The jury in the explosive sex-trafficking trial of rap mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has announced that they’ve reached a verdict on four out of five federal charges—but remain deadlocked on the most serious one: racketeering conspiracy.
At just after 4:00 PM ET, the jury submitted their third note of the day to the judge, signaling a partial resolution in the high-profile case that has gripped the nation.
The courtroom filled quickly with attorneys, federal marshals, and Diddy’s visibly tense inner circle, including his mother and sister, as news of the note spread. All eyes were on the bench.
CNN reported that Combs, flanked by his legal team, read the jury’s note with a stone-faced expression. His lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo, quietly passed it to him after retrieving it from the courtroom deputy.
The note from the jury read: “We have reached a verdict on counts 2, 3, 4, and 5. We are unable to reach a verdict on count 1 as we have jurors with unpersuadable opinions on both sides.”
Judge Martinez addressed the court shortly after, confirming the note’s contents: “We have received a note at 4:05 p.m. It reads: ‘We have reached a verdict on Counts 2, 3, 4, and 5. We are unable to reach a verdict on Count 1 as we have jurors on each side. How should we respond?’”
Rather than accepting a hung jury on the racketeering charge—which carries the heaviest potential sentence—the judge instructed the panel to continue deliberating in hopes of reaching a unanimous verdict. However, the jury responded that they were done for the day and would reconvene at 9:00 a.m. ET Tuesday morning.
The Charges Against Diddy:
Count 1: Racketeering Conspiracy – The linchpin of the prosecution’s case, alleging that Combs orchestrated a criminal enterprise involving sex trafficking, drugs, and intimidation tactics.
Count 2: Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, or Coercion (Victim 1: Cassie Ventura) – Accuses Combs of coercing his former girlfriend into commercial sex acts under threat and manipulation.
Count 3: Transportation to Engage in Prostitution (Victim 1 & Sex Workers) – Alleges that Combs facilitated travel for the purpose of prostitution.
Count 4: Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, or Coercion (Victim 2: “Jane Doe”) – A second woman came forward anonymously with similar accusations.
Count 5: Transportation to Engage in Prostitution (Victim 2 & Sex Workers) – Mirrors Count 3 with regard to the second accuser and unnamed women.
Legal experts note that deadlock on the racketeering charge could significantly alter the public’s perception of the case—and even its final outcome. The racketeering conspiracy is seen as the keystone tying together Diddy’s alleged network of criminal behavior. Failure to convict on this charge could be spun as a major win for the defense, even if he’s found guilty on the others.
The case has polarized observers, with some seeing Diddy as a cultural icon caught in a political crossfire, while others say the evidence reveals a long-standing abuse of power hidden behind glitz and celebrity.
President Trump, who once publicly supported Diddy as a businessman, has remained silent since the trial began. However, several high-profile conservatives have labeled the trial an example of “celebrity privilege meeting its limits,” calling for harsh sentences to send a message.