New York, NY – July 1, 2025 – The federal criminal trial of hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs reached a critical point on Tuesday as the jury announced a partial verdict after two days of deliberations. The jury, consisting of eight men and four women, informed U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian that they have reached a decision on four of the five charges against Combs, but remain deadlocked on the racketeering conspiracy charge, citing “unpersuadable opinions” among jurors.
Combs, 55, faces five federal charges: one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. The charges stem from allegations that Combs operated a criminal enterprise that coerced women into participating in drug-fueled sexual encounters, known as “freak-offs,” using intimidation and narcotics to silence them. If convicted on the most serious charges, Combs could face life in prison. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and denied the allegations.
The jury’s partial verdict covers counts two through five, which include the sex trafficking and transportation charges related to two victims, identified as Cassie Ventura, Combs’ ex-girlfriend, and another woman referred to as “Jane.” However, the jury has not disclosed whether these verdicts are guilty or not guilty, and deliberations continue on the racketeering conspiracy charge, which carries the heaviest penalty. Both the prosecution and defense have urged the jury to keep deliberating, with Judge Subramanian expected to issue an “Allen charge” to encourage a unanimous decision.
The trial, which began on May 12, 2025, in Manhattan federal court, has drawn intense public attention, with testimony from high-profile witnesses like Ventura and rapper Kid Cudi, alongside former employees and associates. Prosecutors presented 34 witnesses over six weeks, including a 2016 hotel surveillance video showing Combs assaulting Ventura, which became a centerpiece of the case. The defense, led by attorney Marc Agnifilo, rested after a brief 30-minute presentation without calling witnesses, arguing that Combs’ actions, while unconventional, were consensual and not criminal.
On Monday, deliberations were briefly disrupted when the jury raised concerns about one juror potentially not following the judge’s instructions. A second note later that day asked for clarification on drug distribution laws, indicating the complexity of the racketeering charge, which requires proof of at least two criminal acts, such as kidnapping, arson, or bribery, committed as part of a criminal enterprise.
As deliberations resumed on Tuesday, July 1, Combs appeared in court, supported by his family, including his mother, Janice, and children. The courtroom atmosphere was tense, with Combs’ legal team visibly serious as they reviewed jury notes. Social media posts on X reflect divided sentiments, with some users predicting a guilty verdict on at least one charge, while others speculate about the trial’s outcome.The jury is set to continue deliberations, and a final verdict could come soon, though legal experts warn a hung jury on the racketeering charge could lead to a mistrial, potentially prompting a retrial. Combs remains in custody at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, having been denied bail.
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