In a new update on Diddy’s federal case, prosecutors have revealed they’re backing off certain allegations, including attempted kidnapping and arson.
According to a June 24 court filing, the government informed Judge Arun Subramanian that it had removed jury instructions tied to attempted kidnapping under both California and New York law, attempted arson under California law, and aiding and abetting sex trafficking.
“The government is no longer planning to proceed on these theories of liability so instructions are no longer necessary,” reads the eight-page filing submitted by prosecutors.
They also noted efforts to “simplify the language” regarding the racketeering conspiracy charge. Essentially, jurors will now focus on two main questions tied to the RICO charge: whether a criminal enterprise existed and whether that enterprise committed at least two crimes. The dropped theories—attempted kidnapping, attempted arson, and aiding and abetting sex trafficking—will no longer be part of jury deliberation.
Meanwhile, Diddy’s defense team fired back in a separate letter, also filed Tuesday, strongly opposing the prosecution’s proposed additions to the jury instructions on sex trafficking. His lawyers argued the new language was “unbalanced” and “legally unsupported.” They also challenged the government’s stance on forced labor, pushed back on the framing of alleged drug possession, and called for revisions to multiple aspects of the case.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Diddy’s attorney Alexandra Shapiro argued that prosecutors had “failed to prove the elements of the racketeering conspiracy” central to the case. She pointed out that the government had not sufficiently demonstrated at least three key components of the charge, including whether Diddy ever “knowingly and willfully” agreed to participate in a RICO violation.
Shapiro also took aim at the lack of a clearly identified co-conspirator and described the evidence presented as “insufficient proof” to support the racketeering allegation.
Complex’s Shawn Setaro has been closely covering the trial from the courtroom in New York, which recently included a brief appearance by Ye, formerly known as Kanye West. While it was initially expected that the defense would call several witnesses following the prosecution’s case, they ultimately chose not to do so. Diddy, for his part, praised Judge Arun Subramanian in court, saying he was “doing an excellent job,” and confirmed that he would not be taking the stand.
As jury deliberations are expected to begin in the coming days, attention now turns to what the verdict might mean for Diddy. Although the racketeering charge could technically result in a life sentence, such a severe outcome is not currently seen as likely.
