Jury returns to deliberate for a second day at Sean 'Diddy' Combs' sex trafficking trial
Share and Follow


NEW YORK (AP) — A jury returns to deliberate for a second day Tuesday at the sex trafficking trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.

On Monday, jurors deliberated over five hours without reaching a verdict after receiving instructions on the law from the trial judge, Arun Subramanian.

They are deciding whether prosecutors have proven racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges during a trial that began in early May.

Prosecutors say Combs for two decades used his fame, fortune and a roster of employees and associates to help him coerce and force two different girlfriends to repeatedly perform sexually with male sex workers for days at a time while he watched and sometimes filmed the drug-fueled events.

Defense lawyers say prosecutors are unjustly basing federal crimes on what Combs did in the bedroom with his girlfriends as they participated in the swinger lifestyle and on acts of domestic violence involving their client.

Combs, 55, could face 15 years in prison to life behind bars if he is convicted of all charges.

After pleading not guilty, Combs chose not to testify as his lawyers built their arguments for acquittal mostly through lengthy cross examinations of dozens of witnesses called by prosecutors, including some of Combs’ former employees who took the witness stand reluctantly only after being granted immunity.

When jurors first left the room to begin deliberating on Monday, Combs sat for a while slumped in his chair at the defense table before standing and turning toward three rows of spectators packed with his family and friends.

Those supporters held hands and lowered their heads in prayer, as did Combs, who was several feet from them in the well of the courtroom. After they finished, they together applauded, and so did Combs, still clapping as he turned back toward the front of the room.

Combs also showed off two books he’s reading: “The Power of Positive Thinking” by Norman Vincent Peale and “The Happiness Advantage” by Shawn Achor.

Barely an hour into deliberations, the jury foreperson sent a note to the judge, complaining that there was one juror “who we are concerned cannot follow your Honor’s instructions. May I please speak with your Honor or may you please interview him?”

The judge decided instead to send jurors a note reminding them of their duties to deliberate and obligation to follow his instructions on the law.

By day’s end, the jury seemed back on track, requesting clarification about what qualifies as drug distribution, an aspect of the racketeering conspiracy charge that will help determine whether Combs can be convicted or exonerated on the count.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
'Lawn guy' accused of throwing party at former client's home while they were on vacation: 'Epic failures'

‘Lawn guy’ accused of throwing party at former client’s home while they were on vacation: ‘Epic failures’

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A North Carolina landscaper…
Idaho prosecutors want to block Bryan Kohberger from arguing an 'alternative perpetrator' left blood at scene

Friends who discovered Idaho murder victims reveal eerie omen before the massacre

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The college friends who…
Senate to begin 'vote-a-rama' on GOP bill and two firefighters killed in ambush: Morning Rundown

1. Senate Set to Kick Off ‘Vote-A-Rama’ on GOP Bill 2. Tragic Ambush Claims Lives of Two Firefighters: Morning Recap

The Senate will begin ‘vote-a-rama’ today on Donald Trump’s agenda bill. Two…
To keep Medicaid, a mom caring for her disabled adult son may soon need to prove she works

In order to maintain Medicaid coverage, a mother looking after her disabled adult son may soon have to demonstrate her employment status

Four years before Kimberly Gallagher enrolled in Medicaid herself, the public health…
ESPN, MLB renew media rights talks after ugly split

ESPN and Major League Baseball resume discussions on media rights following a contentious separation.

There is still hope that MLB will not be leaving ESPN. The…
What we know about suspected sniper in Idaho firefighter ambush

Insights on the individual suspected of being a sniper in the Idaho firefighter attack

() The gunman accused of fatally shooting two firefighters and wounding a…
BBC admits it should have cut Bob Vylan's 'antisemitic' Glastonbury livestream

BBC acknowledges it should have edited out Bob Vylan’s ‘antisemitic’ Glastonbury live performance.

Monday, the BBC acknowledged that it should have interrupted the livestream of…
Orlando Bloom posts cryptic messages after Katy Perry split

Orlando Bloom shares mysterious messages following breakup with Katy Perry

Orlando Bloom appears to have a new lease on life. The actor…