20/20 Podcast Summary: "Bad Rap: 'Power, Violence and Fear'—The Prosecution’s Closing Argument"

Release Date: June 27, 2025
Host: Brian Buckmire, ABC News

Introduction

In the June 27, 2025 episode of ABC News' 20/20, titled "Bad Rap: 'Power, Violence and Fear'—The Prosecution’s Closing Argument", legal contributor and practicing attorney Brian Buckmire delves deep into the closing arguments of Sean Combs' high-profile trial. This episode offers listeners a comprehensive analysis of the prosecution's and defense's strategies, the complexities of RICO charges, and expert predictions on the trial's outcome.

Overview of the Closing Arguments

Prosecution's Case

The prosecution, led by Prosecutor Kristi Slavik, presented a nearly five-hour-long summation aimed at convincing the jury of Sean Combs' involvement in a criminal enterprise. The central thesis revolved around Combs' alleged use of power, violence, and fear to orchestrate and sustain illicit activities, including sex trafficking and transportation for prostitution.

Brian Buckmire [00:54]: "28 days of testimony, 34 witnesses for the prosecution, 0 witnesses for the defense, over a thousand pieces of evidence. All of it has brought us here, closing arguments and USA v' Shawn Combs."

Prosecutor Slavik meticulously reviewed key witnesses and pieces of evidence, emphasizing the scale and organization of the alleged criminal operations under Combs' leadership. A particularly striking visual was a photograph displaying 27 escorts, symbolizing the breadth of the alleged sex trafficking network.

Bernarda Villona [05:26]: "The prosecution put the picture up of 27 men, 27 escorts that were run through Cassie and Jane throughout these years of alleged sex trafficking that they engaged in at the hands of Sean Combs."

Defense's Approach

In contrast, the defense, represented by Bernarda Villona and Shawna Lloyd, chose not to present any witnesses during their closing argument. This strategic decision was aimed at highlighting the perceived weaknesses and holes in the prosecution's case without exposing the defense to cross-examination.

Shawna Lloyd [07:50]: "The defense is arguing that these individuals, these escorts and the entertainment were paid for their time and that all of the sexual activity was gratuitous."

In-Depth Analysis

RICO Charges and Predicate Acts

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) charges against Combs. RICO is one of the most complex charges in criminal law, carrying the potential for life imprisonment. The prosecution needed to demonstrate at least two predicate acts linked to a criminal enterprise led by Combs.

Brian Buckmire [17:04]: "So I think they have more than two predicate acts that will land with the jury."

Bernarda Villona outlines the prosecution's robust case, highlighting multiple instances of alleged wrongdoing, including bribery, drug distribution, and arson. She emphasizes that even singular acts, when connected to the broader criminal enterprise, suffice for RICO charges.

Conversely, Shawna Lloyd critiques the prosecution's definition of the criminal enterprise, arguing that the involvement of Combs' personal staff and security personnel creates a tenuous link rather than a cohesive criminal organization.

Shawna Lloyd [20:46]: "I have a bit of an issue with that. But that is what the prosecution is alleging is the enterprise."

Defense Strategies and Raising Doubts

The defense's strategy focused on undermining the prosecution's narrative by questioning the existence of a cohesive criminal enterprise and challenging the legitimacy of the predicate acts. By not presenting witnesses, the defense aimed to prevent the prosecution from discrediting their arguments through cross-examination.

Shawna Lloyd [23:55]: "What I saw is that they have enough places where they can insert reasonable doubt that there's no reason to introduce additional witnesses."

Jury Deliberation and Potential Outcomes

As the trial approached deliberation, hosts and guests speculated on possible verdicts. Bernarda Villona highlighted the uncertainty surrounding jury deliberations, especially with the looming Fourth of July holiday potentially impacting the timeline.

Bernarda Villona [25:30]: "It's quite possible if we do not get a jury verdict by July 2, that this jury's going to come back on July 7."

Shawna Lloyd provided a prognosis for the jury's decision, anticipating a mixed verdict with potential acquittals on certain charges and convictions on others. She particularly identified trafficking with Cassie as a likely point of contention that could result in a hung jury.

Shawna Lloyd [26:16]: "I think we're gonna get a mixed verdict. I think we're gonna get some guilty, some not guilty."

The discussion also touched upon sentencing, explaining the difference between consecutive and concurrent sentences and how they might apply to Combs if convicted.

Bernarda Villona [26:46]: "Sean Combs is charged with racketeering conspiracy, where he faces up to life. ... he is facing consecutive time, meaning... 10 years on top of those 10."

Additionally, the defense could explore mitigation factors such as Combs' lack of prior convictions, mental health considerations, and evidence of therapy to potentially reduce any sentences handed down.

Shawna Lloyd [28:01]: "I think you're gonna see them talk a lot about that to get that sentence reduced."

Conclusion and Upcoming Insights

The episode concluded with Buckmire teasing the next steps in the trial, including the defense's imminent closing arguments and the prosecution's forthcoming rebuttal. Listeners were encouraged to stay tuned for detailed analyses post-verdict.

Brian Buckmire [28:50]: "The defense is scheduled to deliver its closing arguments today. Listen for full analysis of that and the prosecution's rebuttal on Burden of Proof, which will drop into the Bad Rap feed this evening."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Brian Buckmire [00:54]: "28 days of testimony, 34 witnesses for the prosecution, 0 witnesses for the defense, over a thousand pieces of evidence."

• Bernarda Villona [05:26]: "The prosecution put the picture up of 27 men, 27 escorts..."

• Shawna Lloyd [07:50]: "The defense is arguing that these individuals were paid for their time and that all of the sexual activity was gratuitous."

• Shawna Lloyd [20:46]: "I have a bit of an issue with that. But that is what the prosecution is alleging is the enterprise."

• Shawna Lloyd [26:16]: "I think we're gonna get a mixed verdict. I think we're gonna get some guilty, some not guilty."

• Brian Buckmire [28:50]: "The defense is scheduled to deliver its closing arguments today. Listen for full analysis..."

Final Thoughts

This episode of 20/20 provides an in-depth examination of the critical phase in Sean Combs' trial, offering listeners expert insights into the legal strategies employed by both the prosecution and defense. The discussion on RICO charges, predicate acts, and potential jury outcomes underscores the complexity of high-stakes legal battles.

For those following the case, this summary encapsulates the essence of the closing arguments and sets the stage for the impending verdict, ensuring they are well-informed regardless of their ability to listen to the full episode.