On June 30, 2025, jury deliberations began in the high-profile federal criminal trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, the famed hip-hop mogul facing serious charges including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution. The trial, held in the Southern District of New York, has captivated public attention for weeks, with graphic testimony from more than 30 witnesses detailing alleged abuses and criminal conduct.
The jury, composed of eight men and four women, convened at around 11:30 a.m. after U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian delivered nearly two hours of detailed legal instructions. These instructions covered the complex charges against Combs, emphasizing the burden on jurors to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Judge Subramanian meticulously explained the nuances of the racketeering conspiracy charge, which requires the jury to determine if Combs conspired with others in his business empire to commit at least two predicate crimes such as kidnapping, arson, bribery, or witness tampering within a ten-year period.
Similarly, the jury was instructed on the sex trafficking and transportation charges, with the judge clarifying that commercial sex acts in this context can involve exchanges beyond money, including objects or favors, and that the act need not have occurred if intent and exchange were evident. The severity of the charges was underscored by the potential sentences: life imprisonment for racketeering and sex trafficking, and up to 15 years for transportation to engage in prostitution.
Shortly after deliberations began, the jury sent a note to Judge Subramanian expressing concern about Juror No. 25, stating, "We have a juror, number 25, who we are concerned cannot follow your honor's instructions." This unexpected development prompted a consultation between the judge and attorneys from both sides. After about 40 minutes of discussion, the judge replied to the jury, reminding them of their duty to deliberate and their obligation to adhere to his legal instructions. He also asked the jury foreperson, Juror No. 5, to communicate any further issues.
The identity of Juror No. 25 was revealed during jury selection as a 51-year-old Manhattan veterinarian with a doctorate in molecular biology and neuroscience, known for enjoying nature documentaries, opera, and hiking. Despite the jury's concerns, the judge decided not to replace the juror with an alternate, having dismissed the six alternates earlier that day with the understanding they could be recalled if necessary.
Deliberations continued for about five and a half hours before the jury adjourned for the day without reaching a verdict. During the afternoon, the jury sent two additional notes: one containing a legal question about drug distribution liability if the recipient requested drugs, and another indicating their intention to end deliberations for the day at 5 p.m. Judge Subramanian promised to respond to the legal question the following morning, when deliberations resumed at 9 a.m. on July 1, 2025.
The trial has been a sprawling and intense examination of Combs' alleged criminal conduct. Prosecutors accuse him of orchestrating "freak offs," drug-fueled, marathon sexual encounters with hired escorts that sometimes lasted for days. They allege he used his business empire, along with intimidation tactics including guns, kidnapping, and arson, to coerce women into participating in these acts. Among the most harrowing evidence was video footage from March 2016 showing Combs assaulting his former girlfriend, Casandra "Cassie" Ventura Fine, at a Los Angeles hotel. Ventura testified to enduring repeated violence and feeling dependent on drugs to dissociate during these encounters.
Federal prosecutors presented testimony from 34 witnesses, including former employees and girlfriends, painting a picture of abuse and control. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik, in her closing arguments, described Combs as a "leader of a criminal enterprise" who used "power, violence and fear to get what he wanted," urging the jury to hold him accountable.
In contrast, Combs' defense team, led by Marc Agnifilo, framed the case as a "tale of two trials," arguing that the allegations stemmed from a complicated and extreme private life rather than criminal activity. Agnifilo acknowledged Combs' drug use and past domestic violence but denied that he orchestrated a criminal enterprise. He characterized the "freak offs" as consensual sexual activity within a swingers' lifestyle, accusing prosecutors of targeting Combs because of his celebrity status. The defense did not call any witnesses and rested their case shortly after the prosecution concluded, relying heavily on cross-examination to challenge the credibility of the government's witnesses.
Throughout the trial, the court heard about Combs' extensive connections in the entertainment world, with references to celebrities such as Prince, Stevie Wonder, Nicki Minaj, and Lil Wayne. These references served to illustrate Combs' status and influence, which prosecutors argue he exploited to facilitate his alleged crimes.
The trial has also highlighted the challenges jurors face in parsing complex legal definitions and graphic testimony. Judge Subramanian emphasized the importance of common sense, careful consideration of witness credibility, and adherence to the law. He reminded jurors not to judge Combs for his decision not to testify and prohibited any independent research or media consumption during deliberations.
Combs, 55, has been in custody since his arrest in September 2024 and remains confined at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. Despite repeated bail requests, he has stayed behind bars throughout the proceedings. Before deliberations, the judge granted a request allowing Combs to have books in his holding cell, including "The Happiness Advantage," which he was seen reading during the trial.
The mogul's family, including his mother Janice and five of his children, were present at the courthouse during the start of deliberations. Notably, his son Christian recently released a song titled "Diddy Free," reflecting the family's hope for his acquittal.
As the jury continues its deliberations, the nation watches closely. The verdict will determine not only Combs' fate but also send a powerful message about accountability for those in positions of power. Whether the jury finds him guilty or not guilty, the trial has already left an indelible mark on the cultural and legal landscape.
