Live updates in Sean ‘Diddy' Combs' trial as jury deliberates
Jury members in Sean 'Diddy' Combs' sex-trafficking trial have been ordered to deliberate further after failing to reach a decision on one count.
On day two of deliberations following the music mogul's six-week trial in New York, the 12-person panel had decided on four out of five counts but couldn't agree on the charge of racketeering conspiracy, resulting in a hung-jury.
In a note sent to the judge at 4pm, local time, the judge was informed that members were deadlocked, with their opinions 'unpersuadable', per CNN.
Lead defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo, left, looks over Sean 'Diddy' Combs' shoulder as he reads the note asking for portions of Cassie Ventura's testimony in Manhattan federal court. Picture: Elizabeth Williams via AP
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Members had reached a partial verdict, agreeing on the charges of sex trafficking of Cassie Ventura, transportation for prostitution of Ms Ventura and others, sex trafficking of 'Jane', and finally, transportation for prostitution of 'Jane' and others.
Lawyers for the defence and prosecution pushed the judge to instruct jury members to continue deliberating on the racketeering conspiracy charge.
A jury in a criminal trial in most U.S. jurisdictions, including New York, must be unanimous.
Janice Combs, mother of Diddy, and King Combs arrive at court in New York. Picture: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images via AFP
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There was a fair bit of back-and-forth between Judge Arun Subramanian and lawyers for both the defence and prosecution to determine next steps.
Combs' lawyer Marc Agnifilo asked the judge to gently instruct the jury to continue deliberations, while the prosecution questioned if the judge would enforce the 'Allen' charge, also known as the 'dynamite' charge, which is used when jurors are unable to reach a verdict.
The 'Allen' charge is a strategy to encourage jurors to re-evaluate their positions in order to reach a decision, though it's considered to be a controversial move, with some believing it pushes members to change their existing stances.
The jury was soon brought into the courtroom where Judge Subramanian advised members to continue their deliberations.
Shortly afterwards, the jury sent a note instructing they had finished deliberations for the day and would continue tomorrow from 9am, local time.
Press in the courtroom have described the scenes as 'tense', reporting Combs sat surrounded by his lawyers who were comforting him.
CNN reports Combs, at one point, whispered to his six adult children seated in the second row behind him.
He was heard telling his mother, Janice, 'I'll be alright. Love you.'
It's unclear how long it'll be until a decision is reached, with no set time limit for deliberations.
Combs could face up to life in prison if he's found guilty on the most serious charges.
Originally published as Live updates in Sean 'Diddy' Combs' trial as jury deliberates
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