ANI
26 Jun 2025, 12:10 GMT+10
New York [US], June 26 (ANI): Music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs informed a federal judge on Tuesday that he will not testify in his high-profile trial, where he faces serious charges including sex trafficking and racketeering.
If convicted, Combs could spend the rest of his life in prison, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
After six weeks of detailed and often graphic testimony presented by federal prosecutors, who allege Combs led a criminal organisation that exploited individuals for sex and labour, the defence concluded its case without calling a single witness.
US District Judge Arun Subramanian directly asked Combs whether he would be taking the stand in his own defence.
The defendant responded, 'I'm doing great, your honour. I want to tell you thank you, you're doing an excellent job.'
Combs went on to explain, 'I've thoroughly discussed this with my legal team and I've decided not to testify. That is my decision, your honour. That is solely my decision... my decision to make. I'm making it,' as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter.
The exchange was a procedural necessity to confirm that the decision was made voluntarily and with full legal counsel.
During the course of the trial, Judge Subramanian had previously reprimanded Combs for making gestures toward jurors, an action prosecutors argued amounted to 'silent testimony' without the possibility of cross-examination.
The judge warned Combs that continued disruptions could lead to his removal from court proceedings.
On Tuesday, the defence also submitted a routine request to dismiss the case, asserting that the prosecution failed to substantiate the charges. Judge Subramanian has not yet ruled on that motion, as per The Hollywood Reporter.
Combs remains behind bars in a Brooklyn detention centre. Three separate judges have denied his requests for bail, citing concerns that he poses a risk to the community and may attempt to tamper with witnesses.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to five federal charges and continues to maintain his innocence. (ANI)
Get a daily dose of Entertainment Sun news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Entertainment Sun.
More InformationMADISON, Wisconsin: Tens of millions of residents across the Midwest and East Coast faced dangerously high temperatures over the weekend...
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza - Seven Israeli soldiers were killed in a large explosion in southern Gaza's Khan Younis area on Tuesday night,...
DUBAI, U.A.E.: Iran's top clerics are quietly accelerating succession plans for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was threatened...
BEIJING, China: Extreme weather is once again testing China's resilience, as intensifying monsoon rains trigger floods across major...
LONDON/PARIS: British and French authorities have warned people to stay safe as an early summer heat wave brings unusually high temperatures...
ANKARA, Turkey: Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) announced it would form a new...
(250626) -- RIYADH, June 26, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Children pose for a photo with a promotional display for the premiere of Chinese animated...
New York [US], June 26 (ANI): Music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs informed a federal judge on Tuesday that he will not testify in his high-profile...
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 26 (ANI): Model and actor Milind Soman flagged off the Fit India Run 2025 on Thursday in Mumbai....
Qingdao [China], June 26 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has condemned terrorism at a meeting on Thursday of the Shanghai Cooperation...
JAKARTA, June 26 (Xinhua) -- While science fiction (sci-fi) used to be more associated with Western authors such as Isaac Asimov, Arthur...
Washington DC [US], June 26 (ANI): The 'Dune' filmmaker Denis Villeneuve will direct the next James Bond film, as revealed by Amazon...