Sean “Diddy” Combs might want to reconsider his decision to testify in his ongoing sex trafficking and racketeering case.
As previously reported by ninaworldnews.com, the 54-year-old rapper was arrested earlier this month in New York on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking through force, fraud, or coercion, and transportation for prostitution.
Currently detained at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center after being denied bail, one of Combs’ attorneys, Marc Agnifilo, expressed that the music mogul is “very eager to tell his story” during the trial. However, other legal experts caution against this approach.
Meesha Moulton from the Las Vegas-based Meesha Moulton Law firm said, “There’s a reason attorneys typically advise against clients testifying in their own trials—doing so exposes the defendant to cross-examination by the prosecution.”
She highlighted the mentally taxing nature of standing trial and warned that jurors would be “relentless” in seeking inconsistencies in his statements, potentially eliciting damaging admissions.
“If Diddy becomes flustered or frustrated, testifying could harm him more than help him,” she said, emphasizing the emotional strain of such scrutiny. “If he struggles to maintain composure, it could negatively impact how the jury perceives him.”
Moulton strongly advised Combs and his legal team to avoid cross-examination, calling it his “biggest challenge” in this case. She suggested that the “Coming Home” artist should focus on a strategic defense rather than his desire for personal expression.
While she believes Combs should refrain from testifying, Moulton acknowledged that it could shift attention from the prosecution’s narrative to his perspective, providing him an opportunity to challenge evidence and humanize himself by highlighting his philanthropic efforts.
“By presenting himself as a well-rounded individual, he may add complexity for jurors as they consider the allegations against him,” she explained. “If Diddy can create doubt regarding the prosecution’s claims, it might lead jurors to hesitate before reaching a guilty verdict.”
Combs’ legal team is working diligently to build a strong defense, with one representative, Teny Geragos, stating in a conversation with Chris Cuomo on his NewsNation show that they have interviewed 50 witnesses and are conducting a parallel investigation. “He’s fighting, he’s innocent, and he will be able to prove it,” Geragos asserted.
