Jury Deadlocked on Racketeering Charge in Diddy Trial as Verdict Nears

NEW YORK – The trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has reached a critical point, as the jury revealed Tuesday that it has reached verdicts on four of the five charges but remains split on the most serious one, racketeering.

Combs, 55, faces five federal charges: two counts of sex trafficking, two counts of transportation for prostitution, and one count of racketeering. While the other charges carry sentences of up to 15 years, the racketeering charge could result in life in prison if he is convicted.

The racketeering charge is based on the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), a law originally designed to take down organized crime groups. Prosecutors allege that Combs used his businesses and influence to run a criminal operation that included trafficking women, organizing sex parties, and covering up misconduct.

During the six-week trial, witnesses described what they called “freak offs,” alleged sex parties that lasted for days, where drugs and alcohol were common. Combs’ former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, claimed she was coerced and blackmailed into participating. One of the most powerful moments in court came when surveillance footage was shown of Combs allegedly assaulting Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His defense team argued that the case is built on exaggerated stories and personal grudges, not hard evidence. “He is a businessman, not a criminal,” said his attorney, Marcus Fielder.

The jury began deliberating last Friday but remains deadlocked on the racketeering charge. All 12 jurors must agree to reach a verdict. If they cannot, the judge may declare a mistrial for that count while announcing the verdicts for the other four.

Combs has been in custody since his arrest in September 2024 and is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

Deliberations will resume on Wednesday, with the July 4th federal holiday possibly affecting the schedule. Until then, the music icon’s future hangs in the balance, with a decision that could define the rest of his life.