A federal jury has reached a partial decision in the high-profile criminal case against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs — but they remain deadlocked on the most serious charge.
Combs, 55, is on trial for five federal counts, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transporting individuals for prostitution. Prosecutors say he ran a sex trafficking ring involving so-called “Freak Offs,” where women were allegedly forced into sex acts.
The jury told the court they’ve reached a verdict on four counts — two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation for prostitution — but are stuck on Count 1: racketeering conspiracy. That charge carries the heaviest penalty and could land Combs in prison for life if convicted.
Judge Arun Subramanian didn’t accept the partial verdict right away. Instead, he told jurors to keep working.
“I ask that you keep deliberating,” the judge said.
He then quoted jury instructions that emphasized honest decision-making:
“Your verdict must be unanimous, but you are not bound to surrender your honest convictions… Each of you must make your own decision about the proper outcome of this case.”
He added: “No juror should surrender his or her conscientious beliefs for the purpose of returning a unanimous verdict.”
Subramanian made it clear he wasn’t giving a full “Allen charge” — a legal push sometimes used to break a deadlock — but reminded jurors of their duty to deliberate.
Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo downplayed concerns about the split jury, saying, “This jury has been productive and efficient.”
Legal analysts say this is a turning point. “This marks a crucial juncture,” said CNN legal analyst Elie Honig. “They’ve reached verdicts on four of five counts, but remain split on the most serious one.”
As the judge and attorneys debated how to proceed, the jury sent a note saying they had finished deliberating for the day and would pick back up tomorrow.
Judge Subramanian dismissed them for the evening, adding that he won’t bring the panel into court in the morning — they can begin deliberations as soon as everyone arrives.
