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Jury Deliberations Resume in Sean 'Diddy' Combs’ Federal Trial as Verdict on Racketeering Charge Remains Unresolved

  • Writer: Victor Nwoko
    Victor Nwoko
  • 7 days ago
  • 3 min read
The 55-year-old rapper is facing charges of sex trafficking by force and transportation to engage in prostitution relating to claims brought by his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura (pictured together in 2015) and another ex who remained anonymous
The 55-year-old rapper is facing charges of sex trafficking by force and transportation to engage in prostitution relating to claims brought by his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura (pictured together in 2015) and another ex who remained anonymous

Jurors in the high-profile federal criminal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs are set to reconvene Wednesday as deliberations continue over the most serious charge against the music mogul—racketeering conspiracy. The panel of eight men and four women has already reached decisions on several other counts, including sex trafficking and transportation for prostitution, but remains deadlocked on whether Combs led a criminal enterprise to entrap and abuse women.


Combs, 55, is accused of orchestrating a pattern of coercive and violent behavior that targeted women—primarily former girlfriend Cassie Ventura and another woman who testified under anonymity. The allegations include forcing them to participate in sex acts at drug-fueled parties, threatening them when they refused, and using subordinates to facilitate acts of prostitution across state lines.


While the jury has signaled it reached consensus on the sex trafficking and prostitution-related counts, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian refused to accept a partial verdict. The jurors remain divided on the racketeering conspiracy charge, which carries a potential life sentence. In a note to the judge, they indicated “unpersuadable opinions on both sides” were preventing agreement.


Legal experts say the racketeering charge is the most complex, requiring the government to prove that Combs operated a criminal organization involved in at least two predicate crimes. Prosecutors have argued that his use of intimidation, threats, and payments to sex workers constituted an organized pattern of illegal behavior.


“They presented evidence that Combs paid sex workers and coerced women into participating in his ‘freak-off’ parties,” said federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani. “He may have believed he was filming consensual porn, but that’s not a defense to coercion and exploitation.”


Defense attorneys countered that the relationships were consensual and characterized the charges as exaggerated or fabricated, pointing to text messages and statements from the accusers that they say show mutual affection and voluntary participation.


Jurors have been deliberating for days and are expected to push for a resolution ahead of the July 4 holiday weekend. Judge Subramanian has urged them to maintain open minds and reminded them not to surrender their convictions for the sake of unanimity. However, if the impasse continues, he may issue an Allen charge, urging jurors to reconsider their positions to avoid a hung jury.


Combs, who has denied all accusations, has faced intense scrutiny since the trial began on May 5. Testimonies from alleged victims detailed years of physical abuse, humiliation, and psychological manipulation. Ventura described being assaulted multiple times and forced into degrading sexual acts with strangers at Combs' demand. Graphic evidence—including photos of bruises, injuries, and private videos—was shown in court, prompting visible reactions from the jury.


Despite the harrowing testimonies, legal analysts believe the jury’s hesitation on the racketeering charge may signal a reluctance to convict on the most severe count without a clear demonstration of a coordinated criminal enterprise.


“If prosecutors fail to secure a RICO conviction, it could be viewed as a significant setback, given the scope of the case and the resources involved,” Rahmani noted.


A conviction on the racketeering charge could result in Combs losing assets including his private jet, vehicles, and other property if proven they were used in furtherance of the enterprise. He would also face life in federal prison and potential civil lawsuits from additional victims.


Conversely, an acquittal would allow Combs to avoid criminal penalties but leave him vulnerable to reputational damage and future legal action. Experts warn that even a partial conviction could trigger massive civil claims.


“As a public figure, reputation is currency,” said music industry professor Jeff Apruzzesse. “Even without a conviction, these revelations have already diminished Combs’ standing in the industry.”


Jurors are expected to return to the Manhattan federal courthouse Wednesday morning to continue deliberations on the racketeering charge. If consensus is not reached, the judge may declare a mistrial on that count while accepting the decisions on the remaining charges.

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