In a dramatic twist just one day after closing arguments, federal prosecutors have withdrawn several major charges against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, including kidnapping, attempted arson, and aiding and abetting sex trafficking.
The move was revealed in a letter to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, in which prosecutors said they were complying with the court’s directive to “streamline” the jury instructions.
According to court filings, prosecutors acknowledged they faced difficulty substantiating claims that Diddy kidnapped former associates Capricorn Clark and singer Cassie. Clark was allegedly taken to a warehouse and subjected to a polygraph test over missing jewelry, while Cassie was reportedly held against her will at a Los Angeles hotel.
In another surprise, prosecutors dropped the attempted arson allegation that Diddy ordered the torching of rapper Kid Cudi’s car—an incident they previously linked to alleged jealousy. However, during the trial, prosecutors failed to establish a direct link between Diddy and the arson.
All the dropped charges were tied to broader racketeering allegations that still remain active.
As for the sex trafficking charge, prosecutors clarified that they are only removing the “aiding and abetting” component from the jury’s consideration. Other elements of the sex trafficking accusations remain in play.
In their letter, prosecutors urged the court to emphasize to jurors that a woman’s prior sexual consent can be withdrawn at any time, and that receiving payment does not negate the possibility of forced labor. They also noted that physical restraint or overt commercial sex acts are not required to prove coercion in sex trafficking under the law.
The high-profile trial continues to unfold amid intense public scrutiny, with the narrowed focus potentially shifting the jury’s interpretation of the case’s central themes.
