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The United States government rested its case against Diddy today, and then, exactly two hours later, so did its defense team.
In total, federal prosecutors called 34 witnesses in more than six weeks, presenting graphic evidence of what they claim was a ruthless criminal company orchestrated by the Hip-Hop tycoon.
Diddy’s lawyers decided not to call a single witness, although they presented evidence and stipulations in their clients’ defense. The rapper team also did what is known as a motion of rule 29 to dismiss the case, arguing that the evidence of prosecutors was not enough to defend a conviction. District Judge of the United States Arun Subramanian I did not immediately decide that request.
Now we are entering what is probably the final phase of this test. The jury members will have a break tomorrow, while the judge and lawyers meet to obtain instructions for the panel of 12 people. Lawyers are expected to deliver final arguments as of Thursday.
This is what you need to know about the 29th of the trial:
- Tey GeragosOne of Diddy’s lawyers, questioned Joseph Curielloa special national security research agent. Geragos focused on a series of text messages that suggests that Diddy’s ex -girlfriend “Jane“He played an active role in creating hotels meetings with sex workers, including a man named Cemetery. (NBC News previously identified the sex worker as Cabral).
- The jury was more explicit videos of “Freak offs” with Jane and a sex worker appointed Pablo. Initially it appeared that three jury members had technical problems with their headphones while reproducing a 90 -second clip, but then it was clear that they could not turn them on correctly. The marathon sexual encounters are in the heart of the Government’s extortion and sexual trafficking conspiracy.
🔎 The view from the inside
By Adam Reiss, Chloe Melas, Katherine Koretski and Jing Feng
In a notable exchange near the end of the day, Subramanian asked Diddy how he felt. “I am doing very well. Thank you, honor,” replied the rapper. He added: “You are doing an excellent job.”
Subramanian later tried to confirm that Diddy would not take the position in his own defense: “Is it your decision not to testify?” Diddy replied: “That is my decision. That is totally my decision. My decision; I am making it.”
👨⚖️ ANALYSIS: Play by Save
By Danny Cevallos
Today, Diddy’s team made its motion for an acquittal after the government’s case, and the judge said he would decide on the motion. It is a formality: the motion will surely be denied. The defense knows that he will probably be denied.
But the rules require that, in order to preserve the arguments, the defense has to move through a ruling rule 29 after the prosecution rests.
I can count on a finger the number of motions of rule 29 that I have seen granted in the Federal Court. This is because federal prosecutors generally do not accidentally forget evidence of a crime or its elements. No one from anywhere expects this motion to be granted. It is more for the preservation of the Appeal Registry. Even so, judges often deny these motions immediately, but that has not yet happened. Could that mean that the movement has a chance? Most likely, no.
Diddy’s defense team confirmed in the Court that he would not call witnesses and would only present exhibitions.
I have been asked if the defense team did not call witnesses because it feels safe. They have also asked me if the defense did not call witnesses because he believes that the case has no hope. I would say the answer is “either.”
You do not reach the level of these defense lawyers of great success by having a negative attitude. But at the same time, defense lawyers are never as Pollyannaish as customers, who almost always think that the Prosecutor’s Office has nothing about them and the cases are dogs.
The option of not calling witnesses is the safest and most reacted strategy. If Diddy’s lawyers feel optimistic or pessimistic, they are clearly one thing: practice.
PSA: Every night during Diddy’s trial, “Datelline” of NBC will release special episodes of the “True Crime Weekly” podcast to catch up. “Datelline” correspondent Andrea Canning Chats with NBC News’ Chloe Melas and special guests: just in front of the court. Listen here. 🎧
