Will Sean Diddy Combs be convicted in sex trafficking trial?

On Tuesday, the jury in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking trial announced it had reached a verdict on four of the five charges against the hip-hop mogul. However, the partial decision was kept confidential after jurors were instructed to continue deliberating, as they remained deadlocked on the most serious count: racketeering conspiracy.

Prosecutors, the defense team, and Judge Arun Subramanian agreed that after only two days of deliberations, it was premature to abandon the possibility of a verdict on all charges. Instead of accepting a partial verdict, Judge Subramanian directed the jury to keep discussing the outstanding charge. Deliberations are set to resume on Wednesday.

These developments followed a late afternoon note from the jury stating they were unable to reach a unanimous decision on the racketeering conspiracy count, citing “unpersuadable” opinions among jurors on both sides.

 But in less than 13 hours of deliberations, the jury did reach a verdict on two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. The latter concerns allegations of arranging to fly the women and sex workers across state lines.

If there is a conviction, the sex trafficking charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life. Transportation to engage in prostitution carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

 The outstanding charge, racketeering conspiracy, carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

 After hearing about the jury note, Combs, 55, appeared morose as his lawyers spoke with him. At one point, the hip-hop mogul solemnly read a piece of paper that attorney Marc Agnifilo handed to him.

After the jury came in for instructions and then exited the room, a subdued Combs sat in his chair for a few minutes. As he stood to leave, he faced his relatives and supporters in the audience, blew a kiss and tapped his heart, as he frequently has done at the start and end of each day.

 Then he paused before his mother and exchanged a few words, telling her, “Love you” and “I’ll be all right.”

Marshals then escorted him from the courtroom.

Jurors are considering allegations that Combs used his fame, wealth, and influence to coerce two women into extended encounters involving multiple partners, described in the case as “freak-offs” or “hotel nights.”

Combs has pleaded not guilty. His defense team argues that prosecutors are attempting to criminalize his personal lifestyle choices and contend that, at most, the accusations reflect domestic disputes rather than federal crimes.

The racketeering conspiracy charge is the most complex, requiring the jury to determine whether Combs led a “racketeering enterprise” and whether he was involved in alleged crimes including kidnapping and arson.

Earlier on Tuesday, the jury requested to review critical testimony from one of the prosecution’s key witnesses: the hip-hop mogul’s former longtime girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie (Casandra Ventura).

The panel of eight men and four women asked to revisit Cassie’s description of an incident in 2016 at a Los Angeles hotel, where she said Combs assaulted her—a claim supported by security footage.

They also requested testimony regarding an event in 2013 at the Cannes Film Festival, when Cassie said Combs accused her of theft and asked her to leave their yacht. She also testified that he threatened to release private videos of her on their return to the U.S.

Additionally, the jury asked for testimony from Cassie and Daniel Phillip, a stripper, concerning an episode in a New York hotel where Cassie jumped into Phillip’s lap. Phillip testified that she appeared frightened and he suspected she had been physically harmed by Combs in a nearby room.

Phillip said he warned her she was in danger, but Cassie tried to reassure him that she was “fine” and would be okay.

Tuesday’s court session opened with the judge and attorneys addressing the jury’s request for clarification on the legal definition of drug distribution, a key aspect of the racketeering conspiracy charge.

Judge Arun Subramanian reiterated earlier instructions to the jury regarding this point.

On Monday, shortly after deliberations began, the jury foreperson sent a note expressing concern that one juror “cannot follow your Honor’s instructions.”

In response, the judge reminded the jurors of their obligation to deliberate carefully and follow the court’s legal guidance.

Combs chose not to testify during the trial. His defense relied heavily on cross-examining prosecution witnesses over several weeks in making their case for acquittal.