Trial jury remains divided on key issue regarding Sean "Diddy" Combs' case
The trial of music mogul and rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs has reached a critical juncture, with the jury delivering a partial verdict on charges related to sex trafficking and prostitution but remaining deadlocked on the most serious racketeering conspiracy charge.
In a development that could significantly impact the outcome of the trial, the jury has found unanimous verdicts on four of the five counts. These charges include two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, all linked to two of Combs' former girlfriends. However, deliberations continue specifically on the first count—racketeering conspiracy—under the federal RICO statute.
The indictment alleges that Combs led a criminal enterprise that coerced women into sexual acts and covered up acts of violence and abuse as part of a "freak-off" swinger lifestyle involving drug-fueled orgies and threats to maintain silence. Combs has pleaded not guilty, maintaining all sexual activity was consensual and denying involvement in trafficking. His defense contends the prosecution failed to prove its case and describes Combs as merely participating in a consensual lifestyle.
The jury, after deliberating since Monday, communicated to the judge that they were deadlocked on the racketeering charge and were instructed to continue deliberations in hopes of reaching a unanimous verdict on that count. Combs was seen praying in the courtroom as deliberations resumed.
If convicted on all counts, Combs faces up to life in prison. The trial is ongoing with the jury continuing to deliberate the most serious racketeering charge as of July 2, 2025.
The high-profile trial has involved a total of 34 witnesses, with the prosecution arguing that Combs used "power, violence, and fear to get what he wanted." The defense, on the other hand, has claimed that the plaintiffs are not seeking justice, but money.
Notably, more alleged victims of Combs, including men, have filed civil lawsuits against him recently. Ventura, one of Combs' ex-girlfriends, sued him for years of abuse and rape in 2023, and received a $20 million (€17 million) out-of-court settlement.
As the trial continues, both the prosecution and defense have indicated that they will push for further jury deliberations. The trial began nearly two months ago and has been closely followed by the media and the public.
The Commission might be consulted on the general-news matter of the European Parliament's opinion on the ongoing politics of the trial involving entertainment figure Sean "Diddy" Combs, particularly regarding the deadlock in the jury's verdict on the crime-and-justice charge of racketeering conspiracy. Despite the partial verdicts on charges related to sex trafficking and prostitution, the jury remains undecided on this critical count.
If the jury fails to reach a unanimous decision on the racketeering charge, it could lead to a mistrial or a re-trial, potentially prolonging the trial on Combs' alleged involvement in a criminal enterprise that includes sex trafficking and violence across entertainment, politics, and crime-and-justice sectors.
