Introduction:
A tense atmosphere filled the New York federal courtroom as the jury in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ high-profile trial reached a partial verdict. While they agreed on most charges, the most serious count—racketeering—remains undecided. Here's everything you need to know about the latest developments.
Jury Reaches Partial Verdict in Sean "Diddy" Combs Trial
The jury in the trial of hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs will continue deliberations after reaching a partial verdict. The 12-member panel agreed on four out of five counts but could not come to a unanimous decision on the most serious charge: racketeering, which carries a potential life sentence.
The announcement came Tuesday at the federal court in New York. Combs, 55, remained somber, sitting with his head bowed and hands folded in his lap. His legal team offered comfort, with some placing their arms around him. Deliberations are set to resume Wednesday morning.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which include sex trafficking, racketeering, and transporting individuals to engage in prostitution.
At approximately 4:30 PM EDT (20:30 GMT) on Tuesday, after two days of discussions, the jury informed the court that while they had reached a verdict on four counts, they were deadlocked on the racketeering charge. According to the jury, members on both sides held firm, unmovable opinions.
Judge Arun Subramanian heard arguments from both the prosecution and the defense regarding how to proceed. He then encouraged jurors to continue striving for a unanimous decision. The specifics of the four agreed-upon verdicts were not disclosed.
The prosecution asked the judge to consider an Allen charge, a legal instruction that urges a hung jury to try harder to reach consensus. While commonly used, Allen charges are controversial and sometimes seen as coercive, especially when minority opinions may be pressured to conform.
Jurors will reconvene on Wednesday, and deliberations may continue into July 3, even though the court is typically closed ahead of the July 4 holiday.
Over the past two months, the jury has listened to testimony from 34 witnesses. These included former girlfriends, ex-employees of Combs, male escorts, and federal agents.
Criminal defense attorney and former federal prosecutor Robert Mintz told the BBC that the jury’s quick consensus on most charges may favor the prosecution. However, he noted that proving racketeering is significantly more difficult.
“To convict on racketeering, prosecutors must show that Mr. Combs operated a criminal enterprise,” Mintz explained. “That means proving he and at least one other person committed two or more crimes over several years in a coordinated plan.”
Mintz added, “It’s a complicated charge—typically used in organized crime cases—so it’s not surprising that this is the one holding up the jury.”
Sean Combs, also known by his various stage names—Puffy, Puff Daddy, P Diddy, Love, and Brother Love—is a major figure in the entertainment world. Beyond music, he launched the successful Sean John clothing brand and appeared in multiple reality TV shows, including one where contestants vied for a spot in his band.
In 2023, Combs released his fifth album, The Love Album: Off The Grid, which earned him his first solo Grammy nomination. That same year, he was named a Global Icon at the MTV Awards.
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