Jury Deliberations Begin in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Federal Sex Trafficking and Racketeering Trial

After seven weeks of harrowing testimony and graphic evidence, the jury in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ criminal trial is now tasked with determining whether the hip-hop icon was at the helm of a violent sex trafficking ring—or the victim of overreach by federal prosecutors.

On Monday, a jury of eight men and four women began deliberating in Manhattan federal court. Their verdict could spell the end of Combs’ decades-long career as one of music’s most influential figures. If convicted, the 55-year-old entertainment mogul could face a sentence of 15 years to life in prison.

The Charges

Combs has pleaded not guilty to five felony charges, including one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and two counts of interstate transportation for the purpose of prostitution.

Federal prosecutors allege that Combs led a criminal enterprise for nearly two decades, exploiting women through a network of paid sex workers, illegal drugs, intimidation, and violence. At the heart of the government’s case is the assertion that Combs’ lavish lifestyle concealed systematic abuse and coercion, orchestrated with the help of bodyguards, personal assistants, and members of his inner circle.

“He’s the leader of a criminal enterprise. He doesn’t take no for an answer,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik in her closing argument last week.

Combs’ defense attorney, Marc Agnifilo, countered that his client’s behavior was “regrettable” but not criminal. “This is a fake trial based on exaggerated claims,” he told the jury, characterizing Combs’ lifestyle as that of a swinger, not a trafficker. Agnifilo acknowledged incidents of domestic violence but maintained that prosecutors distorted the facts to fit a RICO case.

Understanding the Racketeering Charge

The racketeering conspiracy count is the most serious charge Combs faces. Under the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act—a statute originally designed to combat organized crime—prosecutors must prove that Combs operated an “enterprise” involved in a pattern of criminal activity.

In this case, prosecutors say that enterprise included kidnapping, arson, bribery, and sex trafficking, supported by a cast of enablers within Combs’ professional and personal network.

RICO cases are notoriously complex, often requiring juries to assess years of conduct across multiple individuals and incidents. A conviction would indicate that Combs’ actions were not isolated, but part of an organized pattern of criminal behavior.

Explosive Testimony and Evidence

The prosecution called 34 witnesses to the stand. Combs himself did not testify in his defense.

A critical piece of evidence came early in the trial: a 2016 hotel surveillance video showing Combs physically assaulting singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, his then-girlfriend. Cassie, who had previously settled a civil lawsuit against Combs in 2023 alleging years of abuse, testified over four days.

She described being coerced into participating in what Combs allegedly called “freak-offs” or “hotel nights”—events involving sex with hired male sex workers, often under the influence of drugs like cocaine and ecstasy. Cassie said these encounters, which spanned the duration of their relationship from 2007 to 2018, felt non-consensual and degrading.

A second key witness, identified only by the pseudonym “Jane,” testified for six days. Jane recounted similar experiences while dating Combs from 2021 until his arrest in September 2023. She said she too was pressured into prolonged, drug-fueled sex marathons with strangers while Combs observed.

Both women described a dynamic of fear and manipulation, with Combs allegedly using threats to their careers and personal safety to ensure compliance.

Jurors were also shown a series of graphic text message exchanges—some from Combs himself—detailing logistics for the events and suggesting a coordinated effort involving staff and associates. Homeland Security Investigations agents read these communications aloud in court, adding another layer of corroboration to the victims’ claims.

The Stakes and the Path Forward

With deliberations underway, jurors must now unanimously agree on each of the five charges. If even one juror dissents, the panel could be declared deadlocked, potentially leading to a mistrial.

Judge Arun Subramanian has instructed the jury to weigh the evidence carefully and reach a unanimous verdict, if possible. Should the jury reach a conviction on any of the counts, Combs faces a minimum of 15 years behind bars, with the possibility of a life sentence.

The trial marks a dramatic fall from grace for Combs, who built a multimedia empire over the past three decades. From his early days at Uptown Records to launching Bad Boy Entertainment and promoting artists like The Notorious B.I.G., Mase, and Mary J. Blige, Combs has been a powerful cultural force. He is also the founder of several fashion lines, a vodka brand, and the Revolt TV network.

But the federal government’s case casts a long shadow over that legacy, framing Combs not as a mogul but as a manipulative figure who used his power to exploit others.

As the jury deliberates behind closed doors, the world is watching. The verdict will not only determine Combs’ future—it will also send a powerful message about accountability, even for those at the highest levels of fame and influence.