Diddy Trial Delayed as Juror Raises Concerns During Deliberations in Sex-Trafficking Case

A juror in Sean Diddy Combs’ trial apparently couldn’t follow the judge’s instructions, according to a note sent to the judge Monday

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ high-profile sex-trafficking and racketeering trial faced an early disruption Monday, just one hour into jury deliberations, after jurors raised concerns about a fellow panelist’s ability to follow court instructions.

The 12-member panel—comprising eight men and four women—alerted Manhattan federal court Judge Arun Subramanian at approximately 12:40 p.m., reporting doubts about one juror’s capacity to adhere to the legal guidelines. Identified as “Juror 25,” the panelist in question is a 51-year-old male scientist with a PhD in molecular biology and neuroscience, originally from Europe and residing in Manhattan.

The Bad Boys Records founder could face up to life in prison if he’s convicted on any of the top three charges he faces

“We have a juror, ‘Juror 25,’ who we believe cannot follow your instructions,” the note from the jury stated. While the specific nature of the juror’s difficulties was not disclosed, Judge Subramanian instructed the panel to continue deliberating in the meantime.

Combs, 55, who has been detained at a Brooklyn facility since his arrest in September 2024, appeared relaxed shortly before the note was read aloud, smiling and speaking with his legal team. A copy of The Power of Positive Thinking was visible on the defense table in front of him.

The jury was also shown hours of video clips of Ventura and Jane during the “freak-offs” — which were recorded by Combs

Deliberations began at 11:30 a.m. Monday, as jurors began weighing five serious charges against the Bad Boy Records founder: one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex-trafficking, and two counts of transporting individuals for the purpose of engaging in prostitution. A conviction on any of the top charges could result in a life sentence.

Over the course of a seven-week trial, the jury heard from 34 witnesses, reviewed hundreds of text messages and emails, and were shown hours of explicit video footage depicting what the prosecution described as “freak-offs”—drug-fueled sex marathons allegedly orchestrated by Combs.

Among the most damning testimony came from Combs’ former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, who took the stand while eight months pregnant. Ventura described being beaten and coerced into group sex with male escorts, often under the influence of drugs, and said she was pressured into participating even when she was physically unwell or recovering from alleged assaults. Another woman, identified in court only as “Jane,” echoed similar claims, alleging Combs threatened to cut her off financially if she refused to join the sessions.

Over seven weeks of testimony, the jury heard from 34 witnesses

Jurors were shown extensive video recordings of these encounters, all allegedly filmed by Combs. Due to the graphic nature of the content and the need to protect the women’s identities, the footage was not made available to the public or the press.

The defense argued that the women participated willingly, pointing to affectionate text messages and explicit sexts exchanged between the accusers and Combs. Combs' legal team insisted that the relationships and encounters were consensual and denied the existence of any criminal enterprise.

However, prosecutors painted a darker picture, alleging that Combs led a 20-year-long racketeering operation involving employees and associates in a variety of criminal acts—including arson, kidnapping, bribery, witness tampering, and narcotics distribution.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges

After jurors began deliberating, Combs was seen praying with family members and supporters in a show of solidarity. Later in the day, the jury submitted a second note to the judge, this time seeking legal clarification regarding the drug-related allegations tied to the racketeering charges. Judge Subramanian confirmed he would re-read part of his instructions when deliberations resumed on Tuesday.

The high-stakes trial marks one of the most significant legal reckonings for a prominent figure in the music industry, as jurors continue to weigh extensive testimony, evidence, and allegations that could determine the future of the embattled music mogul.