A high-stakes federal sex‑trafficking and racketeering trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs has entered its final phase as a 12-member jury begins deliberations after nearly two months of witness testimony and closing arguments.
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Trial Overview & Allegations
- Combs, the 55-year-old music mogul, faces five felony charges: racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, and transporting individuals for prostitution .
- The trial commenced on May 5, with jury selection following on May 12 .
- The prosecution called 34 witnesses, including former partner Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, who alleged violent and coercive behavior during what were dubbed “freak‑offs” .
- Closing arguments concluded on June 27, after which the jury began deliberations on June 30 .
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Key Trial Moments
- Cassie Ventura’s testimony included graphic recounts of physical assault, threats, drug use, and alleged mistreatment—including her claim that Combs threatened to bomb fellow artist Kid Cudi’s car .
- The defense argued that the encounters were consensual, framing them as part of a “swinger lifestyle,” and questioned the motives of accusers .
- Critically, Combs did not testify, and his team did not present any witnesses—a strategy noted by legal experts as a sign they may have doubts about their case if he chose to testify ().
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Jury Deliberations: Early Challenges
- On the first day of deliberations, the jury sent a note expressing concern that one juror was struggling to follow instructions. The judge instructed them to continue deliberating the following day .
- They also sought clarification on narcotics distribution charges, indicating the jury is navigating how to interpret complex elements of racketeering allegations .
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What Comes Next
The jury is expected to resume deliberations shortly. If found guilty, Combs faces life in prison, particularly if convicted on the racketeering or sex‑trafficking counts . If acquitted, Diddy will walk free; a hung jury could lead to a mistrial.
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Expert Insight
Legal analyst Sunny Hostin, a former federal prosecutor, recently commented, “The jury doesn’t seem to be buying what the prosecution is selling,” noting that no retrafficking witnesses were called by the defense, suggesting they believe the prosecution’s case may have weaknesses .
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In Summary
- Judge Subramanian directed jury deliberations starting June 30 after six weeks of trial .
- Deliberations have already hit a procedural snag concerning juror comprehension and narcotics evidence.
- Sean “Diddy” Combs, held since his 2024 arrest, has pleaded not guilty, maintaining the activities in question were consensual .
- A verdict could come as early as this week, determining whether Combs may face life behind bars.
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