A jury has given some decisions in the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is facing sex trafficking charges. However, they have not yet agreed on the biggest charge — racketeering.
The jurors sent a note to the judge, saying they had made up their minds on charges 2 through 5. But they couldn’t agree on the first charge, which is about racketeering. They explained that some jurors had strong opinions that others couldn’t change.
Judge Arun Subramanian told the jury to keep discussing the racketeering charge but allowed them to go home for the day. They are expected to return on Wednesday.
The racketeering charge claims that Diddy led a group that forced women into sex acts with escorts. If found guilty of this, he could spend the rest of his life in prison. Besides racketeering, Diddy is also facing two charges of sex trafficking and two charges of taking people across state lines for prostitution.
This case got a lot of attention after Diddy’s former partner, singer Cassie Ventura, sued him. She said he abused her sexually, physically, and emotionally. Although that lawsuit was settled for $20 million, it led to more accusations and finally criminal charges.
The trial lasted seven weeks and included very disturbing stories. Two women said they were pressured into wild sex parties. Ex-workers also described Diddy’s violent behavior. The court looked at thousands of phone calls, money records, and video clips.
Prosecutors say Diddy was running a criminal group. They claim that his top workers helped him by forcing people to work, selling drugs, kidnapping, bribing, threatening witnesses, and even setting fires. But Diddy’s lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, said none of these workers came forward to testify or were named as partners in crime. Some witnesses were promised legal protection to get them to speak.
For Diddy to be found guilty of racketeering, every juror must agree that he worked with others to commit at least two out of eight listed crimes.
Diddy is specifically charged with sex trafficking two women—Cassie Ventura and another woman known as “Jane.” Both said they were in long-term relationships with him and spoke about abuse, fear, and being forced to do things. The defense team admitted that Diddy had sometimes hit his partners but said that didn’t mean it was sex trafficking or racketeering.
Diddy’s lawyer described him as a successful Black businessman who had complicated but mutual relationships with women. He said Ventura and Jane made their own choices and were not forced.
In closing, the prosecution said the defense was twisting the truth. Prosecutor Maurene Comey said Diddy had crossed many lines and didn’t believe his victims would speak up. She added, “He is not above the law. He is not a god. This ends here in this courtroom.”
