The federal trial of hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has captivated public attention since its commencement on May 5, 2025. Charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution, Combs faces life imprisonment if convicted. The prosecution alleges that Combs orchestrated a criminal enterprise exploiting women through coercion, manipulation, and violence. Key testimonies have come from former partners, including Cassie Ventura and an accuser known as “Jane,” who detailed abusive relationships marked by physical violence, drug use, and coerced sexual acts. So, does the prosecution have the upper hand in the case thus far? Here’s what Johnny Depp’s lawyer thinks.
The outcome of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ trial might come down to closing arguments
In the ongoing federal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, prosecutors have painted a stark picture of the music mogul as the architect of a long-running and deeply abusive criminal enterprise. According to the prosecution, Combs used his fame, wealth, and influence to manipulate and control women, subjecting them to repeated acts of violence, coercion, and sexual exploitation. They argue that behind his glamorous public persona was a pattern of predatory behavior, supported by disturbing testimony from accusers like Cassie Ventura and others, who described being trapped in cycles of fear and abuse. Prosecutors also introduced surveillance footage and seized evidence to bolster their case.
So, has the prosecution done enough to convince the jury of Combs’ alleged crimes? Law&Crime attorney Jesse Weber spoke to Johnny Depp’s lawyer, Ben Chew, about the trial so far.
“The outcome of this case may depend upon closing arguments and who frames it the best,” Chew noted. ” … I do think the prosecution has made some real points here. But, as you say, the cross, particularly of Bryana [Bongolan], was especially winning for the defense.”
Chew noted that Bongolan alleged that Combs dangerously dangled her over a balcony. However, his defense team stated that this couldn’t have occurred when she claimed it did. Combs was allegedly “a continent away” when Bongolan claimed the incident happened.
Johnny Depp’s lawyer, Ben Chew, named the prosecution’s ‘ace in the hole’
In Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal trial, a 2016 hotel surveillance video has emerged as a pivotal piece of evidence. The footage, obtained by CNN, depicts Combs assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in a hotel hallway. The video shows Combs chasing Ventura down the hallway, grabbing her, throwing her to the ground, kicking her, and dragging her back toward their hotel room.
This incident corroborates allegations Ventura made in a 2023 lawsuit, where she claimed Combs punched her in the face, causing a black eye, and threw glass vases at her. Following the video’s release, Combs issued a public apology, acknowledging his behavior as inexcusable and expressing remorse.
Combs’ defense team has contested the video’s authenticity, suggesting it was edited to misrepresent the events. They argue that the footage was leaked to the media to prejudice the public and potential jurors against Combs. The prosecution, however, maintains that the video is a crucial piece of evidence that supports the charges of racketeering and sex trafficking against Combs.
Johnny Depp’s lawyer, Ben Chew, called the video the prosecution’s “ace in the hole.”
“It goes back to the ace in the hole for the prosecution, which is the video,” Chew told Law&Crime. “Because, who do you believe: me or your lying eyes? So, it’s a tough one.”
Newsweek’s chief investigative reporter said Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ case is not a ‘slam dunk’ for prosecutors
Newsweek chief investigative reporter Joshua Rhett Miller told Showbiz Cheat Sheet in May 2025 that the prosecution in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ case doesn’t have a “slam dunk” with their evidence and testimony. According to Miller, the prosecution has “a definite uphill battle … particularly as it pertains to the sex trafficking by abuse, threats, or coercion.”
At the time, Cassie Ventura gave her testimony. “Cassie up on the stand, breaking down, saying that she felt heavily objectified by Mr. Combs by a bevy of escorts, that’s compelling. That’s powerful,” Miller said. “However, I don’t know if it meets the legal standards. That’s where the rubber’s going to meet the road, in this case.”
How to get help: In the U.S., call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
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