Jury reaches verdict on four out of five counts in Sean ‘Diddy' Combs sex trial
Judge Arun Subramanian said he had received a note at 4.05pm indicating the jury had reached a partial verdict. The note said the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the racketeering conspiracy charge because there were jurors with 'unpersuadable views' on both sides.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs chose not to testify during his trial (Elizabeth Williams via AP)
Judge Subramanian noted that juries had a right to deliver a partial verdict, but he said that given that deliberations had only started on Monday, he would rather they continued for now. The jury was eventually dismissed for the day.
Combs' lawyers surrounded him at the defence table soon after the note was sent to the court. The hip-hop mogul appeared morose as they explained to him what was happening.
At one point, lead defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo stepped away from the huddle, returned with a piece of paper and handed it to Combs, who read it solemnly.
Meanwhile, prosecutors were at their table glued to their phones and laptop computers.
Assistant US attorney Maurene Comey suggested the judge give the jury a modified version of what is known as an Allen charge — instructions encouraging them to keep deliberating after reaching an impasse.
Racketeering conspiracy — count one on the jury's verdict sheet — is the most complicated of the charges against Combs because it requires the jury to decide not only whether he ran a 'racketeering enterprise', but also whether he was involved in committing some or all of various types of offences, such as kidnapping and arson.
Combs' lead defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo handed his client a piece of paper after the partial verdict development (Yuki Iwamura/AP)
The charge falls under Rico — the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations Act — which is best known for being used in organised crime and drug cartel cases.
The jury has been deliberating since Monday. Earlier on Tuesday they asked to review critical testimony from one of the prosecution's most important witnesses: the hip-hop mogul's former longtime girlfriend Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura.
Jurors requested the testimony about 75 minutes into their second day of weighing charges that Combs used his fame, wealth and violence to force two girlfriends into drug-fuelled sex marathons with male sex workers known as 'freak-offs' or 'hotel nights'.
The panel of eight men and four women asked for Ms Ventura's account of Combs beating, kicking and dragging her at a Los Angeles hotel in 2016 — an assault captured on now-infamous security camera footage.
They also asked to see Ms Ventura's testimony about an incident in which she said Combs accused her of taking drugs from him and kicked her off of their yacht at the Cannes Film Festival in France in 2013. On their way back to the US, she said, he threatened to release explicit videos of her having sex.
The jury's testimony request came soon after Combs' lawyers and prosecutors began the day haggling with Judge Subramanian over a jury question left over from the end of the first day of deliberations on Monday.
The jury asked to review critical testimony from prosecution witnesses Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura (Lionel Cironneau/AP)
Jurors wanted clarification about what qualifies as drug distribution, an aspect of the racketeering conspiracy charge that will help determine whether Combs can be convicted or exonerated on the count.
Judge Subramanian said he would remind jurors of the instructions he gave them on that part of the case before they started deliberating on Monday.
Combs' lawyers had pushed for a more expansive response, but prosecutors argued — and Judge Subramanian agreed — that doing so could end up confusing jurors more.
On Monday, the panel deliberated for more than five hours without reaching a verdict.
Defence lawyers contend that prosecutors are trying to criminalise Combs' swinger lifestyle and that, if anything, his conduct amounted to domestic violence, not federal felonies.
Combs, 55, could face 15 years in prison to life behind bars if he is convicted of all charges.
After pleading not guilty, Combs chose not to testify as his lawyers built their arguments for acquittal mostly through lengthy cross-examinations of dozens of witnesses called by prosecutors, including some of Combs' former employees who took the witness stand reluctantly only after being granted immunity.
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Sky News
29 minutes ago
- Sky News
Diddy trial live: Diddy jury deliberating final charge after reaching partial verdict
Latest from court Diddy trial jurors reach verdict on four counts These are the sex-trafficking charges and transportation for prostitution charges No verdict yet on the racketeering charge Jurors to continue deliberating today Updates by culture and entertainment reporter Gemma Peplow Full story What is racketeering conspiracy? Count 1 on the prosecution's indictment against Sean "Diddy" Combs is the most complicated of the five charges - racketeering conspiracy, which covers a number of alleged crimes. This is the one jurors are split on. Racketeering broadly means engaging in a criminal scheme or enterprise, and the charge falls under the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organisations Act (RICO) in the US. According to the US justice department's definition of RICO statute, it is also illegal to "conspire to violate" the laws, and this is what Combs is accused of, over 20 years from 2004 until his arrest last year. Racketeering conspiracy is an agreement between two or more people to commit a crime, Judge Arun Subramanian has said. This doesn't have to be a formal agreement, but can be a mutual understanding, spoken or unspoken. "You may, of course, find that the existence of an agreement to achieve the unlawful object has been established by direct proof," jurors have been told. "However, since conspiracy is, by its very nature, characterised by secrecy, you may also infer its existence from the circumstances of this case and the conduct of the parties involved." The eight acts Combs is accused of that fall under the racketeering charge are: Kidnapping Arson Bribery Witness tampering Forced labour Sex trafficking Transportation to engage in prostitution Possession with intent to distribute drugs Racketeering conspiracy carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial: Day three of jury deliberations - with partial verdict reached Good afternoon on what could be a huge day in the trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs. Yesterday, not long before the end of the court day in Manhattan, New York, there was a flurry of activity as jurors sent a note confirming they had reached a verdict on four of the charges against the hip-hop mogul. These are two counts of sex-trafficking and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. However, they said there were jurors with "unpersuadable" views on the most complicated charge - racketeering conspiracy. The court did not hear the verdicts reached so far yesterday. Instead, Judge Arun Subramanian encouraged jurors to continue deliberating on the racketeering conspiracy charge - which they will start to do today at 2pm UK time. We will bring you all the updates from court as soon as we have them. Goodnight - and see you back here tomorrow After an eventful day, that's it from our live coverage for today. We'll be back tomorrow as jurors continue to deliberate the charge of racketeering conspiracy against Sean "Diddy" Combs. They have reached verdicts on the other four counts - two of sex-trafficking and two of transportation for prostitution - but Combs will have to wait to find out what they have decided. Deliberations will resume at 2pm UK time. You can read our report on today's events here - and we'll see you again tomorrow. Sean 'Diddy' Combs will have to wait to hear his fate Just over seven weeks since they first sat down to hear the evidence in the Sean "Diddy" Combs trial, jurors have now reached verdicts on four out of the five counts against him. They have been deliberating for about 13 hours. There were tense scenes as the news was delivered to both the prosecution and defence towards the end of the court day today - but the hip-hop mogul will have to wait to hear his fate. Jurors have been asked to deliberate further on the charge of racketeering, and will continue to do so tomorrow. Judge asks jurors to keep an open mind as they continue tomorrow The judge calls jurors back in again very briefly to thank them for all their hard work so far. He tells them they won't need to come into the courtroom first thing tomorrow, but once all 12 jurors have arrived they can return to their deliberations on the racketeering charge. Reminding them once again to keep an open mind, he wishes them all "a great evening" and says he will see them tomorrow. Jurors to continue deliberating tomorrow Judge Arun Subramanian has welcomed the jury back into the courtroom in Manhattan, New York. He acknowledges they have reached verdicts on four of the five counts, and asks that they keep deliberating on Count 1 - racketeering conspiracy. The judge reminds them of the instructions they were given yesterday, that they should not hesitate to change their opinion if convinced and follow his instructions on the law. Jurors are dismissed from the courtroom, but quickly send a note back. They have completed their deliberations for the day and will return tomorrow at 9am (2pm UK time). Diddy gestures to family as judge and laywers discuss options As he awaits news, Sean "Diddy" Combs gestures to his family in the courtroom - putting his hands in prayer and giving them a thumbs up. Jurors first went out to consider the charges yesterday and have been deliberating for about 12 to 13 hours in total. In case you missed it earlier, they have reached a verdict on the sex-trafficking and transportation for prostitution charges, but say they have so far been unable to come to a unanimous verdict on the charge of racketeering conspiracy. What could happen next? After a flurry of activity in court, it seems there may be a wait now to see what happens next. Judge Arun Subramanian has said there are a few options. First of all, he could tell the jury to keep deliberating. The second option is a modified "Allen charge", also known as a "dynamite charge", to encourage the panel to reach a unanimous decision on Count 1 - racketeering conspiracy. The third option would be for the court to advise the jury to return a partial verdict, but as they have been deliberating for less than two days the judge says he doesn't think they are at the stage for this yet. Diddy's family arrive in the courtroom Several of Sean "Diddy" Combs's children have arrived back in the courtroom and taken their seats next to their grandmother, the rapper's mother, Janice Combs. She has been in court to support him throughout the trial. Combs is now standing up chatting with one of his lawyers, Xavier Donaldson, while Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, who are also on his team, are in their seats. Prosecution and defence want jury to continue deliberating Both prosecutors and the defence have said they would like the jury to keep deliberating on Count 1, which is the racketeering conspiracy charge. Judge Arun Subramanian has asked both teams to send their proposed instructions for jurors.
NBC News
2 hours ago
- NBC News
Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial live updates: Jury meets to deliberate again after reaching partial verdict
What to know about the trial Deliberations enter their third day today after jurors reached a partial verdict yesterday afternoon. The jury told the judge yesterday that they reached a verdict on four counts against Combs but could not decide on the racketeering charge. Their note to the judge said there were jurors with "unpersuadable views." Combs faces five criminal counts: one count of racketeering conspiracy; two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs has vociferously denied the allegations against him. This live briefing may include graphic descriptions of sexual violence. For resources on sexual assault, call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline. Sign up for the 'Diddy on Trial' newsletter for key developments and analysis; listen to the podcast ' Dateline: True Crime Weekly ' for daily coverage.
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Daily Record
What happens next in Diddy trial as jurors fail to agree on racketeering charge?
The fate of Sean 'Diddy' Combs is expected to be revealed this week as the 12 jurors in his sex-trafficking trial continue their deliberations in court. The 55-year-old is charged with sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs, who denies all charges, could spend the rest of his life behind bars if he is found guilty. During the trial at the Federal District Court in Lower Manhattan, New York, which began almost two months ago on May 5, the jury heard from 34 witnesses - including celebrities like Kid Cudi and Combs' ex-girlfriend Cassie. Deliberations began on Monday, June 30, and the trial appears to be nearing its conclusion after the jury reached a partial verdict on the celebrity rapper. On Tuesday, July 1, the jury made their decision on four of the five counts. This led to a partial verdict, and a final decision is expected within the coming days. The jury managed to decide on four of the five charges – counts two, three, four, and five, but is unable to decide on count one. The counts against Diddy are: Count 1 - Racketeering conspiracy Count 2 - Sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion – pertains to Victim 1 (Cassie) Count 3 - Transportation to engage in prostitution relating to Victim 1 (Cassie) and commercial sex workers Count 4 - Sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion(relating to Jane Doe – Victim 2) Count 5 - Transportation to engage in prostitution, relating to Victim 2 (Jane Doe) and commercial sex workers Count one carries the biggest sentence, life in prison. Meanwhile, counts two and four have a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of life. Counts three and five carry a maximum sentence of ten years. What does Diddy's racketeering charge mean? Racketeering conspiracy is a charge under the US Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). The US government introduced this law in 1970 to take down crime gangs. The aim was to tie crime bosses to the offences of those working under them. In the context of US law, 'racketeering' generally refers to the illegal activity of a criminal organisation. But the RICO act defines "racketeering activity" as any act or threat that involves an array of different crimes like bribery, arson, extortion, kidnapping and murder. 'Conspiracy' is when two or more people agree to commit a crime and then take steps to further the plan, according to the US Department of Justice website. Why was Diddy charged with racketeering conspiracy? The prosecution accused Mr Combs of using his business, the Combs Enterprise, to violently coerce and blackmail women to perform sex acts, among other criminal acts. The law allows prosecutors to combine related offences that otherwise would have had to be prosecuted separately in different states, the US Department of Justice website explains. It also provides a way for prosecutors to ensure their case "adequately reflects the nature and extent of the criminal conduct involved in a way that prosecution only on the underlying charges would not". In this case, it allowed the prosecutors to use evidence they would not have been able to use if Mr Combs was charged only with sex trafficking. To secure a guilty verdict on a RICO charge, prosecutors must show that: Members of a so-called enterprise, or group of people engaged in a common purpose, committed or planned to commit two other crimes in connection with the enterprise within a 10-year period. What happens next in the trial? A unanimous decision is required for a conviction. Both prosecution and defence lawyers wanted the judge to encourage the jury to continue deliberating and reach a verdict. Marc Agnifilo, representing Diddy, said the defence would like the judge to bring out the jury and instruct them to continue their deliberation. They are currently working on the wording of the instruction. Significantly, two notes were passed to the presiding judge from the jury. The first note expressed a juror's difficulty in understanding the 61-page instructions which were given by the judge before deliberations began. The jury's note-passing could actually be a positive sign for Combs, suggests Mitch Epner, a New York-based lawyer and former prosecutor. He told the BBC: "First, it is unusual for the jurors to send a note to the judge this early, other than asking for logistical help. Second, this note indicates that there may already be a breakdown in the deliberative process." Alternatively, the jury may be allowed to deliver a partial verdict. This means a jury giving a verdict on the charges they did agree on - while a mistrial may be declared for the other charges they didn't agree on. The prosecution would have the option of running a retrial on the charge they couldn't agree on, the Legal Information Institute's website says. If the jury finds Mr Combs not guilty on the other charges, the prosecution might be more inclined to push ahead with a retrial on the racketeering charge, according to ABC News. But if the jury finds Mr Combs guilty and the prosecution is satisfied with the length of his jail sentence, it might be less inclined to go for a retrial. The prospect of a retrial would likely be highly distressing to prosecution witnesses. If you've been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. 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