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Prosecutors had expected to rest their case by Friday after
presenting evidence for the last six weeks, but the delay means
they are unlikely to finish until Monday.
Judge Arun Subramanian announced in the morning that a juror
reported symptoms of vertigo on his way to the courthouse.
The judge said it was possibly a “momentary issue” and
cancellation of the trial for a day may enable the juror to
return Friday after the trial pauses for the Juneteenth holiday
on Thursday.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking and
racketeering conspiracy charges.
Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo said the defense presentation
could last up to five days, although it could be finished in
less than two days.
Prosecutors say Combs used his fame and power in the music
industry, along with violence and money, to coerce girlfriends
for nearly two decades to submit to sexual performances
involving male sex workers, sometimes on a weekly basis.
The sex marathons, called “freak-offs” and “hotel nights,”
sometimes lasted several days as Combs watched, directed and
sometimes filmed his girlfriends having sex with other men,
according to testimony.
Two former girlfriends testified that they relied on drugs
supplied by Combs to stay awake — and numb — throughout the
events. They both said they endured the sexual marathons because
they were in love with Combs and it enabled them to spend more
time with him.
Defense lawyers say prosecutors are trying to criminalize sexual
activity between consenting adults. They say their client was
involved in domestic abuse, but had not committed the federal
crimes of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.
Combs has remained jailed without bail since his September
arrest.
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