Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial latest: Prosecution expected to rest its case today | Ents & Arts News

At the start of the seventh week of the trial, the court heard continued testimony from a special agent who has reviewed some of the evidence in the case against Sean “Diddy” Combs.

Joseph Cerciello began giving evidence on Friday and will continue tomorrow as well. The prosecution is expected to rest its case after this.

Before today’s session started, Combs’s defence lawyers said they do not plan to call any witnesses, but will submit some evidence, according to our US partner NBC.

After this, defence lawyer Teny Geragos said it is expected that each side — the prosecution and the defence — will take about four hours to make closing arguments to jurors.

Those final words could be spoken on Thursday, with jurors getting their first chance to deliberate on Friday.

If you’re just checking in, here’s a round-up of all today’s key updates:

• Special agent Joseph Cerciello is a summary witness who has reviewed data relating to messages, travel bookings and payments;
• During his testimony today, jurors have been shown several explicit videos of “freak off” sex sessions – but these have not been shown to the media or members of the public in court;
• Before Christmas 2021, some 50 explicit files were made in just a few days, Cerciello told the court;
• Jurors also heard how a sex worker was in New York around the time Diddy appeared at an MTV ceremony and was also handed a ceremonial key to New York City;
• In messages to an escort agency, Diddy spoke of being a regular and long-time customer and also once complained about an escort not being able to “perform”;
• More messages between alleged victim “Jane” and Diddy were read in court, including one in which she told him she was not a “porn star” or an “animal”, and wanted to stop the freak offs;
• The court also heard details of requirements for intravenous recovery therapy following a freak off;
• And in messages to his then chief of staff, Combs requested 20 bottles of baby oil after running out.

A reminder of the charges: Combs faces five criminal counts – one of racketeering conspiracy; two of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and two of transportation to engage in prostitution.

He has strenuously and consistently denied the allegations against him, and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

That’s all for our coverage today – the trial resumes tomorrow at 2pm UK time on Tuesday. We’ll see you back here then.