Testimony against Sean Combs was shocking and graphic. But was it enough to convict?

One of the most sensational celebrity trials in decades is expected early this week to go to jurors, who must decide whether music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is responsible for a shocking series of alleged sex crimes and conspiracies dating back years.The trial in New York has been marked by graphic testimony from inside Combs’ music empire, alleging a pattern of violence, threats and cover-ups that prosecutors have likened to a mob-like criminal enterprise.A key question posed in the case is whether Combs — who was once worth more than $1 billion — used his power and money to conceal alleged crimes, often with the help of his sprawling organization.

Prosecutors hammered home this alleged conspiracy in closing arguments.Assistant U.S.

Atty.Christy Slavik told jurors Combs “counted on silence and shame” to enable and prolong his abuse and used a “small army” of employees to harm women and cover it up, according to the Associated Press.

Combs “doesn’t take no for an answer,” she added.But legal experts have said the case may not be quite the slam-dunk that the tabloid headlines suggest.Combs’ defense has freely acknowledged that the mogul behaved badly.

They claim, however, that the charges against him are overblown and pointed out that some key witnesses did not report Combs’ misdeeds at the time.“The theory of the defense seems to be that Diddy did really horrible things, but they don’t meet the elements of the crimes charged,” said legal expert Jeff Chemerinsky, a former federal prosecutor.

World & Nation At its height, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Bad Boy Entertainment was a show business powerhouse, mixing music, video, fashion, liquor and style into a business that made Combs a billionaire.Was it really a criminal enterprise? On Friday, Combs’ attorney labeled the prosecution’s case “exaggerated” and hammered some of his accusers.

Marc Agnifilo claimed Combs enjoyed a “swinger” lifestyle and was addled by drugs....