Jurors in New York City began deliberating Monday in the high-profile sex trafficking case against Sean “Diddy” Combs, a prominent figure in the music industry facing serious allegations that could lead to a life sentence. The jury, comprised of eight men and four women, retreated behind closed doors after receiving over two hours of legal instructions from federal Judge Arun Subramanian.
The case centered around seven weeks of often graphic testimony, highlighting Combs’ alleged violent behavior and sexual practices, including drug-influenced parties referred to as “freak-offs” or “hotel nights.” Jurors were equipped with a laptop containing extensive evidence presented during the trial, including text messages, photographs, and video documents related to the accusations.
As they commenced deliberation, the jury quickly indicated they had elected a foreperson just ten minutes into their discussions. Meanwhile, Combs faced his family and supporters in the courtroom, who gathered in prayer as the proceedings unfolded.
At 55 years old, Combs has pleaded not guilty to multiple serious charges. These include racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking associated with former girlfriends, and two counts of transporting individuals for the purpose of prostitution.
During closing arguments last week, prosecutors and Combs’ defense team made their final appeals to the jury. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik argued that Combs leveraged his fame and wealth to operate above the law. She characterized Combs as using both fear and coercion to attain his desires, supported by a close-knit group of aides intent on shielding his reputation and fulfilling his demands.
In contrast, Combs’ defense attorney Marc Agnifilo maintained that the case was less about criminal activity and more about financial motives. He stressed that one of the accusers involved in the case had a separate civil lawsuit against Combs, suggesting ulterior motives behind the charges. Agnifilo insisted on Combs’ innocence, urging jurors to return him to his family.
Throughout the trial, 34 witnesses took the stand, with testimonies from Combs’ former partners, including the R&B artist Cassie, formerly known as Casandra Ventura, and a woman using the pseudonym “Jane.” Both women described instances of violence and coercion during their relationships with Combs, with Cassie specifically detailing how she felt compelled to participate in numerous sexual encounters with male sex workers.
The jury was shown distressing video footage from a 2016 incident where Combs was seen assaulting Cassie in a hotel. Combs did not testify during the proceedings, and his legal team opted to challenge the credibility of the witnesses rather than present their own.
While acknowledging some violent incidents, the defense claims that any sexual activities were consensual, arguing that the prosecution is intruding into Combs’ private life without valid grounds for the charges.
The charges against Combs encompass one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking through coercion, and two counts of transportation for prostitution. The prosecution painted Combs as the head of a criminal enterprise that disregards consent, while the defense argued that the case represents an exaggerated portrayal of his lifestyle.
Deliberations continue as jurors sift through the evidence and testimonies that have painted a complex picture of the rapper’s life, revealing the intersection of fame, power, and alleged misconduct.
Resources for victims of sexual assault are available through the National Sexual Violence Resources Center and the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-4673.
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