Diddy trial is ending, jury deliberation underway: What to expect
The sex-crimes trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs is nearing its end, with anticipation building for the conclusion of one of the most high-profile celebrity trials in recent memory.
Over nearly eight weeks, jurors heard from dozens of witnesses, including former longtime girlfriend Casandra "Cassie" Ventura Fine, and a wide range of evidence, from explicit "freak-off" videos to texts and financial records.
The prosecution has sought to portray Combs, 55, as the orchestrator of a violent and sex-fueled criminal enterprise, while the defense has argued that the case is built on "jealous" witnesses and overreach, at one point stating, "Domestic violence is not sex trafficking." Combs is facing federal charges including racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution, and has pleaded not guilty to the five counts against him.
As deliberations in the sprawling case are underway, here's what comes next.
When did the Diddy trial start?
Combs' trial began May 5 with jury selection. Opening statements and witness testimony began on May 12, kicking off nearly seven weeks of testimony, including from Ventura Fine, Kid Cudi, Dawn Richard, various former assistants, an exotic dancer, an ex-girlfriend anonymously identified as "Jane," federal agents, security officers and more.
When did Cassie testify?
Ventura Fine first took the stand May 13, on the second day of witness testimony. The prosecution's star witness was on the stand for four days, which included at times graphic descriptions of physical, sexual and psychological abuse, allegedly at the hands of Combs. Combs dated Ventura Fine in the mid-2000s, and their relationship spanned a decade.
When did the Diddy trial witness testimony end? When were closing arguments?
Both sides rested their cases on Tuesday, June 24. (Combs' lawyers rested their case in less than half an hour and did not call any witnesses.)
The prosecution's closing arguments in the sex-crimes trial kicked off Thursday, June 26 and concluded after six hours. Judge Arun Subramanian granted a request from Combs' defense team to wait until Friday, June 27, to begin its closing arguments, which lasted five hours.
When did the jury begin deliberating in the Diddy trial? When is the Diddy trial over?
Subramanian has said he's hopeful proceedings will wrap up by the July 4 holiday, and that schedule is still on track. Jurors began deliberating Monday, June 30, 11:30 a.m. For deliberations, Subramanian said they will go until 5 p.m., but if the jurors agree they would like to stay later, they can.
Contributing: Edward Segarra and Patrick Ryan
This story was updated to include additional information.