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Jury Reaches Partial Verdict in Diddy’s Federal Sex Trafficking Trial, Deadlocked on Racketeering Charge |
After about 12–13 hours of deliberations—begun June 30 and resumed July 1—the jury informed Judge Arun Subramanian around 4:05 p.m. ET that they reached unanimous verdicts on charges 2–5 but failed to agree on count 1
Judge Subramanian, echoing both prosecution and defense pleas to allow more time, directed them to continue deliberating on the racketeering conspiracy count rather than accept a partial verdict
Jury’s Notes & Court Interventions
During deliberations, jurors requested transcripts of key testimony—including that of Cassie Ventura and male escort Daniel Phillip—and sought clarification on legal terms like “drug distribution” as applied to RICO . They also raised concerns about one juror “unable to follow instructions,” prompting the judge to remind them of their duty.
An Allen charge—a judge’s strong encouragement to strive for unanimity—was reportedly issued to the jury regarding the racketeering count.
Trial Highlights & Legal Stakes
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Trial began May 5, 2025, and featured over 29 days of testimony from 34 witnesses, including Ventura, who recounted drug-fueled “freak-offs” and “hotel nights” involving male escorts
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Prosecutors argue Combs orchestrated a criminal enterprise that coerced ex-girlfriends into sex acts as part of a racketeering conspiracy
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The defense maintains that all encounters were consensual, part of a swingers' lifestyle, and not criminal. Combs declined to testify
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If convicted on the racketeering charge as well, Combs faces up to 15 years to life in prison
What Comes Next
The jury remains sequestered as deliberations continue. If they reach a unanimous verdict on the racketeering count, a full ruling—including sentencing guidelines—will be delivered. However, if they remain deadlocked, Judge Subramanian may declare a mistrial on that count. The convictions on the other counts would stand. Either side could then weigh options such as a retrial on racketeering or appeals.
Bottom Line
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Verdicts reached on sex trafficking and transportation counts.
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Stalemate persists on racketeering conspiracy.
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Jury is ordered to keep deliberating with an Allen charge in play.
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Potential outcomes: full verdict, mistrial on racketeering, or further legal proceedings.
Stay tuned for the final verdict, as court returns to weigh the most serious charge in the coming days.