As closing arguments near in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal RICO case, prosecutors have confirmed they will no longer pursue several theories originally tied to the racketeering charges. In a letter filed Tuesday and obtained by Fox News Digital, the government stated it will not move forward with allegations involving attempted kidnapping, attempted arson, and aiding and abetting sex trafficking.
“The Government understands the Court’s desire for streamlined instructions,” the filing noted. “The Government has removed instructions from the charge… The Government is no longer planning to proceed on these theories of liability.”
Legal experts emphasize this does not mean any charges have been dropped. Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani clarified that the prosecution is simplifying the case for the jury, not altering its core strategy.
“The prosecution’s legal theories are essentially the same,” said Rahmani. “They are still arguing that Diddy committed completed acts of kidnapping, arson, and sex trafficking. They’ve just removed secondary theories such as attempted crimes and aiding and abetting.”
The government will continue to argue that Diddy was directly involved in the alleged kidnapping of Cassie Ventura and Capricorn Clark and the arson of Kid Cudi’s car. Prosecutors are also pursuing charges that Combs directly trafficked victims.
With the case entering its final stage, the prosecution’s move reflects an effort to focus the jury on what they believe are the strongest and most direct charges against the music mogul.