Jury returns to deliberate for a second day at Sean Diddy Combs sex trafficking trial
On Monday, jurors deliberated over five hours without reaching a verdict after receiving instructions on the law from the trial judge, Arun Subramanian.
They are deciding whether prosecutors have proven racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges during a trial that began in early May.
Prosecutors say Combs for two decades used his fame, fortune and a roster of employees and associates to help him coerce and force two different girlfriends to repeatedly perform sexually with male sex workers for days at a time while he watched and sometimes filmed the drug-fueled events.
Defense lawyers say prosecutors are unjustly basing federal crimes on what Combs did in the bedroom with his girlfriends as they participated in the swinger lifestyle and on acts of domestic violence involving their client.
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.
When jurors first left the room to begin deliberating on Monday, Combs sat for a while slumped in his chair at the defense table before standing and turning toward three rows of spectators packed with his family and friends.
Those supporters held hands and lowered their heads in prayer, as did Combs, who was several feet from them in the well of the courtroom. After they finished, they together applauded, and so did Combs, still clapping as he turned back toward the front of the room.
Combs also showed off two books he's reading: 'The Power of Positive Thinking' by Norman Vincent Peale and 'The Happiness Advantage' by Shawn Achor.
Barely an hour into deliberations, the jury foreperson sent a note to the judge, complaining that there was one juror 'who we are concerned cannot follow your Honour's instructions. May I please speak with your Honour or may you please interview him?'
The judge decided instead to send jurors a note reminding them of their duties to deliberate and obligation to follow his instructions on the law.
By day's end, the jury seemed back on track, requesting 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. (AP)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
35 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas are all smiles as they attend the Wimbledon Tennis Championships together. See pics
Jul 02, 2025 08:57 PM IST Actor Priyanka Chopra has been busy for the last few days for the promotions of her latest release Heads of State. On Wednesday, the actor had a day for herself as she joined a star-studded Royal Box to catch all the on-court action for the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. (Also read: Priyanka Chopra grooves to Camila Cabello's Bam Bam on London streets; Nick Jonas cheers for her. Watch) Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas arrive in the Royal Box at Centre Court during the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. AP/PTI(AP07_02_2025_000297A)(AP) Pictures of the two arriving on Day 3 of Wimbledon surfaced on the internet. Priyanka kept it chic in a white dress and sunglasses, while Nick looked dapper in a blue suit. The two chatted, laughed, and paid close attention to the game at various stages. Some of the other stars who were in attendance were actor Leslie Mann, actor Dominic Cooper, Olympian Tom Daley, and musician Dave Grohl. Nick shares a cute pic of Priyanka Nick took to his Instagram Stories to share a picture of the official invite to the Royal Box, where two cards with both of their names written on them. Another card was also seen in the picture, with 'Afternoon Tea' written on it. Nick also posted a picture of Priyanka in his Stories. The actor smiled, holding her phone. A cup of tea was placed on the table in front of her. Priyanka also shared a picture of Nick from her side of the table and posted on her Instagram Stories. Nick Jonas via Instagram Stories. On Tuesday, Nick took to his Instagram account to share a candid moment filmed on the streets of London with Priyanka. Nick pulled Priyanka into a warm hug as she danced to the song Bam Bam in a fringe dress for the promotions of the film Heads of State. In Heads of State, which is an Amazon Prime Video film, Priyanka stars alongside Idris Elba and John Cena. The film is helmed by Ilya Naishuller. The comedy action thriller was released on the site on July 2.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Diddy Trial Verdict: Will Sean get released from jail? Music mogul found guilty of these charges and will face…
Sean 'Diddy' Combs, the music industry mogul, was acquitted of serious federal charges involving sex trafficking and racketeering. However, he was convicted on two prostitution-related counts. The jury's decision concluded a highly publicized trial that lasted two months. Jury Reaches Decision in Combs Trial A Manhattan federal jury has reached a verdict in the case involving Sean 'Diddy' Combs. The jury consisted of eight men and four women. They began deliberations on June 30 and returned with a decision on July 2. Combs was acquitted of the major charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. However, he was found guilty of two counts of transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution. Play Video Play Skip Backward Skip Forward Mute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions and subtitles off , selected Audio Track Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Also Read: NYT Mini Crossword Hints Today, July 2, 2025: Answers, clues and tips for solving the puzzle by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo Maximum Sentence for Convicted Charges The two charges carry a maximum possible sentence of 10 years each. If combined, Combs could face up to 20 years in prison. There is no mandatory minimum sentence for these charges under the Mann Act. The exact sentencing outcome will depend on the court's decision. Defense Pushes for Release on Bond Following the verdict, Combs' lawyer Marc Agnifilo requested the court to allow his release on bond. He proposed that Combs live at his Florida residence and suggested a bond of $1 million. Agnifilo emphasized that since Combs had been acquitted of the more severe charges, continued detention was unnecessary. Live Events Federal Charges and Prosecution's Arguments Combs had faced potential life imprisonment. Prosecutors alleged he led a network that committed multiple crimes over two decades. These included transporting drugs, threatening witnesses, and intimidating former partners. One piece of evidence was a video showing Combs physically assaulting Cassie Ventura in 2016. Prosecutors claimed he offered money to suppress the video. They also accused him of sending employees to buy and transport drugs across states for use during his private events. Defense Denies Criminal Conduct The defense team argued that the women involved consented to all activities. They claimed the federal government wrongly prosecuted his private lifestyle. Although acknowledging some past behavior, the defense denied the charges of trafficking and conspiracy. Combs did not testify during the trial. Also Read: NYT Strands Hints Today, July 2: Theme, clues, spangram, answers and tips for excelling in the game Combs' Past and Public Profile Sean Combs, also known as Diddy, Puff Daddy, and P. Diddy, built a career in music and business. He was the founder of Bad Boy Records and known for hosting celebrity events. His net worth has been estimated at nearly $1 billion. His public image has changed since his arrest in September 2024. During the trial, he was often seen wearing muted clothing, a shift from his public fashion choices. Origin of the Charges The case gained attention after Cassie Ventura filed a civil lawsuit in November 2023. She accused Combs of forcing her into sex acts and abusing her during their relationship. This led to further investigations and the federal charges. Sentencing and Next Steps Combs remains in custody. The sentencing date has not yet been announced. His lawyers continue efforts to have him released before sentencing. The judge will now consider factors to determine the length of his sentence. FAQs How much time is Diddy facing after the trial? Sean 'Diddy' Combs faces up to 20 years in prison for two prostitution charges, with each carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years. Did Diddy get convicted on all charges? No. He was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering but convicted on two lesser prostitution charges involving transportation across states.
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Sean ‘Diddy' Combs acquitted of sex trafficking charges, convicted on prostitution counts
Sean 'Diddy' Combs was found guilty on Wednesday of prostitution-related offenses but cleared of more serious charges, in a blow to prosecutors who had urged a jury to find him guilty of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. Combs was convicted of transportation to engage in prostitution but acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking, a partial win for the former billionaire known for elevating hip-hop in American culture. The verdict followed a criminal trial in which two of the music mogul's former girlfriends testified that he physically and sexually abused them. Combs faces a maximum 10-year prison sentence on each of the two prostitution counts. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian will determine Combs' sentence at a later date. The acquittals on the sex trafficking counts mean he will avoid a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence. He could have faced life in prison if he were convicted on sex trafficking or racketeering conspiracy. After the judge dismissed the jury and lawyers for both sides, Combs knelt before his chair and appeared to pray. Combs then rose and faced the courtroom gallery. 'I'm gonna be home soon,' he said, smiling and clasping his hands. 'I love you. Thank you, I love you.' Combs' family and supporters erupted into applause and cheers. After the jury read its verdict, defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo asked Subramanian to release Combs on bail, which prosecutors opposed. Subramanian asked lawyers for both sides to submit written arguments on whether he should release Combs by 1 p.m. EDT (1700 GMT). Prosecutors say Combs for two decades used his business empire to force two of his romantic partners to take part in drug-fueled, days-long sexual performances sometimes known as 'Freak Offs' with male sex workers in hotel rooms while Combs watched, masturbated and occasionally filmed. During raids of Combs' homes, authorities found drugs and 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant that he would use in the performances, prosecutors said. Combs, 55, had pleaded not guilty to all five counts. His lawyers acknowledged that the Bad Boy Records founder, once famed for hosting lavish parties for the cultural elite in luxurious locales like the Hamptons and Saint-Tropez, was at times violent in his domestic relationships. But they said the sexual activity described by prosecutors was consensual. The seven-week trial in Manhattan federal court exposed the inner workings of Combs' business empire and gave the 12-member jury an intimate look into his volatile romantic relationships with the rhythm and blues singer Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura and a woman known in court by the pseudonym Jane. Ventura sued Combs in November 2023 for sex trafficking, the first of dozens of civil lawsuits accusing him of abuse. Combs, also known throughout his career as Puff Daddy and P. Diddy and once feted for turning artists like Notorious B.I.G. and Usher into stars, settled with Ventura for $20 million. He has denied all wrongdoing. At the trial, jurors saw surveillance footage from 2016 showing Combs kicking and dragging Ventura in the hallway of an InterContinental hotel in Los Angeles, where she said she was trying to leave a 'Freak Off.' Jane later testified that Combs in June 2024 attacked her and directed her to perform oral sex on a male entertainer, even though she told him she did not want to. That alleged attack took place a month after Combs apologized on social media for his 2016 attack of Ventura, footage of which had been broadcast on CNN. According to prosecutors, physical violence was just one way Combs compelled Ventura and Jane to take part in the performances – an act of coercion they say amounts to sex trafficking because the male escorts were paid. Both women testified that he threatened to withhold financial support and to leak sexually explicit images of them if they refused to comply. 'The defendant used power, violence and fear to get what he wanted,' prosecutor Christy Slavik said in her closing argument on June 26. 'He doesn't take no for an answer.' Combs' defense lawyers argued that while Combs may have committed domestic violence in the context of volatile romantic partnerships, his conduct did not amount to sex trafficking. They argued that Ventura and Jane were strong, independent women who voluntarily took part in the sexual performances because they wanted to please Combs. Both women testified they spent time with Combs and took part in sexual performances after he beat them. Defense lawyers argued that Ventura and Jane were retrospectively accusing Combs of forcing their participation in the performances because they were jealous he was seeing other women. 'If he was charged with domestic violence, we wouldn't all be here,' Combs' defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo said in his closing argument on June 27. 'He did not do the things he's charged with.' Besides Ventura and Jane, jurors also heard testimony from Combs' former personal assistants who said their jobs included setting up hotel rooms for 'Freak Offs' and buying their boss drugs. An InterContinental security guard testified that Combs, in the presence of his chief of staff, paid him $100,000 to hand over what he thought was the only copy of the surveillance tape of his attack on Ventura. And Scott Mescudi, the rapper known as Kid Cudi, told jurors Combs was likely involved in an arson on his car after Combs found out he was romantically involved with Ventura. According to prosecutors, those were all acts Combs and his associates undertook in furtherance of a racketeering conspiracy whose aim was, in part, to facilitate his abuse and keep evidence of his wrongdoing under wraps. The defense argued Combs was a successful entrepreneur who used drugs recreationally, but kept his professional and personal lives separate. Combs has been held in federal lockup in Brooklyn since his September 2024 arrest.
