 18 after a juror reported severe vertigo. Court was also recessed on June 19 for Juneteenth observance. Adding to the intrigue, a second juror is under scrutiny for an unauthorized discussion about the case with a former colleague, prompting phone inspections in the jury room. No final decision on dismissal has been issued.
Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges, now watches as his defense team prepares to counter with its own narrative. With the prosecution’s chapter concluding this week, eyes will shift to how attorneys for the rap mogul plan to dismantle or mitigate the mountain of evidence already presented. There you have it. Stay tuned to see whether Combs’ legal squad will unleash surprise witnesses or novel strategies in the next round.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! News, NBC News
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
