The trial, which has lasted over seven weeks, was triggered by a civil suit filed by Combs’ former partner, singer Cassie Ventura.
A partial verdict has been delivered by the U.S. federal jury in the ongoing s3x trafficking trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.
However, the jury remained deadlocked on the most serious charge, racketeering.
According to reports, the jury on Tuesday informed presiding Judge Arun Subramanian that it had reached decisions on four of the five charges facing Combs specifically counts 2, 3, 4, and 5. However, jurors could not agree on count 1, which accuses the rapper of running a criminal enterprise that orchestrated forced s3x acts, intimidation, and abuse. The racketeering charge carries a potential life sentence.
The jury, in a note to the judge, said it was “hopelessly split,” with some members holding “unpersuadable” positions. In response, Judge Subramanian instructed them to resume deliberations on Wednesday.
Count 1 alleges that Combs led a criminal network that recruited and coerced women into exploitative s3xual situations. Other charges include s3x trafficking and transportation for prostitution.
The trial, which has lasted over seven weeks, was triggered by a civil suit filed by Combs’ former partner, singer Cassie Ventura. Though that case was settled out of court for $20 million, it sparked further allegations, leading to criminal prosecution.
During the proceedings, jurors heard troubling testimonies from two women, including one known only as “Jane,” who described a pattern of psychological manipulation, s3xual coercion, and threats. Prosecutors also presented extensive digital and financial records to support their claims of an organised criminal enterprise.
Prosecutors argue that Diddy’s associates facilitated abuse through intimidation, bribery, and witness tampering, with claims of drug trafficking and arson also surfacing. Yet, none of these alleged associates were called as co-defendants or testified against him.
To secure a conviction on the racketeering charge, jurors must unanimously find that Combs conspired to commit at least two of the eight specified crimes.
Defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo argued that while Combs admitted to instances of domestic violence, the relationships in question were consensual. He described the Bad Boy Records boss as a “self-made entrepreneur” targeted for his success.
He questioned the credibility of the key witnesses, insisting their decisions were made as free adults and that the prosecution had failed to prove criminal conduct.
Prosecutor Maurene Comey, in her final address, told the court: “The defendant never thought the women he abused would have the courage to speak out. That ends in this courtroom. The defendant is not a god.”
The jury will reconvene Wednesday to deliberate further on the racketeering charge.