The jury has officially begun deliberations in the high-profile trial of music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, following a seven-week legal battle in New York.
On Monday, eight men and four women were instructed to consider multiple serious charges against Diddy, 55, who has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
If convicted on the racketeering charge, the Last Night rapper could face a life sentence. The sex trafficking charge carries a minimum of 15 years in prison, while the transportation charge comes with a maximum sentence of 10 years.
Deliberations were temporarily disrupted after just one hour when the jury’s foreperson sent a note to Judge Arun Subramanian raising concern over one juror’s ability to adhere to courtroom instructions.
“We have a juror, number 25, that we are concerned cannot follow your honour’s instructions,” the note read, as reported by BBC News.
After consulting with both legal teams, Judge Subramanian chose to adopt the prosecution’s approach—reminding all jurors of their obligation to deliberate fairly and in accordance with legal directions.
During the same hearing, Diddy’s attorney, Marc Agnifilo, requested permission for his client to bring books back into his holding cell while he awaits the verdict. The judge approved the request.
Diddy has been in custody since his arrest in September 2024. His legal troubles first made headlines in November 2023 when ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual abuse. The two settled the case the following day for $20 million (£15 million), though Ventura later testified during the ongoing trial.
In addition to the current criminal proceedings, Combs is also facing several civil sexual abuse lawsuits. He has consistently denied all allegations against him.
