Dateline: True Crime Weekly - Episode: Sean Combs: Prosecution and Defense Rest Release Date: June 25, 2025

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Dateline: True Crime Weekly, host Andrea Canning delves deep into the latest developments of the high-profile Sean Combs racketeering trial. Produced by NBC News, the episode offers an in-depth analysis of the courtroom maneuvers, strategic arguments from both the prosecution and defense, and the emotional undertones permeating the trial.

Prosecution Rests Their Case

At [02:03], Andrea Canning sets the stage by informing listeners that after six relentless weeks and the examination of 34 witnesses, the federal prosecutors have concluded their presentation. "Today at 1:30, after calling 34 witnesses over six weeks, federal prosecutors rested their case," Andrea states, highlighting the exhaustive efforts made by the prosecution to build their case against Sean Combs.

Defense's Strategic Shift and Rule 29 Motion

Following the prosecution's withdrawal, the defense swiftly introduced their case with minimal delay. As Andrea explains, [03:03] the defense took only half an hour to present their arguments, primarily focusing on a Rule 29 motion.

Chloe Meloss elaborates, "The defense has now shifted from pointing out Jane's actions... instead, they're asking the jury to look at Combs's state of mind" ([03:33]). This strategic pivot aims to undermine the prosecution's claims by suggesting that the alleged victims were acting out of genuine affection rather than coercion.

The defense invoked Rule 29, a common motion in federal trials, requesting the dismissal of the case on the grounds that the prosecution's evidence does not sufficiently support a conviction. Chloe explains, "Alexandra Shapiro... almost painstakingly went through all five counts... the defense is saying that the government never proved that he conspired with any other person" ([06:03]).

Evidence Presentation: Freak Off Videos and Love Letters

A significant portion of the defense’s strategy involves discrediting the evidence presented by the prosecution. The defense introduced additional "freak off" videos, which Andrea questions, "the jury becoming numb to it or do you think it's just cringy to them?" ([04:35]). Chloe responds, "This is the defense's strategy to say, we are not afraid of these videos... These were women who were consenting" ([04:58]), aiming to portray the alleged activities as consensual rather than forced.

Moreover, the defense unveiled romantic text exchanges between Sean Combs and his former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, drawing parallels to cases like Harvey Weinstein's. Chloe notes, "This trial... compared to Weinstein's criminal retrial, where they were showing love notes between some of the women and Weinstein" ([12:59]). These messages, dated after an alleged incident where Combs reportedly assaulted Cassie, are used to question the narrative of coercion and blackmail proposed by the prosecution.

Courtroom Atmosphere and Combs's Demeanor

The emotional toll of the trial is palpable, especially regarding Sean Combs's presence in the courtroom. At [11:54], Chloe provides a vivid depiction: "He was shuffling through papers in a folder... continually rubbing his face and his head in his hands." This portrayal underscores the immense pressure Combs is under, as Andrea reflects, "you know, we're nearing the end here. It's been a lot."

The jury's fatigue is also acknowledged. Chloe remarks, "I think they're really tired... but they will not be in court tomorrow because it's a charging conference" ([14:40]). Andrea adds a touch of humor, noting the impending break in the podcast schedule due to the complexity of the upcoming proceedings.

Potential Outcomes and Future Proceedings

As the trial progresses toward its conclusion, Andrea and Chloe discuss the potential timelines and next steps. With closings imminent, the episode anticipates intense courtroom battles: "Mark Agnifolo, who is Combs's lead attorney... he's going to be doing closings" ([15:34]). The presence of Maureen Comey, daughter of former FBI Director James Comey, adds another layer of intrigue to the proceedings.

Chloe speculates on the trial's duration, "the jury could get the case Friday afternoon... but you never know. This could also stretch into Monday" ([15:11]), highlighting the unpredictable nature of high-stakes trials.

Conclusion

As Dateline: True Crime Weekly wraps up this episode, listeners are left on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the trial's next phases. Andrea reminds the audience of additional resources, encouraging them to stay informed through the NBC newsletter and the podcast's online platforms.

Notable Quotes

• Andrea Canning [02:03]: "Today at 1:30, after calling 34 witnesses over six weeks, federal prosecutors rested their case."

• Chloe Meloss [03:33]: "The defense has now shifted from pointing out Jane's actions... instead, they're asking the jury to look at Combs's state of mind."

• Chloe Meloss [04:58]: "We are not afraid of these videos... These were women who were consenting."

• Chloe Meloss [06:03]: "Alexandra Shapiro... almost painstakingly went through all five counts... the defense is saying that the government never proved that he conspired with any other person."

• Chloe Meloss [12:59]: "This trial... compared to Weinstein's criminal retrial, where they were showing love notes between some of the women and Weinstein."

• Chloe Meloss [14:40]: "I think they're really tired... but they will not be in court tomorrow because it's a charging conference."

About the Production Team

On Trial is produced by Franny Kelly with assistance from the Dateline True Crime Weekly team. Senior producers Alison Orr and Liz Brown Karloff, along with original music by Jesse McGinty Paul Ryan and executive producers Paul Ryan and Liz Cole, ensure a compelling and insightful narrative for true crime enthusiasts.

Stay informed and up-to-date with the latest courtroom dramas by subscribing to Dateline: True Crime Weekly. For more detailed coverage and analysis, visit nbcnews.com/diddyontrial.