*In a dramatic turn just before closing arguments in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal criminal trial in the Southern District of New York, prosecutors have withdrawn several major charges, including attempted kidnapping, attempted arson, and aiding and abetting sex trafficking.
As TMZ reports, the decision was revealed in a letter submitted to Judge Arun Subramanian, aligning with the court’s instruction to streamline jury directions for clarity. Among the charges now off the table is an accusation that Combs kidnapped former employee Capricorn Clark. Clark was allegedly taken to a building and subjected to a lie detector test over suspicions that she stole the music mogul’s jewelry.
Another dropped claim involves an incident at the London Hotel, where Cassie, Combs’ former partner, was reportedly detained. Prosecutors also withdrew an allegation connecting Combs to an attempted arson targeting Kid Cudi’s vehicle, an act allegedly rooted in jealousy. Testimony during the trial failed to link Combs to that fire.
These charges had originally formed part of the broader racketeering case against the music executive, which remains ongoing. However, by dropping these specific accusations, the prosecution appears to be narrowing its focus in a move likely aimed at strengthening its overall case.
The aiding and abetting component of the sex trafficking charge has also been removed from jury consideration. Prosecutors did not specify which elements of that charge were excluded. Notably, the primary sex trafficking allegations still stand.
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The prosecution’s letter included several requests for jury instructions. Among them: guidance that previous sexual consent does not rule out later withdrawal of consent, and that financial payments to a woman (Jane) do not negate the possibility of forced labor. They also clarified that coercion in a sex trafficking context does not necessarily require physical force or commercial sex transactions.
These late-stage changes mark a significant shift in strategy and may influence the jury’s perception as they head into deliberations.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Diddy’s Ex-Girlfriend (‘Jane’) Describes Embattled Mogul’s ‘Cuck’ Fetish/Shame in Having Sex with Men
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