Sean “Diddy” Combs is expected to testify in his sex trafficking and racketeering case, but Meesha Moulton of Meesha Moulton Law tells the “bold” move is not in his best interest.
“There is a reason that attorneys typically advise their clients not to take the stand in their own trial – testifying in one’s own trial opens up the defendant to cross-examination from the prosecution,” the award-winning Las Vegas-based attorney exclusively tells us.
Moulton says the “mentally grueling” cross-examination process “will be relentless in trying to find inconsistencies in his statements and getting him to admit to things that could be damaging.”
“If Diddy becomes flustered or frustrated, taking the stand will do more harm for him than good,” she adds.
“This level of scrutiny is very emotionally taxing, and if he struggles to maintain composure under pressure, it can negatively influence the jury’s perception of him.”
Moulton believes the cross-examination will be the 54-year-old rapper and music executive’s “biggest challenge” and would “strongly advise against” it.
She says to have the best chance at proving he is innocent, Combs needs to “prioritize a strategic defense over his desire for personal expression.”
Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, told TMZ’s Harvey Levin in an interview for their new documentary, “The Downfall of Diddy: The Indictment,” that he is “very eager to tell his story” in court.
“It’s a human story. It’s a story of love. It’s a story of hurt. It’s a story of heartbreak,” he added.
Moulton tells that although she would advise Combs against getting on the stand in his upcoming trial, it will no doubt “shift the focus from the prosecution’s narrative to his own version of events.”
Echoing Agnifilo’s words, she adds, “It also allows Diddy the opportunity to challenge evidence and humanize himself while reminding jurors of his positive contributions to society by highlighting his work as an advocate and philanthropist.”
“By presenting himself as a well-rounded individual, he may create complexity for jurors trying to process the allegations made against him,” she further explains.
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“If Diddy can create confusion or cast any doubt on the consistency of the prosecution’s claims, it may lead jurors to hesitate before reaching a guilty verdict.”
Furthermore, she recommends the disgraced rapper “is ready for any curveballs and can remain composed if something unexpected does come up during testimony,” as new evidence being introduced into the courtroom is a real possibility.
Last week, Combs was arrested by federal agents and indicted on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.
In the 14-page indictment, prosecutors claim the Bad Boy Records founder “abused, threatened and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation and conceal his conduct” for decades.
They also accused him of “creating a criminal enterprise whose members and associates engaged in … sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice.”
The alleged sexual abuse that Combs and his conspirators are being accused of occurred at so-called “Freak Off” parties, which involved setting up hotel rooms with “controlled substances, baby oil, lubricant, extra linens, and lighting” for the wild gatherings.
The shocking indictment turned heads when it revealed more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant were found during the March raids of Conbs’ Miami and Los Angeles mansions.
After these alleged “Freak Offs” took place, Combs’ staff was reportedly ordered to “mitigate room damage,” order IV fluids and transportation for victims and obtain cash for “commercial sex workers.”
Combs pleaded not guilty to all charges and has maintained his innocence in his plethora of current sexual assault lawsuits.
There is no date set for Combs’ trial but he has a status hearing on Oct. 9.
If convicted, he will face at least 15 years in prison.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.
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