Diddy trial: Jury begins deliberating in Sean 'Diddy' Combs' sex trafficking trial
Share this @internewscast.com

Jurors started deliberating Monday in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking case, weighing charges that could put the hip-hop mogul in prison for life.

Following over two hours of detailed instructions from federal Judge Arun Subramanian, the jury, composed of eight men and four women, retreated to deliberate the case. They will assess seven weeks of sometimes explicit and emotional testimonies concerning the rap mogul, fashion influencer, and reality TV figure, examining his violent tendencies and sexual behaviors, characterized by drug-fueled escapades known as “freak-offs” or “hotel nights.”

Combs, 55, has denied the federal accusations of racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking, which involve two former girlfriends, along with allegations of arranging for the transportation of sex workers across state lines for prostitution.

Jury deliberations begin | Diddy trial live updates

FILE - Sean "Diddy" Combs arrives at the LA Premiere of "The Four: Battle For Stardom" at the CBS Radford Studio Center, May 30, 2018, in Los Angeles.

FILE – Sean “Diddy” Combs is pictured arriving at the Los Angeles premiere of “The Four: Battle For Stardom” at the CBS Radford Studio Center on May 30, 2018.

Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP, File

In closing arguments last week, federal prosecutors and Combs’ defense team took their last shots at convincing jurors to convict or acquit the Grammy Award-winning founder of Bad Boy Records.

“The defendant used power, violence and fear to get what he wanted,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik said. “He thought that his fame, wealth and power put him above the law.”

She said that he used his “close inner circle and a small army of personal staff, who made it their mission to meet the defendant’s every desire, promote his power and protect his reputation at all costs.”

Defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo countered, “This isn’t about crime. It’s about money.” He noted that one of Combs’ accusers in the criminal case also sued him in civil court.

“He is not a racketeer. He is not a conspirator to commit racketeering. He is none of these things. He is innocent. He sits there innocent. Return him to his family, who have been waiting for him,” the lawyer told jurors.

In all, 34 witnesses testified, headlined by Combs’ former girlfriends Cassie – the R&B singer born Casandra Ventura – and ” Jane,” who testified under a pseudonym. Both women said he often was violent toward them. Cassie said he forced her into hundreds of sexual encounters with paid male sex workers while Jane recounted numerous “hotel nights.”

Jurors also saw now-infamous security camera video of Combs beating, kicking and dragging Cassie at a Los Angeles hotel in 2016 and clips from videos of sexual encounters.

Combs chose not to testify, and his lawyers didn’t call any witnesses in their defense case. His attorneys elected instead to challenge the accusers’ credibility during lengthy cross-examination questioning.

The defense has acknowledged that Combs veered into violence, but his lawyers maintain that the sex acts were consensual. They contend that prosecutors are intruding in Combs’ personal life and that he’s done nothing to warrant the charges against him.

Copyright © 2025 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
How to take the perfect iPhone fireworks photos

Mastering the Art of Capturing Stunning Fireworks Photos with Your iPhone

Blurry, boring photos of fireworks — that were plenty exhilarating in person…
Jake Lang Release from DC Jail

Uncovering the True Identity of Jake Lang

Unaware to many, my investigation into the man many view as the…
How much money does Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, Sheriff T.K. Waters make?

Salary Details for Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan and Sheriff T.K. Waters

New documents released under Florida law show at least 10 Jacksonville city…
Robots are taking over Uber Eats deliveries. Is your city next?

Robots are starting to handle Uber Eats deliveries. Will they be coming to your city soon?

If you’ve ordered food on Uber Eats recently, you may have seen…
Large plume of smoke billowing near parked cars.

Massive Explosion Rocks Rome Petrol Station, Injuring Over 21 People

A HORRIFYING incident unfolded as a petrol station in Rome erupted into…
2 killed, 1 critically injured in car crash at West Augusta Boulevard and North Central Avenue in South Austin: Chicago police

Gun Violence in Chicago Over July 4th Weekend: Police Report 19 Shot, Including 2 Fatalities

CHICAGO (WLS) — At least 19 individuals have been shot, with two…
Iran, following Trump strikes, says 'the doors of diplomacy will never slam shut'

Iran asserts that despite Trump’s strikes, ‘diplomatic channels will always remain open’

Iran’s foreign minister assures that “the doors of diplomacy remain open,” in…
Chelsea benefits from Palmeiras own goal to reach FIFA Club World Cup semifinals

Chelsea Advances to FIFA Club World Cup Semifinals Following Palmeiras Own Goal

PHILADELPHIA — Chelsea clinched their place in the Club World Cup semifinals…
Even before Glastonbury Festival hate chants, UK Jews warned of alarming rise in antisemitism

UK Jews Highlight Growing Antisemitism Before Glastonbury Festival Controversy

Jewish leaders in the UK were outraged this weekend following antisemitic chants…
Kentucky Powerball jackpot winners holding a $167.3 million check.

Powerball Winner with Troubled Past Uses $167.3M Jackpot for Bail Just Days After Winning

A POWERBALL winner who scored a multi-million dollar prize has spent over…

Arrest Made with Chilling Connection to Ryan Godbey’s Last Text in Missing Person Case

CHILLING new details have emerged in the search for 26-year-old Ryan Godbey…
Dr. Phil Merit Street Media files for bankruptcy sues Trinity Broadcasting

Dr. Phil’s Merit Street Media Declares Bankruptcy and Initiates Lawsuit Against Trinity Broadcasting

On Wednesday, Dr. Phil McGraw’s media company based in Texas declared bankruptcy…