Diddy said in New York court on Tuesday that he will not testify in the criminal case against him. He did take the opportunity to thank the judge. The rapper’s defense will begin its closing argument on Thursday.
“It’s going great, Your Honor,” Diddy replied after the judge asked how the artist was doing. “I’ve been wanting to thank you for a while. You’re doing an excellent job,” he said, according to NBC News.
Tuesday marked the end of seven weeks of witness hearings in the case against Diddy. He would now have the opportunity to make a statement himself but is refraining from doing so. When the judge asked if the rapper and producer had discussed his decision with his lawyers, he replied, “Yes, extensively.” When the judge asked again if it was his own decision not to testify, Diddy said, “That’s my decision, Your Honor. I mean, it’s my decision, along with my lawyers.”
Dozens of witnesses have been heard by prosecutors in the case in recent weeks. Among them was Cassie Ventura, who had a relationship with Diddy for about eleven years. Former Diddy employees and police officers involved in the investigation also spoke.
The defense announced earlier this week that they would no longer call witnesses themselves and would focus on the submitted evidence. A twelve-member jury will then decide whether the artist is guilty.
The 55-year-old Diddy is accused of, among other things, human trafficking and extortion. He faces a life sentence. The musician says he is innocent.