Rapper in court
In the end of the Combs process
For weeks, the New York trial against Sean “Diddy” Combs was in the spotlight for accusations of sexual offenses. Now the process is on the home straight – and the tension increases.
Disturbing sex details and cruel violent reports: In the trial against the former rap superstar Sean “Diddy” Combs, more than 30 witnesses and witnesses said-and all of this in the glaring spotlight of the world press. Now follow the final plates.
And then? A review of six process weeks – and a view of a possible judgment.
The accusing public prosecutor presented more than 30 witnesses in the proceedings, including former rappers’ employees. Ex-girlfriend and key tool Cassie Ventura, for example, described how Combs forced her to sex with foreign men. She also reported drugs and physical violence.
Other women also accused the rapper of years of sexual abuse and violence. Numerous other witnesses described in detail how to help Combs organize sex events in hotels.
The defense, in turn, did not present a single witness. Combs himself, who denies all the allegations and pleads for not guilty, did not say himself.
The procedure aroused memories of similar processes for sex crimes against ex -superstars in recent years – among others against musician R. Kelly, comedian Bill Cosby or the producer Harvey Weinstein. The allegations against Weinstein had initiated the worldwide Metoo movement around eight years ago, which has already received a lot of headings again.
What is coming up next
In the end of the final, both sides can try again to make the jury clear the respective point of view. Why Combs is guilty – or not. After that, possibly on Monday, the twelve jury withdraws to consult the judgment. They have as much time as they need – so it could take a few hours or many days to a judgment.
What a judgment could look like
Combs is charged with sex trade, organized crime and other crimes. The New York public prosecutor accuses the rapper of having abused, threatened and forced women over the years of fulfilling his sexual wishes. He had a “criminal company” with helpers. In the event of a conviction, Combs – who used the pseudonym “Puff Daddy”, “P. Diddy” and “Diddy” – threatens a lifelong prison sentence.
The jury has to decide on the details of the judgment – it is also possible that Combs will only be spoken guilty. The central question is not whether the behavior of Combs was honest. The fact that it wasn’t, that even admits the defense. But: was it punishable too?
Charge and defense – two narratives
The defense also did not call on its own witnesses because they argued that in the testimony that had already been carried out, their narrative had come to light: Combs treated many people, especially his ex -girlfriends, sometimes terrible, led toxic relationships – however, they were mutually mutually agreed. An ex-girlfriend reported, for example, that despite everything she always had affection for Combs.
The indictment argues that Combs’ behavior exceeded the threshold for the crime. It even accuses him of organized crime, an indictment point that was originally created for gang crime like that of the mafia. This accusation was successfully used in the trial of singer R. Kelly to disclose a systematic structure of sexual abuse.
The question remains: did the indictment successfully convince the jury? Many observers think it is more likely that although Combs will be convicted – the jury does not go to all the prosecutors’ charges.
And then? The future of Sean Combs
The musician, born in the New York district of Harlem in 1969, has been in custody since September. In the event of an acquittal, he could leave them. If he is spoken guilty, the sentence of judge Arun Subramanian will be announced at a later date. Combs could appeal.
In addition to the indictment of the New York public prosecutor, there are also numerous civil lawsuits against Combs, which was married three times and has seven children. Among other things, a law firm in Houston’s Texan’s Houston is represented by around 120 people with allegations against the rapper.
In the process of his mother and his children, who were often in the audience, Combs received support. Combs’ controversial rap colleague Kanye West also stopped by. Otherwise, many of his former friends have turned away from him. A comeback by the former superstar, which has been one of the most successful rappers in the world with hits like “i’ll Be Missing You” and “Bad Boy for Life” as well as its own music label and a fashion brand in the past decades.
dpa
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
