Diddy trial updates: Prosecutors to call final witnesses in Sean Combs' sex-crimes case

This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing.
Attorneys for Sean "Diddy" Combs are gearing up to take the lead in his criminal trial as prosecutors wind down their initial round of arguments.
The embattled hip-hop mogul returned to Manhattan court on June 23 for the latest installment in his sweeping federal sex-crimes case. U.S. attorneys hope to wrap testimony by end of day, while Combs' lawyers expect to rest by end of day June 24 or 25. Closing arguments are tentatively set to commence next Thursday, June 26.
Jurors last heard from Combs' former assistant Brendan Paul, who took the stand June 20. The 26-year-old alleged "drug mule" testified about his 2024 arrest as well as his demanding job, which consisted of working long hours and procuring ketamine and ecstasy for Combs' "personal use." He also denied witnessing criminal activity at the mogul's "king nights," another name for Combs' "freak off" sex parties.
Homeland Security agent Joseph Cerciello also testified, detailing flight logs, texts, financial records and hotel reports tied to Combs that painted the Grammy-winning rapper's lavish lifestyle.
Combs, 55, was arrested in September and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty.
Diddy on trial newsletter: Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges.
What is Diddy charged with?
Combs is facing federal sex-crimes and trafficking charges in a sprawling case that has eroded his status as a power player and kingmaker in the entertainment industry.
He was arrested in September 2024 and later charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. The rapper has pleaded not guilty to the five counts against him.
Discover WITNESS: Access our exclusive collection of true crime stories, podcasts, videos and more
What is a RICO? Racketeering meaning
Racketeering is the participation in an illegal scheme under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute, or RICO, as a way for the U.S. government to prosecute organizations that contribute to criminal activity.
Using RICO law, which is typically aimed at targeting multi-person criminal organizations, prosecutors allege that Combs coerced victims, some of whom they say were sex workers, through intimidation and narcotics to participate in "freak offs" — sometimes dayslong sex performances that federal prosecutors allege they have on video.
How to stream the Diddy trial
The trial will not be televised, as cameras are typically not allowed in federal criminal trial proceedings.
USA TODAY will be reporting live from the courtroom. Sign up for our newsletter for more updates.
Contributing: USA TODAY staff
If you are a survivor of sexual assault, RAINN offers support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) and Hotline.RAINN.org and en Español RAINN.org/es.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788.

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P Diddy trial live updates: Jury sees Combs' messages about baby oil, Cialis, cash

This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. Attorneys for Sean "Diddy" Combs are gearing up to take the lead in his criminal trial as prosecutors wind down their initial round of arguments. The embattled hip-hop mogul returned to Manhattan court on June 23 for the latest installment in his sweeping federal sex-crimes case. Homeland Security agent Joseph Cerciello continued his testimony from last week, with the jury seeing an extensive paper trail of hotel bills, flight details and other purchases. Most of the costs were for Combs' ex-girlfriend, identified under the pseudonym Jane, and male escorts. The jury also saw explicit videos of Jane with an escort, with Combs appearing in some of the footage as well. Jurors last heard from Combs' former assistant Brendan Paul, who took the stand June 20. The 26-year-old alleged "drug mule" testified about his 2024 arrest as well as his demanding job, which consisted of working long hours and procuring ketamine and ecstasy for Combs' "personal use." He also denied witnessing criminal activity at the mogul's "king nights," another name for Combs' "freak off" sex parties. Combs, 55, was arrested in September and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty. Texts from Jane, Diddy show employee involvement in setting up 'freak offs,' drug use Prosecutors continued to paint a picture of Combs and his employees being personally involved with organizing "freak offs," including those in New York, Miami and Los Angeles. That included making travel arrangements for Jane and for male escorts and entertainers. "I'm so horny I need you," Jane Doe said in one text to Sly Williams. She also talked to him about booking flights and other travel arrangements. During their communication, Combs was messaging a travel aide Jessica Ruiz about getting Williams across the country, making the plans and arranging things between the sex worker and Jane. "Hey hun, I think I'm having a bad comedown. Want to make sure that Sean's OK," Jane texted Kristina "KK" Khorram, who said Combs was fine and suggested medications Jane could take to feel better. Williams texted Jane saying he would be in Los Angeles for some time. Combs also sent a person named Frank Rodriguez about drugs, including MDMA. Baby oil, Cialis: Diddy demands laundry list of supplies for 'freak off' As prosecution wrapped up their direct examination of Cerciello, jurors saw and heard messages from Combs demanding supplies for an alleged 'freak off.' 'There's no more baby oil,' Combs said in one audio message to his his then-chief of staff Kristina "KK" Khorram, chuckling. 'I can't believe I'm out of baby oil.' He thought he had 20 bottles at the time. In a separate message to Khorram Combs said he needed 'five more bottles of everything.' Later, his team responded that they were bringing him baby oil, lubricant from the brand Astroglide, his Apple TV and multiple lattes. Combs continued to send audio messages, one asking for vegetable soup, and another saying, 'Can security bring me some money? I need $5,000.' In another he asked his team to add on, 'anything else you think I could conceivably need.' In yet another message he asked for 'a Cialis, please,' joking 'See? I'm going to keep on calling you to make sure you have everything I need.' Cialis is a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. 'Debauchery at 9 o'clock?' Jurors saw additional receipts from the payment platform Cash App for escorts and hotel charges for damages. They also heard an audio message from Combs to Jane in which he asked: 'Debauchery at 9 o'clock? It's a yes or no answer. Thumbs up or thumbs down.' Jane texted back, 'It's a thumbs up,' before appearing to ask him for money for new clothes. Combs sent another audio message saying, 'I'll put some money in your account.' Prosecutors plans to rest their case As the morning drew to a close, prosecutors were expected to continue direct questioning for another hour or two. Combs' lawyers are expected are expected to continue their cross-examination into Tuesday morning. The government then plans to rest their case midday Tuesday, handing it over to the defense team to make their argument. Jury sees 'explicit' footage of Jane, Diddy and sex worker As Cerciello continued his testimony on June 23, the jury was shown several videos of Combs' ex-girlfriend who has been identified as Jane Doe. Lead prosecutor Maurene Comey called the videos "explicit" several times. The jury watched the footage for about 20 minutes while wearing headphones. The monitors that had been shown to the courtroom gallery were turned off, and reporters could not see the videos. Diddy on trial newsletter: Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges. Cerciello said all the videos featured Jane and sex worker Sly Williams. Combs was also seen in some of the footage. The agent mainly looked up and around the courtroom gallery rather than at his screen while the videos played. Prosecutors show payments to male escort company employee, texts from Diddy about Plan B Prosecutors quizzed Cerciello on hotel bills, flight details and car service receipts, as well as airport concierge, valet and travel agent fees. The expenses were all allegedly for Jane and a sex worker known as Cabral. In one text message, shown to jurors, Combs texted Khorram, "Can you get Jane here tomorrow?" In another exchange, Khorram told Combs that there was the emergency contraceptive known as Plan B in his room, and he replied, "Do you think the other girl really wants to come?" Khorram wrote back that the unidentified woman sounded excited. Digging further into the paper trail, jurors saw Venmo and Zelle payments from Jane to a woman named Bridget, who worked at a male escort company called Cowboys for Angels. The court also heard about text messages they had seen earlier in the trial in which Jane said she didn't want to be "used" to "fulfill" Combs' "fantasies." Have Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio come up in Diddy's trial? You may have seen major celebs like Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio named during Combs' trial. But the A-list actors aren't accused of anything − they've only been mentioned in the background of events Combs attended. For example, a former assistant identified as Mia alleged that she witnessed a 2012 discussion between Combs and Ventura Fine escalate at the premiere of a Pitt film during the Cannes Film Festival in France. She claimed she saw Combs grit his teeth while digging his nails into Ventura Fine's arm, and he eventually insisted that Ventura Fine leave. Mia also referenced a high-stakes poker game between Combs and DiCaprio in texts she sent him around 2020. In one message, she wrote that Combs said, while cursing: "That 'Titanic' (guy) doesn't know (anything). He won $10,000, I won $650,000." Some have also questioned whether other celebrities, such as Will Smith, Eddie Murphy and Ashton Kutcher, will take the stand. There's no evidence they'll be called in the case. What is Diddy's net worth? Still wealthy, but now worth almost half as much: Forbes In 2024, Forbes magazine estimated Combs' net worth at $400 million – a significant drop from its 2019 figure of $740 million. Both Combs and his team later claimed he was a billionaire, Forbes said, despite offering no documentation to back up the claim. According to publicly available documents and news reports, Combs' most valuable personal possession is likely his 17,000-square-foot, 10-bedroom mansion, appraised at more than $61 million, in the tony Holmby Hills section of Los Angeles. It was raided as part of a criminal probe and listed for sale last September. Brendan Paul denies being a drug mule, details arrest on jet with Diddy and Kristina Khorram "You were not some drug mule, am I right?" Brian Steel, a defense lawyer for Combs, asked during cross-examination on June 20, to which Paul responded: "Absolutely not." Asked by Steel what he understood a drug mule to be, Paul said: "Someone who traffics kilos and kilos across the world." Paul's employment ended in March 2024, he testified. He was on a private jet with Khorram and Combs headed for the Bahamas, when he got arrested for cocaine possession. The cocaine was for Combs. On the stand, Paul said the cocaine found were just drugs he had forgotten in his bag when he went to the airport, clarifying that neither Khorram nor Combs had requested them that day. The total amount was 0.7 grams, he added, which Steel characterized as for "personal use as best." U.S. Attorney Christy Slavic asked Paul during his testimony why he didn't tell law enforcement that the cocaine belonged to Combs. He responded simply, saying, "Loyalty." Discover WITNESS: Access our exclusive collection of true crime stories, podcasts, videos and more Former Diddy assistant Brendan Paul describes working for music mogul As Combs' personal assistant, Paul said his duties included making the music mogul's meal plans, coordinating workouts, packing "a lot of joints" and making sure he was on time for things like flights. Paul added during his June 20 testimony that he usually worked between 80 and 100 hours a week but was always on call. He started at $76,000 a year, but by the time his employment was over, he was making $100,000 a year, the man told jurors. Asked about procuring drugs for Combs, Paul said he did it more than five times but less than 10. He observed Combs doing cocaine, ketamine, marijuana and ecstasy, but not all that often, he said, and verified that he had arranged and cleaned up after "hotel nights" but only a few times. Is Diddy in jail? The disgraced music mogul is in custody, and, despite repeated attempts at bail, has remained confined to the Special Housing Unit in Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center. He has been in jail since his arrest on Sept. 16, 2024. Why was baby oil found at Diddy's home? During a September 2024 press conference, U.S. attorney Damian Williams detailed the paraphernalia discovered during the federal raids of Combs' homes. The items included multiple AR-15 guns, large-capacity magazines, "evidence" of Combs' alleged sex crimes and over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant. According to Combs' original indictment, the baby oil bottles were used during the hip-hop mogul's alleged "freak off" parties, which were described as "elaborate and produced sex performances" that involved sex workers. Combs and his employees conducted freak offs by booking hotel rooms and stocking them with supplies such as baby oil, lube, extra bedsheets and lighting, per the indictment. The rapper allegedly "arranged, directed" and "masturbated" during these sometimes dayslong "performances," and drugs were reportedly distributed to victims, in part, to keep them "obedient and compliant." What is Diddy charged with? Combs is facing federal sex-crimes and trafficking charges in a sprawling case that has eroded his status as a power player and kingmaker in the entertainment industry. He was arrested in September 2024 and later charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. The rapper has pleaded not guilty to the five counts against him. What is a RICO? Racketeering meaning Racketeering is the participation in an illegal scheme under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute, or RICO, as a way for the U.S. government to prosecute organizations that contribute to criminal activity. Using RICO law, which is typically aimed at targeting multi-person criminal organizations, prosecutors allege that Combs coerced victims, some of whom they say were sex workers, through intimidation and narcotics to participate in "freak offs" — sometimes dayslong sex performances that federal prosecutors allege they have on video. How to stream the Diddy trial The trial will not be televised, as cameras are typically not allowed in federal criminal trial proceedings. USA TODAY will be reporting live from the courtroom. Sign up for our newsletter for more updates. Contributing: USA TODAY staff If you are a survivor of sexual assault, RAINN offers support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at (4673) and and en Español If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788.

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