Defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro continued to attempt to dismantle the prosecution’s claims that Combs participated in racketeering acts.
She said that trial failed to show evidence Combs tried to bribe anyone surrounding the March 2016 hotel attack between himself and Cassie Ventura. She said there was no police involvement, Ventura didn’t want police involved, and no charges were pressed.
Eddy Garcia, who worked as a security supervisor at the Los Angeles hotel where Combs was filmed attacking Ventura, testified he received $100,000 for himself and two other employees for keeping the video under wraps. Shapiro noted he signed an NDA that permitted him to report to law enforcement.
Shapiro argued that Combs didn’t threaten “Mia” or his other staffers. “Mia” testified that one of Combs’ security guards D-Roc offered to send her something which she interpreted as money after Ventura’s lawsuit was filed.
Shapiro said there’s no federal nexus under the RICO charge because there has to be proof a victim turned to federal officials or proof of a federal investigation.
She also argued Combs didn’t threaten anyone. Shapiro noted how Jane texted Combs after Ventura’s lawsuit and Combs did not send any “corrupt persuasion or threats.” Combs asked her what he could do to make her feel better, and asked for her support.
There’s also no evidence Combs used threats or harm to procure the labor of Capricorn Clark, “Mia,” Ventura or “Jane,” Shapiro said. Under the forced labor racketeering act, someone’s services must be procured through force, physical restraint or threat of serious harm.
While some of Combs’ staffers described him as abusive and working under grueling conditions with little sleep, they all could have left, Shapiro said. In reality, most were in fear of losing their jobs, she said.
