The high-profile trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs continues to captivate, as a jury has reached a partial verdict on four of the five felony counts the music mogul faces. Deliberations are set to resume today, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, with the twelve-member panel focusing on the remaining, and arguably most significant, charge: racketeering conspiracy.
After two days of intense deliberations, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian confirmed on Tuesday that the jury had indeed come to a decision on two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. However, the details of these verdicts remain sealed, adding to the suspense surrounding the case.
A Divided Jury on Racketeering Conspiracy
The jury's note to Judge Subramanian revealed a split on the racketeering conspiracy count, indicating "unpersuadable opinions on both sides." This deadlock led the judge to instruct the jurors to continue their discussions for a third day, emphasizing the need for a unanimous decision on all counts. Combs, 55, has maintained his plea of not guilty to all five charges.
The racketeering conspiracy charge is particularly critical, as a conviction could carry a potential sentence of up to life in prison. Similarly, a guilty verdict on the sex trafficking charge alone carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, with a maximum of life. The transportation to engage in prostitution charges each carry a maximum sentence of 10 years.
Seven Weeks of Damaging Testimony
The partial verdict comes after a grueling seven-week trial in Manhattan federal court. Prosecutors presented a compelling case, alleging that Combs leveraged his vast business empire for two decades to coerce two of his former romantic partners, R&B singer Casandra "Cassie" Ventura and a woman identified as Jane, into participating in drug-fueled "Freak Offs" with male sex workers. Both Ventura and Jane provided harrowing testimony, describing instances of physical abuse and threats of financial cut-offs or sex tape leaks if they refused.
The prosecution's argument for racketeering conspiracy centered on the claim that Combs led a "criminal enterprise" involving his employees and associates. Their alleged aim was to facilitate his sexual abuse and meticulously conceal any evidence of wrongdoing. Former personal assistants testified to arranging hotel rooms for these "Freak Offs" and procuring drugs for Combs. A hotel security guard even claimed Combs paid him $100,000 to suppress surveillance footage of an alleged attack on Ventura. Rapper Scott Mescudi, known as Kid Cudi, added to the severity of the allegations, suggesting Combs's involvement in an arson attack on his car after discovering Mescudi's romantic ties to Ventura.
Defense Maintains Innocence, Cites Consensual Activity
Combs's defense team acknowledged that the Bad Boy Records founder, once celebrated for his extravagant parties, had tumultuous domestic relationships. However, they vehemently argued that the sexual activities described by the prosecution were entirely consensual, painting them as part of a "swingers lifestyle." They maintained that there was no criminal conspiracy and that Combs was being unfairly prosecuted for his private life. Combs himself opted not to testify during the trial, with his lawyers building their defense through rigorous cross-examination of the prosecution's witnesses.
The continuation of deliberations underscores the complexity and gravity of the racketeering charge. The world watches keenly as the jury attempts to reach a unanimous verdict on the final count, which could significantly impact the future of one of hip-hop's most influential figures.