Jury begins deliberations in Sean Combs’ sex trafficking and RICO case.

A Manhattan jury commenced deliberations on Monday in the high-profile sex trafficking and racketeering case involving Sean “Diddy” Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records. The jury, comprising eight men and four women, received the case around 11:30 AM after a briefing on legal instructions from Federal Judge Arun Subramanian. Just two hours into their deliberations, signs of potential discord emerged, as the jury foreperson submitted a note expressing concerns regarding the capacity of Juror No. 25 to adhere to the judge’s instructions.

Juror No. 25 is identified as a 51-year-old scientist residing in Manhattan. However, it remains unclear from the foreperson’s communication whether the juror is struggling to follow the instructions based on a presumption of Combs’ innocence or guilt. Following discussions with attorneys representing Combs and federal prosecutors, Judge Subramanian issued a carefully worded response, reminding the jurors of their responsibilities while urging them to continue their deliberations.

The jury’s task is to determine Combs’ culpability on multiple charges, including two counts of sex trafficking through force, fraud, or coercion, racketeering conspiracy, and two counts related to transportation for prostitution. Over the past six weeks, jurors heard testimonies from 34 witnesses, including testimonies by Combs’ former partners, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and an anonymous woman referred to as “Jane.” These witnesses alleged coercion into degrading and often violent sexual encounters, termed “freak-offs,” with male sex workers that allegedly spanned several days.

The U.S. Attorney’s office in Manhattan contends that the rap producer operated a criminal enterprise, aided by senior staff who allegedly secured drugs for these extended sexual parties, intimidated victims, and wielded fear over anyone who opposed Combs. In her closing arguments, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Slavik emphasized the need for accountability, asserting that Combs exploited power, violence, and fear to achieve his desires.

To convict Combs of racketeering conspiracy, jurors must establish that alleged members of his enterprise executed at least one of eight predicate acts, which may include sex trafficking, forced labor, and drug distribution, on two separate occasions. A conviction for sex trafficking also necessitates that jurors confirm that individuals were trafficked for sex in at least one of the numerous “freak-offs” referenced during the trial. This determination would require finding that Combs intentionally recruited and “harbored” Ventura and Jane in hotel accommodations he financed, and that he was aware or indifferent to the coercive circumstances surrounding their participation with unfamiliar men.

Combs’ defense has maintained that while he did engage in assaults against his romantic partners, he did not compel them into sexual encounters against their will, nor did he task his staff with committing crimes on his behalf. A straightforward conviction on charges related to the transportation of individuals for prostitution requires jurors merely to find evidence of Combs’ involvement in moving people across state lines or internationally for sex work.

Several witnesses, including escorts, described instances where Combs arranged for male entertainers to travel for these prolonged sexual events. In his closing statement, defense attorney Marc Agnifilo contended that while the men were compensated for their time, the arrangement did not constitute payment for sex.

The legal proceedings surrounding Sean Combs continue to unfold, and updates will be provided as they become available.