A jury has delivered a partial verdict in the ongoing sex trafficking trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, but remains undecided on the most serious charge—racketeering.
In a note to Judge Arun Subramanian, the jurors said they had reached decisions on counts 2, 3, 4, and 5, but could not agree on count 1, which accuses Combs of racketeering. The note stated, “We have jurors with unpersuadable opinions on both sides.”
Judge Subramanian asked the jury to continue their deliberations on the racketeering charge and dismissed them for the day. They are expected to return on Wednesday.
The racketeering charge claims that Diddy led a criminal organizationthat forced women into sex acts. If found guilty, he could face life in prison. Other charges include two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transporting women for prostitution.
The case picked up momentum after Diddy’s ex-partner, Cassie Ventura, filed a civil lawsuit in 2023 accusing him of abuse and coercion during their 11-year relationship. The lawsuit was settled for $20 million, but it opened the door for other victims and eventually led to criminal charges.
During the seven-week trial, two women testified about being pressured into sex parties. Former staff also described violent outbursts. Thousands of phone records, financial documents, and video evidence were presented.
Prosecutors allege that Diddy ran a criminal ring involving senior staff who helped him commit crimes like kidnapping, drug dealing, bribery, and witness tampering. But Diddy’s lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, argued that none of those staff members testified or were charged as co-conspirators. He also noted that some witnesses were offered immunity in exchange for their testimony.
To convict Diddy of racketeering, the jury must agree that he worked with others to commit at least two of eight listed crimes.
Cassie and another woman, known as “Jane,” testified that Diddy abused and threatened them while in long-term relationships. While the defense admitted that Diddy may have been physically abusive at times, they argued that the relationships were consensual and did not meet the legal definition of sex trafficking.
In closing arguments, prosecutors said Diddy believed he was untouchable. “The defendant never thought the women he abused would have the courage to speak out,” said lead prosecutor Maurene Comey. “That ends in this courtroom. The defendant is not a god.”
The jury will continue deliberations on the racketeering charge on July 3, 2025.
