He’s in the fight of his life in a Manhattan courtroom – and Sean Diddy Combs is pulling out all the stops to win back his freedom. 

The music mogul, on trial for racketeering and sexual trafficking, remains hopeful he will be acquitted at the end of the long drawn out criminal blockbuster.

His defense strategy has impressed legal analysts – his lawyers have argued that while he may be a monster, sex addict and drug addled fiend, he’s not guilty of the crimes the jury has been asked to consider. 

But their arguments aren’t the only way Diddy is subtly trying to curry favor. 

From his wardrobe to his courtroom props and even interactions with witnesses and jurors, the 55-year-old is leaving nothing off the table when it comes to fighting for his freedom.

As the trial’s fifth, long week draws to a close, here’s a look at how he’s tried to sway the case so far. 

Diddy, 55, has gone through a make-over after his arrest. He is no longer sporting his preferred designer suits and his hair has gone mostly white. He is seen at the Grammy's in 2020

Diddy, 55, has gone through a make-over after his arrest. He is no longer sporting his preferred designer suits and his hair has gone mostly white. He is seen at the Grammy’s in 2020

The ‘Nerd Defense’ 

The ‘nerd defense’ is based on the idea that dressing defendants in glasses has a subliminal effect on the jury, because they see them as being less likely to engage in criminal activity. 

Reading glasses in particular are associated with intelligence and a lack of physical strength. 

The term was actually coined by Harvey Slovis, who represented Diddy during his 1999 trial for gun possession.

Diddy's hair and famous goatee are now nearly all white and he has been sporting neutral toned sweaters during his trial

Diddy’s hair and famous goatee are now nearly all white and he has been sporting neutral toned sweaters during his trial

The 'nerd defense' is based on the idea that dressing defendants in glasses (pictured)

The ‘nerd defense’ is based on the idea that dressing defendants in glasses (pictured)

It appears it’s a strategy they’ve adopted again. 

Meanwhile, Diddy is reportedly reading about self-help as he awaits his fate in a Manhattan federal courthouse

Meanwhile, Diddy is reportedly reading about self-help as he awaits his fate in a Manhattan federal courthouse

Indeed, the rapper has shown up to court in shirts and sweaters – a preppy alternative to his hip hop days, when he was known to wear elaborate suits with capes. 

Diddy’s hair and famous goatee are also now nearly all white, as the mogul no longer has access to the Just For Men hair dye that was found in his Miami mansion when it was raided last year. 

Self-Help Props 

In addition to his wardrobe, the mogul’s been seen with a handful of courtroom props. 

He brought a bible into the courtroom early in the trial, and has since been spotted carrying a copy of ‘The Magic of Believing’   

He was toting the 1948 book by Claude M. Bristol on Tuesday.

The book was created to help soldiers returning from the Second World War process their trauma and describes itself as an exploration of ‘the secrets behind harnessing the unlimited energies of the subconscious.’ 

Diddy brought a bible into the courtroom early in the trial

Diddy brought a bible into the courtroom early in the trial

Family Matters 

Diddy has long built a public image as a family man who deeply cares for his six children.

And the trial has been no different. His oldest children were all present for opening statements, despite the gory and grim nature of what was described.

His 85-year-old mother Janice has also been a constant presence, posing for court sketch artists and sporting loud outfits as she makes her way into court every day.

The rapper's mother, Janice Combs, 85, has been present at the trial every day

The rapper’s mother, Janice Combs, 85, has been present at the trial every day 

Diddy's daughters Jessie, Chance and, D'Lila Star Combs, were also present at the start of the trial

Diddy’s daughters Jessie, Chance and, D’Lila Star Combs, were also present at the start of the trial 

Flirting with the jury

Rather than shy away from the jury or public gallery, Diddy has been quite the showman. 

He’s been seen hugging his lawyers routinely and, at times, turning around to ask spectators how they’re doing as they take in the day’s events. 

But his cavalier attitude has backfired at times. 

Judge Arun Subramanian has ordered him to stop making eye-contact with the jury after a series of says in which he nodded ‘vigorously’ in their direction while a witness testified. 

He also grinned during the testimony of a former girlfriend turned accuser, Jane, as she spoke of their good times and intimacy. 

He's been seen hugging his lawyers routinely and, at times, turning around to ask spectators how they're doing as they take in the day's events

He’s been seen hugging his lawyers routinely and, at times, turning around to ask spectators how they’re doing as they take in the day’s events

The grand finale… taking the stand? 

Diddy’s lawyers haven’t yet confirmed whether he will take the stand. 

Legal experts and celebrity pundits differ in their views of whether it will make or break his case. 

The rapper has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could put him in prison for life.

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk