Prosecutors Drop Key Allegations Against Diddy as Racketeering Trial Nears Conclusion

      In a strategic shift just days before closing arguments, federal prosecutors in the high-profile racketeering and sex trafficking case against Sean “Diddy” Combs have withdrawn several serious allegations, including attempted kidnapping, attempted arson, and aiding and abetting sex trafficking. The move, disclosed in a letter filed Tuesday with Judge Arun Subramanian of the Southern District of New York, comes as both sides prepare for summations in a case that has captivated the entertainment world.

      The government clarified that while these theories of liability are no longer being pursued, no formal charges have been dropped. Instead, prosecutors are simplifying jury instructions by removing legal theories they say are no longer central to their argument. The withdrawn claims included allegations that Combs kidnapped former assistant Capricorn Clark and orchestrated the attempted arson of rapper Kid Cudi’s vehicle, along with an incident involving the detention of former girlfriend Cassie Ventura.

      “The Government is no longer planning to proceed on these theories of liability, so instructions are no longer necessary,” prosecutors wrote in the court filing.

      Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani explained that the change reflects a streamlining of the government’s case, not a retreat. “They can still argue that the completed acts—such as kidnapping or arson—support the racketeering charges,” Rahmani told Fox News Digital. “They’re just no longer using attempted acts or aiding and abetting as predicate theories for the RICO charge.”

      The prosecution also emphasized important points for the jury instructions, asking the court to make clear that prior consent does not negate later withdrawal in cases of sexual activity, and that coercion doesn’t require physical violence or a commercial sex act.

      The prosecution has rested its case after calling 34 witnesses. The defense, meanwhile, opted not to call any witnesses—including Combs himself.

      During a Wednesday hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey warned against defense arguments that could politicize the case or criticize the government’s use of resources.

      “I hope we don’t have to object during defense summation,” Comey said. “But if there are comments about politics or the propriety of this prosecution, I will ask the Court to instruct the jury to disregard them.”

      Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo assured the court, “Nothing to worry about, Judge.”

      While some of the most sensational allegations have been removed from the jury’s purview, the core of the case remains intact. The racketeering conspiracy charge accuses Combs of orchestrating a criminal enterprise involving prostitution, witness tampering, forced labor, bribery, drug distribution, and other crimes. To convict on racketeering, the jury must unanimously agree that at least two predicate acts occurred.

      Kid Cudi, whose car was set ablaze in 2012, testified that although Combs denied involvement, he “didn’t believe him.” No charges were filed in the incident. Combs’ former assistant Capricorn Clark also testified she was kidnapped at gunpoint and taken to Cudi’s home.

      With closing arguments underway, the jury will soon determine whether the hip-hop mogul’s alleged conduct rises to the level of federal racketeering and trafficking crimes.