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

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Inside the Sean “Diddy” Combs Trial: Power, Allegations, and a Shocking Fall from Grace

Sean “Diddy” Combs, once hailed as a music mogul and cultural icon, is now facing the legal battle of his life — and possibly a life sentence. At the center of his federal trial in Manhattan are explosive allegations that paint a disturbing picture of what prosecutors say was a years-long pattern of abuse, coercion, and criminal enterprise hidden behind the glitz of his brand, Combs Global.

Here’s what you need to know to understand how we got here — and why this trial is about far more than a few salacious headlines.

The Charges: A Web of Racketeering, Sex Trafficking, and More

At the heart of the case are charges that Diddy operated his empire not just as a business, but as a criminal enterprise. If convicted, the charges — including racketeering and multiple counts of sex trafficking — could put him behind bars for life.

Key charges include:

• Racketeering Conspiracy: Prosecutors allege Combs used his wealth, staff, and influence to support a criminal network that engaged in sex trafficking, kidnapping, bribery, drug distribution, forced labor, obstruction of justice, and arson.
• Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, or Coercion: Multiple women say they were abused, threatened, and coerced into sex acts during so-called “freak-offs” — multi-day drug-fueled orgies allegedly orchestrated by Combs.
• Transportation for Prostitution: He’s also accused of arranging interstate travel for women — including escorts — explicitly for sex, violating federal trafficking laws.

Combs has pleaded not guilty and is vigorously defending himself, with his legal team attacking the credibility of the prosecution’s witnesses and arguing that the relationships were consensual and complex, not criminal.

The Witnesses: From Longtime Partners to Former Staffers

Several key witnesses have taken the stand — and their stories overlap in chilling ways.

Cassie Ventura: The Catalyst

Singer and former longtime girlfriend Cassie Ventura, identified as “Victim 1” in court documents, may have set this entire legal domino effect in motion. Her civil lawsuit filed in November 2023 — alleging years of sexual and physical abuse — was settled within a day for $20 million. But her criminal testimony is central to the case.

She testified that she was regularly forced into “freak-offs,” sometimes over multiple days, where Combs would film her having sex with other men while he watched and masturbated. Ventura also described incidents of physical assault, threats of blackmail, and surveillance footage from 2016 appears to show Combs assaulting her in a hotel hallway.

The defense argues that Cassie was a willing participant, pointing to texts and emails where she expressed enthusiasm or appeared emotionally conflicted about the relationship. But prosecutors maintain the power imbalance — and fear — made her consent impossible.

“Jane”: Another Former Girlfriend

Testifying under a pseudonym, “Jane” backed up Ventura’s claims, offering nearly a week of detailed, emotional testimony. She admitted to still loving Combs but described being coerced into sex with strangers, drug use, and threats of exposure.

Court texts revealed she had pleaded with Combs’ then-chief of staff, Kristina Khorram, about his “psychotic bipolar” rages, threats, and her growing fear.

Brendan Paul: The Insider Turned Witness

Perhaps the most damaging insider is Brendan Paul, Diddy’s former assistant. Arrested earlier this year for felony cocaine possession, Paul was granted immunity in exchange for cooperation.

He described Combs’ wild “king nights”, where sex parties were arranged, drugs were supplied, and assistants were expected to clean up afterward. He admitted to procuring cocaine, ecstasy, ketamine, marijuana, and more for the star — and said assistants were trained to work like “SEAL Team Six”, anticipating Combs’ every demand, sometimes for 100-hour workweeks.

Paul also claimed Kristina Khorram “ran the operation” — from travel to financial transactions — offering a peek into what prosecutors call a tightly run and abusive network masked by corporate professionalism.

Evidence: Messages, Money, and the “Frank Black” Alias

Testimony is backed by a mountain of digital and financial evidence:

• Surveillance videos
• Text and email records between victims and staff
• Hotel bills charging tens of thousands for room damage and “deep cleaning”
• Videos of “freak-offs”

Prosecutors also revealed Combs sometimes used the alias “Frank Black” to book hotel rooms and allegedly obtain prescription drugs, a detail they say shows intent to conceal his activities.

What Sparked the Federal Investigation?

Combs’ legal troubles didn’t come out of nowhere. After Ventura’s lawsuit, a wave of civil suits followed, with dozens of accusers — including men and minors — alleging everything from rape to sex trafficking. That cascade of allegations prompted a federal investigation, which escalated dramatically when Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami were raided in March 2024.

The Bigger Picture: A Reputation in Ruins

This trial isn’t just about personal misconduct. It’s about whether a multi-millionaire mogul used his empire as a weapon — manipulating women, intimidating employees, and dodging the law for decades.

For many in the public, the trial represents a shocking fall for a man who once defined hip-hop success. Once the face of champagne-soaked parties and platinum albums, Diddy is now at the center of a scandal that could reshape how power and abuse are addressed in the entertainment industry.

What’s at Stake

If prosecutors can convince the jury that Combs orchestrated a criminal enterprise, he could spend the rest of his life in prison. But the defense is betting on a different story — that of a complicated man in complicated relationships, targeted by opportunistic accusers.

As the trial continues, one thing is clear: this is no ordinary celebrity scandal. It’s a reckoning.

Source: CNN – Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ former assistant testifies in his trial

The post Diddy on Trial: Inside the Courtroom Drama appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

In the federal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, a key voice on the witness stand has been clinical and forensic psychologist Dawn Hughes. Known for her expertise in cases involving sex trafficking and abuse, Hughes has testified in some of the most headline-grabbing trials in recent years — including those of R. Kelly, Keith Raniere (founder of Nxivm), and the Johnny Depp defamation lawsuit.

But what makes her role in the Combs trial particularly interesting is how she approaches her testimony and why her voice matters so much.

A Reluctant Defender of the Accused?

During a sharp cross-examination by Combs’ defense attorney Jonathan Bach, Hughes revealed a striking fact: despite her hundreds of expert court appearances since 1998, she has never testified in defense of a man accused of a sex crime.

“I don’t evaluate offenders,” Hughes calmly stated, setting clear boundaries on her professional focus.

Bach also questioned whether Hughes was financially motivated by her courtroom work. She responded with a bit of humor: “Today meaning Wednesday?” before confirming that about 60% of her income comes from court testimony, at rates of $600 an hour or $6,000 per day. Importantly, she stressed there is no bonus based on trial outcomes.

Why Hughes Is Considered the Best in the Field

Former federal prosecutor Mark Lesko, who called Hughes as a witness during the Raniere trial, calls her “the expert’s expert” — one of the best forensic psychologists in the country.

“She has a rare ability to explain complicated psychological concepts in clear, simple terms jurors can understand,” Lesko said. “And she stands her ground even under the most aggressive questioning from top defense lawyers.”

Lisa Fontes, a professor and expert on intimate partner violence, agrees. “Hughes is unflappable. She doesn’t back down, and she helps jurors grasp why victims behave the way they do — especially in cases involving coercion and abuse.”

The ‘Blind Expert’ Approach: Focusing on the Behavior, Not the People

In the Combs trial, Hughes is serving as a “blind expert.” That means she doesn’t know any details about the individuals involved — no personal interviews, no assessing the accusers or witnesses. Instead, she testifies about patterns of behavior common to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and traumatic stress.

This perspective helps jurors better understand the complex dynamics at play, especially regarding Cassie Ventura, Combs’ former girlfriend and a central witness.

Why Do Victims Stay? Understanding the Abuse Dynamic

Hughes explained that victims often remain in abusive relationships because of the power and control exerted by the abuser. Physical violence is just one piece of a much larger puzzle, which includes emotional manipulation, financial dependence, and fear.

“If you don’t have money, a place to go, or resources, leaving can feel impossible,” Hughes told the jury. She also highlighted the deep shame victims experience from sexual abuse, which can make it difficult for them to even talk about what happened — let alone seek help.

Explaining the ‘Cycle of Violence’ to the Jury

One of Hughes’ most important tasks is clarifying why victims sometimes return to or defend their abusers. She described the “trauma bond” — a powerful psychological attachment that mixes moments of love and companionship with abuse, making escape incredibly hard.

“It’s that complicated mix of feelings that traps victims,” Hughes said. “They often want to leave but can’t see a way out.”

Breaking Stereotypes About Victims

Hughes also challenges common myths jurors may have about what a victim “should” look or act like. Cassie Ventura is a glamorous public figure, which might clash with some jurors’ expectations of a domestic abuse survivor.

“Domestic violence doesn’t discriminate,” Hughes said. “Victims come from all walks of life, and appearances can be deceiving.”

Why This Matters in the ‘Diddy’ Trial

The prosecution alleges that Combs and his associates used violence, threats, drugs, and intimidation to force Ventura and another woman to participate in “Freak Offs” — sex parties to protect Combs’ image. Ventura testified she participated out of fear and love for Combs.

The defense admits Combs had a “different sex life” and was sometimes violent but denies the serious federal charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and prostitution conspiracy. If convicted, Combs faces potentially life in prison.

Hughes’ testimony provides the jury with critical context to understand the complexities of abuse and victim behavior — information that can cut through the emotional and legal arguments presented.

Who Is Dawn Hughes?

Hughes maintains a private practice in New York focused on interpersonal violence, trauma, and anxiety disorders. She also teaches psychology at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical College.

Her expertise and steady courtroom presence have made her a sought-after witness in some of the most challenging and high-profile abuse cases of recent years.

Source: CNN – This ‘Diddy’ expert witness also testified in the R. Kelly and Keith Raniere trials and in the Johnny Depp defamation case. Here’s why she took the stand

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A federal judge in New York has rejected Sean “Diddy” Combs’ request to postpone his upcoming sex-trafficking trial. The ruling means that jury selection will proceed on May 5 as originally scheduled, despite Combs’ legal team seeking more time to prepare their defense.

On Friday, Judge Arun Subramanian addressed Combs’ attorneys, stating that he saw no reason to delay the trial. “It is unclear why there isn’t sufficient time to prepare,” Subramanian remarked, especially after two additional charges were added to the case earlier this month. Prosecutors had opposed the request for a delay, arguing that the trial should proceed on time.

The 55-year-old music mogul has pleaded not guilty to five charges, including sex trafficking, transportation for prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy. These alleged crimes, prosecutors claim, spanned two decades. Since his arrest last September, Combs has been held in federal detention in New York City.

Prosecutors accuse Combs of coercing at least three women into sex acts, some involving male prostitutes. The women were reportedly drugged and forced to engage in sex for days at a time, with these events being referred to as “Freak Offs.” Authorities allege that Combs recorded some of the encounters and exerted control over his victims by offering financial and career promises, along with threats of violence.

Judge Subramanian also issued two important rulings on Friday. First, he allowed the alleged victims to testify under pseudonyms to protect their identities. However, he made an exception for Cassie Ventura, Combs’ former girlfriend, who is expected to testify using her real name.

In another significant move, the judge ruled that evidence related to prior sexual assault allegations against Combs, which are not part of the charges in this case, would not be admissible at trial. This decision narrowed the scope of what prosecutors could present in the courtroom.

With the trial set to move forward as planned, the next major step will be jury selection on May 5. Combs faces serious charges, and this trial is expected to attract widespread attention as it unfolds.

Source: CNN – Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs bid to delay trial denied

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