Diddy scored a major legal win in his federal racketeering and sex trafficking case Tuesday after prosecutors dropped attempted arson, kidnapping and aiding sex trafficking claims, gutting some of the most serious allegations against him.
Federal prosecutors told Judge Arun Subramanian they would no longer pursue charges related to an alleged break-in and car fire involving Kid Cudi, nor would they continue with claims that Diddy helped facilitate sex trafficking.
The government stated that it would remove those charges from the jury instructions, effectively ending that part of the case. The decision came after 29 days of testimony in a high-profile trial that has gripped the Hip-Hop world and beyond.
The dropped charges centered on a 2011 incident where Cudi, born Scott Mescudi, claimed Diddy broke into his Los Angeles home after learning he was romantically involved with Cassie Ventura.
Kid Cudi testified that he found his dog locked in a bathroom and luxury gifts opened in his kitchen. Weeks later, Cudi’s Porsche was destroyed in a Molotov cocktail attack. A Los Angeles Fire Department investigator testified that the blaze was intentional and targeted.
However, no male DNA was recovered from the incendiary device, and fingerprint evidence from the break-in was later destroyed by the LAPD’s evidence unit.
Kid Cudi said he confronted Diddy about the fire, but Diddy denied any involvement, reportedly saying, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Despite the dramatic testimony, prosecutors ultimately abandoned the arson and kidnapping theories, leaving Cudi’s claims legally irrelevant to the case.
Meanwhile, Diddy’s legal team rested their defense in under 30 minutes, choosing not to call any witnesses.
Instead, they leaned on a series of romantic and explicit text messages between Diddy and Ventura to argue that the nature of their relationship was consensual.
As closing arguments began Tuesday, the prosecution shifted focus to Diddy’s alleged “freak off” sex parties.
They introduced video clips, text exchanges and financial records to argue Diddy and his staff coordinated sexual encounters involving escorts and partners.
Diddy, 55, has pleaded not guilty to five federal charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force or fraud and transporting individuals for prostitution.
If convicted on any count, he could face significant prison time.
Yesterday (June 24), defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro asked the judge to acquit Diddy on all charges, arguing the government failed to prove he was part of a criminal enterprise.
She said the prosecution had not shown he violated RICO laws, agreed to join a conspiracy or operated any enterprise beyond his personal relationships.
Closing arguments are slated to begin tomorrow (June 25).