Jury Reaches Partial Verdict in Diddy Sex Trafficking Trial, Told to Keep Deliberating on Key Charge
NEW YORK — After just two days of deliberations, the jury in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ high-profile sex trafficking trial says it has reached a verdict on four out of five charges — but remains deadlocked on the most serious count: racketeering conspiracy.
Late Tuesday afternoon, jurors sent a note to the court saying they were stuck on the racketeering charge due to “unpersuadable” views on both sides. Instead of accepting a partial verdict, Judge Arun Subramanian instructed the panel to keep deliberating, calling it too early to give up on reaching a decision across the board. Deliberations are set to continue Wednesday.
What We Know So Far:
- Guilty or Not Guilty? The jury has reached a verdict on:
- Two counts of sex trafficking
- Two counts of transportation for prostitution
- But they remain undecided on:
- Racketeering conspiracy — the most complex and serious charge in the case.
What’s at Stake:
- A conviction on the sex trafficking charge carries a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison.
- The transportation for prostitution charge could mean up to 10 years.
- Racketeering conspiracy alone carries a potential life sentence.
Diddy Appears Subdued in Court
Combs, 55, looked somber after the note from the jury was read. He quietly read a piece of paper handed to him by his attorney, Marc Agnifilo, and sat in silence for several minutes before leaving the courtroom.
As he exited, he turned to his supporters, blew a kiss, tapped his chest — a daily gesture of gratitude — and briefly spoke to his mother, telling her, “Love you. I’ll be all right.” Marshals then escorted him out.
The Charges Against Combs
Federal prosecutors allege that Combs used his wealth, fame, and intimidation to control two girlfriends, coercing them into drug-fueled sex acts involving male sex workers — what insiders allegedly referred to as “freak-offs” or “hotel nights.”
Combs has pleaded not guilty. His defense argues that prosecutors are trying to criminalize a consensual — albeit controversial — swinger lifestyle. At worst, they claim, his behavior may rise to domestic violence, but not federal crimes.
Why the Racketeering Charge Is So Complicated
Racketeering conspiracy is proving to be the trial’s toughest hurdle. To convict, jurors must agree that Combs ran a “criminal enterprise” — and that he committed (or conspired to commit) specific crimes like kidnapping, drug distribution, arson, or others as part of that operation.
The jury’s difficulty may stem from just how broad and layered that charge is. Earlier in the day, they even asked the judge to clarify the definition of drug distribution — a key element in the racketeering count.
Spotlight on Cassie’s Testimony
Jurors also requested to review testimony from one of the trial’s most critical witnesses: R&B singer Cassie, Combs’ longtime ex-girlfriend, born Casandra Ventura.
The jury asked to revisit her emotional account of being beaten, kicked, and dragged by Combs at a Los Angeles hotel in 2016 — an attack captured on now-infamous security footage. They also wanted her testimony about:
- Being kicked off Combs’ yacht at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival after he accused her of stealing drugs.
- A disturbing threat to release explicit videos of her during their return to the U.S.
- Her interaction with stripper Daniel Phillip, who described her as terrified after allegedly being assaulted by Combs at a New York hotel.
Phillip testified that Cassie jumped into his lap and downplayed the danger she was in, telling him, “It’s OK. I’m fine, I’ll be OK.”
Trouble in the Jury Room?
The jury has had its share of internal friction. On Monday — just an hour into deliberations — the foreperson raised concerns about one juror’s ability to follow the judge’s instructions. The judge responded by urging jurors to keep deliberating in good faith and stick to the legal guidelines provided.
What’s Next?
All eyes are now on Wednesday, when jurors return to tackle the racketeering conspiracy count. Until they reach a unanimous decision — or tell the court they’re hopelessly deadlocked — the partial verdict will remain sealed.
Stay tuned for updates as the jury continues deliberations in one of the most high-profile celebrity trials in recent memory.
Source: AP News – Jury reaches verdict on 4 of 5 counts in Diddy trial but is told to keep deliberating
