Jury Delivers Partial Verdicts in Sean Diddy Combs’ Sex Trafficking Trial, Split on Racketeering Charge

On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the jury in the ongoing sex trafficking trial of music executive Sean Diddy Combs delivered partial verdicts, reaching decisions on four out of five charges but remaining split on the most serious allegation—racketeering. Jurors sent a note to Judge Arun Subramanian stating, “We have jurors with unpersuadable opinions on both sides,” indicating their inability to agree on whether Combs was guilty of running a criminal enterprise. The judge instructed them to continue deliberations on the racketeering count when court resumes on Wednesday, July 2.

Combs faces accusations of operating an organized ring that forced women into coercive sex acts with hired escorts, maintaining control through threats, violence, and manipulation. The racketeering charge carries a possible life sentence if he is found guilty. He is also charged with two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transporting women for prostitution.

The case gained significant public attention after Combs’ former longtime partner, singer Cassie Ventura, filed a civil lawsuit in November 2023, alleging years of abuse. Though settled for $20 million, her case sparked a series of lawsuits that led to the current criminal charges.

During the seven-week trial, jurors heard disturbing testimony from multiple witnesses. Two women described being pressured into sex parties, while former employees spoke of violent episodes and controlling behavior. Prosecutors presented thousands of phone records, financial documents, and video evidence to support their case, alleging that Combs ran an illegal operation backed by close associates who enforced his authority through forced labor, drug distribution, arson, and bribery.

Defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo argued that no employees had been charged or directly testified against Combs and that several government witnesses had received immunity to take the stand. He also admitted that Combs had assaulted some partners but insisted these acts did not constitute sex trafficking or organized crime.

Under federal law, jurors must unanimously agree that Combs conspired to commit at least two of eight specified crimes to convict him of racketeering.

Key testimony came from Ventura and another woman referred to as Jane, who detailed long-term abusive relationships with Combs involving coercion, threats, and sexual exploitation. In closing arguments, Agnifilo portrayed Combs as a “successful, self-made Black entrepreneur” with complicated but consensual relationships, while questioning the credibility of Ventura and other accusers.

Prosecutor Maurene Comey countered, accusing the defense of manipulating facts and downplaying abuse. “The defendant never thought the women he mistreated would have the courage to speak out,” Comey said. “That ends in this courtroom. The defendant is not a god.”

Deliberations on the unresolved racketeering charge will continue on Wednesday, July 2.

Source: African Publicity