Diddy faced the final day of his high-profile federal trial Friday (June 27) as his defense attorney Marc Agnifilo argued prosecutors targeted the Hip-Hop mogul for his “lifestyle” rather than any criminal acts during a tense courtroom showdown in Manhattan.
Agnifilo, speaking directly to the jury, said the government’s case was built on “innuendo, suggestion and lifestyle,” not evidence.
“They took Astroglide and baby oil and that is the evidence in this case,” he said, mocking the items seized during raids on Diddy’s Los Angeles and Miami homes.
Agnifilo described his client as a demanding but respected businessman who was a drug addict. He stated that his employees remained loyal despite the pressure.
He admitted Diddy assaulted ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2016 but framed their relationship as a “great modern love story,” even calling Ventura a “gangster” in court.
He denied Cassie’s claim that Diddy raped her, stating, “I suggest it did not happen.”
Agnifilo dismissed accusations that Diddy orchestrated the arson of Kid Cudi’s Porsche as “nonsense” and said claims of drug trafficking were a “distraction,” arguing any drug use was personal and not part of a criminal operation.
At one point, Agnifilo referenced actor Michael B. Jordan to argue that Ventura was confident and in control of her career, noting she once turned down a man widely considered one of the world’s “most handsome.”
Tensions flared when Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey objected to Agnifilo’s remarks about the government’s motives. Judge Subramanian warned the defense, saying, “Mr. Agnifilo, for you, please don’t do that again. It’s grossly improper.”
The six-week trial ended without the music executive taking the stand or calling any witnesses in his defense.
The defense’s closing followed a five-hour summation Thursday (June 26) from Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik, who portrayed Diddy as the head of a criminal enterprise that used intimidation, violence and wealth to commit and conceal crimes for over 20 years.
Slavik described Diddy’s business as his “kingdom” and said his inner circle enabled his actions, including sex trafficking, drug-fueled parties called “freak offs” and physical abuse of multiple women. Prosecutors introduced surveillance footage, witness testimony and allegations of witness tampering to support their case.
The government is expected to deliver a rebuttal before jurors begin deliberations Friday afternoon and throughout the weekend.
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