Diddy Trial Live Updates: Prosecutors Drop Several Charges, Including Kidnapping, Arson, and Sex Trafficking

As Sean "Diddy" Combs' high-profile criminal trial nears its conclusion, the mogul’s legal fate is in limbo. On Wednesday, June 25, attorneys and the judge held a charge conference to finalize jury instructions before deliberations begin, which could start later this week or as soon as June 30. U.S. prosecutors revealed they would "streamline" the instructions by dropping some racketeering charges, specifically those related to attempted arson and kidnapping. This came a day after prosecutors rested their case on June 24. Over the past six weeks, more than 30 witnesses, including former girlfriends Casandra "Cassie" Ventura Fine and "Jane," Danity Kane’s Dawn Richard, and rapper Kid Cudi, testified in Combs' defense and prosecution.

As the testimony wrapped up, U.S. attorneys focused on disturbing evidence from Combs' alleged "freak off" sex parties, presenting video footage, text messages, and financial records. Prosecutors portrayed Combs and his associates as actively involved in orchestrating the elaborate sexual events, collaborating with escorts, Combs' partners, and others in the process.

In contrast, Combs' defense team rested their case in under 30 minutes, choosing not to call any witnesses. Their arguments primarily revolved around romantic – and at times explicit – text exchanges between Combs and Ventura Fine.

While the trial focuses on allegations of abuse, Combs chose not to testify. When Judge Arun Subramanian inquired whether Combs' lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo, had discussed the rapper's right to testify, Agnifilo confirmed they had thoroughly reviewed the matter.