Sean 'Diddy' Combs faces possible life sentence as jury starts deliberations

Jury deliberations are scheduled to begin Monday in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking case, where the defendant faces charges that carry the possibility of a life sentence.

Following legal instructions from federal Judge Arun Subramanian, the jury of eight men and four women will convene privately to consider the evidence. They will review seven weeks of testimony, which included detailed and emotional accounts concerning the defendant’s conduct and allegations related to his personal behavior.

Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking — relating to two of his ex-girlfriends — and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution for allegedly arranging to fly sex workers across state lines.

In closing arguments last week, federal prosecutors and Combs’ defense team took their last shots at convincing jurors to convict or acquit the Grammy Award-winning founder of Bad Boy Records.

“The defendant used power, violence and fear to get what he wanted,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik said. “He thought that his fame, wealth and power put him above the law.”

Defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo countered, “This isn’t about crime. It’s about money.” He noted that one of Combs’ accusers in the criminal case also sued him in civil court.

A total of 34 witnesses provided testimony, including Combs’ former partners Cassie (R&B singer Casandra Ventura) and a woman identified by the pseudonym “Jane.” Both described instances of alleged violence and coercion involving the defendant. The jury also viewed security footage from 2016 showing an incident at a Los Angeles hotel involving Combs and Cassie, as well as selected video clips related to the case.

Combs chose not to testify, and his lawyers didn’t call any witnesses in their defense case. His attorneys elected instead to challenge the accusers’ credibility during lengthy cross-examination questioning.

The defense has acknowledged that Combs veered into violence, but his lawyers maintain that the sex acts were consensual. They contend that prosecutors are intruding in Combs’ personal life and that he’s done nothing to warrant the charges against him.