Jury Reaches ‘Partial’ Verdict In Diddy Sex Trafficking Trial, Still Split On Racketeering
After roughly 12 hours of deliberation, jurors in the federal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs have reached a verdict on four of five charges, but remain deadlocked on the most serious count of them all: racketeering.
CNN reports that the jury delivered unanimous decisions on counts related to sex trafficking and the transportation of individuals to engage in prostitution. However, they remain split on the racketeering charge, which alleged that Combs operated a criminal enterprise using his entertainment empire as a front.
The outlet adds that both the prosecution and defense want the judge to push the jury to continue deliberating, and Diddy’s attorney would like the judge to bring out the jury to instruct them to continue deliberating rather than sending them a note.
As previously reported, Diddy 55, is charged with five counts: one count of racketeering conspiracy and two counts each of sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. If found guilty of the most serious charges, he could face up to life in prison.
The charges stemmed from allegations that the music mogul used his influence and resources to coerce women, including ex-girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and a woman testifying under the pseudonym “Jane”, into non-consensual sex acts. These acts allegedly took place during orchestrated events known as “Freak Offs” and “Hotel Nights,” involving male sex workers and other participants.
The trial, which began in May, stretched over nearly a month of proceedings, during which prosecutors presented testimony from 34 witnesses. Among the most notable was Cassie, who testified in the late stages of pregnancy. Her multi-day testimony included claims of physical abuse and graphic accounts of the so-called “Freak Offs.”
The defense called no witnesses.
As the court awaits next steps on the unresolved racketeering count, the partial verdict marks a significant moment in one of the most high-profile celebrity trials in recent memory.
This story is still developing…
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