The jury began deliberations on Monday in the high-profile trial of rap mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, following a seven-week hearing in New York.
Eight men and four women were sent out of the courtroom to consider charges against Combs, 55, including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs has denied all allegations.
If convicted, he faces a potential life sentence for racketeering, a minimum of 15 years for sex trafficking, and up to 10 years for the prostitution-related charge.
Deliberations were interrupted within an hour after the jury’s foreperson sent a note to Judge Arun Subramanian expressing concerns that juror number 25 could not follow the court’s instructions. The judge, after consulting both legal teams, reminded jurors of their duty to deliberate according to his guidance.
During the hearing, Combs’ attorney Marc Agnifilo requested permission for his client to bring books into his holding cell while awaiting the verdict, which the judge granted.
Combs has been in custody since his arrest in September 2024. The trial follows allegations that surfaced in November 2023 when his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura sued him for sexual abuse. The lawsuit was settled the next day for $20 million, with Ventura testifying during the trial. Combs continues to face multiple civil sexual abuse lawsuits, which he denies.
