The jury in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal trial in New York has reached a verdict on four of five charges after two days of deliberations but remains deadlocked on the racketeering conspiracy charge, which carries a potential life sentence.
The 55-year-old hip-hop mogul, charged with racketeering, two counts of sex trafficking, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, has pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Judge Arun Subramanian urged the jury to continue deliberating on the unresolved charge, with discussions set to resume Wednesday morning. The verdicts on the other four counts remain sealed for now.
The racketeering charge, the most serious Combs faces, has proven challenging for the jury, with some jurors holding “unmovable” opinions, as they noted.
Prosecutors allege Combs led a criminal enterprise over decades, involving crimes like sex trafficking, forced labor, and obstruction of justice, coordinated with associates.
“That was always going to be the most challenging charge for prosecutors to get a conviction on,” said Robert Mintz, a former federal prosecutor.
The prosecution requested an Allen charge to push for a unanimous decision, though such instructions are controversial for potentially pressuring jurors.
Over seven weeks, the jury heard from 34 witnesses, including former girlfriends like Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, who described coerced participation in drug-fueled sex sessions, and another witness, “Jane,” who alleged similar abuse.
Combs’ defense acknowledged his past domestic violence but argued the sexual activities were consensual.
As deliberations continue, the jury may extend discussions into July 3, despite the court’s usual closure before the July 4 holiday.
If convicted, Combs faces up to life in prison for racketeering or sex trafficking, with a minimum of 15 years for the latter and up to 10 years for prostitution-related charges.