A jury consisting of 12 members commenced their deliberations on Monday for the federal sex crimes trial of disgraced music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is facing the possibility of a life sentence.
Judge Arun Subramanian began the proceedings by briefing the jury — comprised of eight men and four women — with legal instructions as they set out to review the intricate details of a seven-week trial that involved testimony from 34 witnesses.
Although an early obstacle hindered progress, no decision was reached on Monday. Nevertheless, by day’s end, it appeared the jurors were advancing in their consideration of intricate charges that could potentially lead to a life sentence for the hip-hop mogul.
What has happened during the first day of deliberations?
About 10 minutes into deliberations, the jury sent a note indicating they had completed their first order of business: electing a foreperson.
A short time later, the foreperson alerted the court that a juror was having trouble following the judge’s instructions.
“We are concerned (the juror) cannot follow your honor’s instructions,” the foreperson wrote in a note just after 12:30 p.m.
They started deliberating charges that could put the hip-hop mogul in prison for life around 11:30 a.m.
Judge Arun Subramanian sent his note to the jury after 2 p.m., reminding jurors to deliberate and to follow his instructions on the law.
After the judge originally proposed asking the jury foreperson the nature of concerns about the fellow juror, defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo suggested caution and that less be said rather than more.
“We can always ratchet it up. We can’t ratchet it down,” Agnifilo said.
The jury sent another note about three hours later asking for clarification on part of the instructions dealing with drug distribution — an allegation included in Combs’ racketeering conspiracy charge.
What charges does Diddy face?
Combs has been charged with one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
He has pleaded not guilty.
What is the maximum sentence Diddy could receive?
Combs faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted of racketeering and sex trafficking.
The sex trafficking charge also carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years.
Transportation for purposes of prostitution carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.
What happened in Diddy’s criminal trial?
The trial brought forth several former employees of Combs’ Bad Boy Entertainment companies, but its most noteworthy witnesses were two of his former partners — singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and “Jane,” a social media influencer who testified under a pseudonym.
The women said they felt pressured to engage in hundreds of sexual events, dubbed “Freak Offs” or “hotel nights,” with sex workers. These encounters were often filmed.
In their closing statements, the government painted Combs’ criminal enterprise as his “kingdom.”
While the prosecution presented a robust case, defense attorneys wrapped up theirs within hours, calling no witnesses.
Much of their argument rested on the theory that the accusers were consenting adults and were not forced to participate in Combs’ sexual events.
They relied largely on text messages between Combs and his ex-partners to show the women were willing and even arranged for the sexual encounters at times.
Defense attorneys used their closing statements to call Combs’ prosecution overkill, saying that he was being put on trial for his sexual proclivities and lifestyle choices.
What happens to Diddy’s money if he’s convicted?
If found guilty, Combs will lose it all, according to Sara Azari, a criminal trial attorney and NewsNation’s legal analyst.
Combs’ indictment also includes a forfeiture action that could result in him losing almost all of his net worth, as prosecutors have alleged that he used his money to support a criminal enterprise.
A criminal forfeiture is an action brought as part of the criminal prosecution of a defendant, according to the FBI. It requires the government to seize the property used in the commission of the crime, along with the defendant, according to the agency.
If the defendant is convicted and the property is deemed forfeitable, the court then issues an order of forfeiture.
“While we’re all focused on racketeering, because it carries 20 to life, if he’s convicted of racketeering, he loses $400 million of his net worth … so all of that gets taken by the government,” Azari said.
What happens if Diddy is acquitted?
If acquitted, Combs would walk free and his assets would be untouched.
However, the high-profile nature of the case will likely make it impossible for Combs to have a successful career moving forward, Azari said.
“Even if he’s acquitted of everything, he’s done in the entertainment industry,” she said.
Diddy faces an additional lawsuit
While he awaits a verdict in this case, Diddy has also been hit with a civil lawsuit for sexual assault and battery, gender violence and negligent supervision, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on June 23.
Brandon Adams, a man in his twenties represented by Houston-based lawyer Tony Buzbee, alleged that he was drugged at a party and raped by Combs in 2021.
NewsNation obtained the complaint, which said Adams met a chauffeur at a gas station who invited him to a party. The man accepted and followed the driver back to the event. Once there, he was offered a glass of champagne and began to feel “off” and “dizzy.”
The complaint alleged that Adams found an empty bedroom and fell unconscious. When he woke, he said a man was unbuckling his belt and said to him, “You’re about to get that Diddy love.”
NewsNation has reached out to Combs’ legal team for comment. He has previously denied other sexual assault allegations against him.
NewsNation has reached out to Combs’ legal team for comment. He has previously denied other sexual assault allegations against him.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
