Judge set to decide Diddy’s fate as New York trial nears conclusion
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs faces a possible life sentence as Judge Subramanian oversees the trial’s final phase…
Judge Arun Subramanian presided over the criminal trial United States v. Combs, which began on 5 May 2025 in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Federal prosecutors have charged Sean “Diddy” Combs with five counts: one for conspiracy to commit racketeering, two for sex trafficking by force, and two for transporting individuals for prostitution.
He pleaded not guilty, and authorities are holding him at MDC Brooklyn under the inmate number 37452 054. Additionally, all twelve jurors (eight men and four women) are New York State residents.
DIDDY CASE: EVIDENCE AND TESTIMONY
Over six weeks, prosecutors called 34 witnesses, including Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and an unknown woman, known only as “Jane“.
Ventura, 38, accused Combs of forcing her to take part in drug-fuelled group sex acts involving urine and repeatedly subjecting her to physical and emotional abuse. She also claimed that Combs used threats to release sex videos as a way to control her.
WITNESS: COMBS’ FORMER ASSISTANT
Brendan Paul, Sean Combs’ assistant from late 2022 to March 2024, testified on 20 June 2025 after prosecutors granted him immunity.
Paul said he organised “freak-offs,” which he described as drug- and sex-filled parties.
He explained that the terms “Gucci bag active” and “Wild King nights” served as code words for drug and sex parties, respectively.
PROCEEDINGS IN COURT AND FUTURE ACTIONS
After six weeks and thirty-four witnesses, the prosecution will wrap up its case on 23 June 2025.
Combs Global employees and an expert witness will testify during Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defence, which is expected to last one to two days. However, Combs is not going to testify.
The judge indicated that closing arguments could start as early as 26 June 2025, likely shortly after the defence concludes.
Federal sentencing guidelines in the United States require Combs to serve a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years.
If convicted of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, Combs could receive a life sentence.