Here’s why prosecutors suddenly dropped these three major claims against Diddy

There has been a major update in the high-profile federal case against Sean “Diddy” Combs, where prosecutors have just dropped three major claims against him.

Diddy, 55, is still facing five federal charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all of them. But ahead of closing arguments, which are set to begin today, June 26, the government has decided to narrow down its case.

So, what claims were dropped?

According to The Independent, in a letter to the court, federal prosecutors confirmed they’re no longer pursuing three specific allegations originally included in their conspiracy charge:

1. Attempted kidnapping, involving former employee Capricorn Clark and singer Cassie Ventura
2. Attempted arson, connected to the 2012 firebombing of Kid Cudi’s car
3. Aiding and abetting sex trafficking

The government stated it won’t be proceeding with these “theories of liability,” meaning jurors won’t receive instructions on them. “The Government understands the Court’s desire for streamlined instructions. With that in mind, the Government has suggested ways to streamline those instructions,” the letter read.

But why were these claims dropped?

via YouTube

Diddy’s defence team pushed back strongly on the evidence behind those three claims. His lawyer, Shawn Holley Shapiro, argued that two of them, the kidnapping and arson, were especially weak.

In the kidnapping allegation, Capricorn Clark told the court she was taken to a derelict building and subjected to five days of lie detector tests, allegedly under threat of being dumped in the East River. But the defence said there’s no proof Diddy was even aware this happened, let alone involved.

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In the arson claim, rapper Kid Cudi alleged that his Porsche was set on fire shortly after Diddy discovered he’d been seeing Cassie. Again, the defence denied any link to Diddy. They pointed out that Cudi never saw the incident himself. And that female DNA was found on the Molotov cocktail used in the attack.

Prosecutors said they understood the court’s desire to “streamline instructions” to the jury, and so these elements have been cut.

So, what is Diddy still accused of?

Despite these three dropped claims, Diddy still faces five serious federal charges tied to sex trafficking and racketeering. He chose not to testify, and the defence rested quickly, relying on text messages and cross-examinations rather than witnesses.

Over 30 witnesses have testified against him, including ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, who gave harrowing accounts of abuse, forced drug use, and disturbing sex parties she says Diddy orchestrated.

Closing arguments are set to begin this week, with a verdict expected not long after.

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