Stephen A's Take: Stephen A responds to the legal strategy of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs not testifying.

The Stephen A. Smith Show

Stephen A. Smith and iHeartPodcasts

Society & Culture, Sports

4.6 • 1.4K Ratings

🗓️ 23 June 2025

⏱️ 6 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Stephen A. Smith is a New York Times Bestselling Author, Executive Producer, host of ESPN's First Take, and co-host of NBA Countdown.

🎙️ Segment Summary: Sean “Diddy” Combs Trial Commentary

This segment from The Stephen A. Smith Show focuses on the legal strategy in the ongoing trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is facing serious charges including sex trafficking and racketeering.

⚖️ Key Points

The trial is in its sixth week and expected to conclude before July 4th.
Diddy will not testify in his own defense.
Stephen A. supports this decision, calling it “wise” due to:
- Incriminating evidence already presented, including:
- A video of Diddy allegedly assaulting ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura.
- Testimonies about coercive behavior and disturbing personal conduct.
- The risk of jury bias: Even if actions aren’t technically illegal, jurors may still convict based on perceived moral wrongdoing.
Stephen A. argues that Diddy cannot present himself as a sympathetic figure, and testifying could worsen his situation.

🧠 Tone and Analysis

Serious and analytical: The tone is measured, with a focus on legal strategy and public perception.
Candid: Stephen A. doesn’t shy away from the gravity of the accusations or the optics of the case.

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Transcript

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0:00.0	This is an IHeart podcast.
0:04.2	Show me how good it can get today, God, and show the rest of the world what we already know.
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0:14.3	My name is Joseph Rees.
0:16.3	I am the creator and host of hella black, hella queer, hella Christian.
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0:25.6	To Hella Black, Hella Queer, Hella Christian on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast.
0:34.8	Why is a soap opera Western like Yellowstone so wildly successful?
0:39.9	The American West with Dan Flores is the latest show from the Meat Eater Podcast Network.
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0:50.5	and come to understand how it helps inform the ways in which we experience the region today.
0:57.6	Listen to the American West with Dan Flores on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
1:07.7	We have an important update on the trial of Sean Diddy Combs, now in its sixth week.
1:12.6	The judge overseeing the trial says he expects things to wrap up before July 4th.
1:18.6	Multiple sources have confirmed to people that Combs will not take the stand in his own defense,
1:25.6	despite the high-profile nature of the proceedings and the serious
1:28.7	charges he faces.
1:30.3	The decision comes as both legal teams prepare for what will be the final phase of the trial.
1:37.6	No question.
1:38.6	It's a wise decision by Sean Diddy Combs.
1:41.0	Ladies and gentlemen, he can't testify on his own behalf.
1:43.9	Sex trafficking and racketeering.
	...

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