Diddy Opts To Not Testify During Sex Trafficking Trial

This high-profile sex trafficking trial has revealed that Diddy has allegedly made several questionable decisions throughout his life. A recent addition to that list is the fact that the 55-year-old artist has opted not to testify, multiple sources told PEOPLE.

This is an interesting announcement, given that his attorney, Marc Agnifilo, had previously suggested he would take the stand in the Hulu documentary The Downfall Of Diddy. “I don’t know that I could keep him off the stand,” Agnifilo said at the time. “He is very eager to tell his story.” Suge Knight, who has been very vocal about this case despite being behind bars, though it would be to his advantage to testify in court.

“The only way [Combs] can even begin to take some of that pain away is if they have Puff Daddy on the stand,” Knight told PEOPLE. “And the truth come out […] Puffy should get on the stand and look these people in the eye and say, ‘This what I did.’” This choice, on the surface, sounds like the nail in the coffin for the controversial mogul as he already has so much working against him, including other testimonies and evidence. However, legal experts believe this is a strategic decision for multiple reasons.

Diddy could open himself up to a damaging cross-examination if he were to take the stand, harming his case in the process. Additionally, anything he says under oath could be used against him in his ongoing civil cases, which number over 60. In the absence of Puff’s testimony, his legal team will continue trying to break down the prosecution’s arguments, testimonies, and evidence, suggesting that his accusers are money hungry or fame-driven, thus lacking credibility.

His ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, took the stand and detailed an over 10-year relationship loaded with alleged physical abuse, drug use, and the infamous “freak offs.” Kid CuDi’s testimony revealed more of his abusive disposition and the lengths he was willing to go to keep the “Me & U” singer under his control. Sex workers and previous employees also took the stand, helping the prosecution convey their argument that the “Last Night” artist ran a criminal enterprise and maintained the silence of those involved through power, influence, and fear.