A partial verdict has been reached in Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial in New York City.The jury sent a note to the judge Tuesday afternoon saying it has reached a verdict on four of the five counts, but jurors said they were unable to agree on count 1, racketeering conspiracy.Jurors began deliberating in U.S.
District Court in lower Manhattan on Monday.What are the charges against Sean "Diddy" Combs?A sweeping grand jury indictment against Combs, 55, was unsealed in September 2024, initially charging the hip-hop mogul with three counts following his arrest at an upscale midtown Manhattan hotel.In April, before the trial began, prosecutors filed additional charges against Combs in a superseding indictment, bringing the total number of counts against him to five.The charges against Combs are one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
Combs pleaded not guilty to the charges.If convicted, he could face up to life in prison.Prosecutors alleged that Combs' business empire created a criminal enterprise that he used for years to cover up acts of violence and abuse and to coerce women into fulfilling his sexual desires.
Jurors heard from more than 30 witnesses over the course of seven weeks as the prosecution went through its case.Combs' attorneys didn't call him or any witnesses to testify in his defense during the trial.
Combs told U.S.District Judge Arun Subramanian that he decided not to testify, saying: "I mean, it's my decision with my lawyers.
...My decision to make.
I'm making it." His lawyers argued the prosecution failed to prove the charges against Combs, and the defense sought an acquittal after the prosecution rested."Freak-offs" and "hotel nights"The high-profile trial started in May.The proceedings included graphic and emotional testimony, including from singer Cassie Ventura, Combs' former girlfriend who spent more than a ...