The fate of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is expected to be revealed this week as the 12 jurors in his sex-trafficking trial continue their deliberations. The embattled rapper, 55, is charged with sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution.
Combs, who denies all charges, could spend the rest of his life behind bars if he is found guilty. Deliberations began on Monday, but things took an unexpected turn when the jury passed two notes to the presiding judge.
Transcripts should be sent to jury by 1pm
The judge has ordered lawyers to send transcript excerpts relating to the InterContinental Hotel incident by 1pm ET. The judge stated that the jury will get the transcript of Cassie’s testimony about the days before and after the assault. They will also receive Cassie’s testimony about her Instagram post relating tot he release of the InterContinental CCTV footage.
Jury requests key testimony transcripts
Judge Arun Subramanian is now on the bench.
Diddy back in the courtroom
Diddy has returned to the courtroom while we await the jury’s decision.
Jury asks for witnesses’ testimony
When can we expect a verdict?
After five and a half hours of deliberations without a unanimous verdict on Monday, the 12 New Yorkers on the jury are returned to Manhattan federal court this morning at 9am for the second day of deliberations.
On Monday, the jury raised two concerns with the court – a possible early indicator of the challenges they may face in weighing the case.
With testimony from 34 witnesses and a legally complex racketeering charge at its core, the deliberation process may take time. There is no set timeline: deliberations can last anywhere from a few hours to several days (or even longer).
Judge addresses jury’s questions over drug distribution charges
Judge Arun Subramanian has addressed the jury’s concern over the drug distribution element of the racketeering conspiracy charge raised towards the end of Monday’s deliberations.
In a note, the jury asked whether an individual can be found responsible for distributing drugs to someone who asked for them.
Subramanian responded this morning (US time) that he is sticking with his proposed language around the definition on page 37 of the jury instructions.
While the defence wanted to give jurors a broader legal context around drug offences, Subramanian, visibly frustrated, replied, “That’s not the question the jury asked.
Deliberations continue with dwindled support
The second day of deliberations has begun in New York, with Combs’ support considerably smaller than previously.
Monday saw rows of the rapper’s friends and family sat behind the defense table but today, only Combs’ mother, Janice Combs, appears to be present at Manhattan federal court to support her son.
Last week’s closing statements
In last week’s closing statements, federal prosecutors and Combs’ defence team made their final pitches to the jury.
Assistant US Attorney Christy Slavik contended: “The defendant used power, violence and fear to get what he wanted. He thought that his fame, wealth and power put him above the law. “
She charged him with depending on a “close inner circle and a small army of personal staff, who made it their mission to meet the defendant’s every desire, promote his power and protect his reputation at all costs. “
However, Combs’ defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo hit back at these allegations, stating: “This isn’t about crime. It’s about money. ” He highlighted that one of the accusers had also launched a civil lawsuit against Combs.
Why the jury on passing notes could be a good sign for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
The jury’s note-passing could be a positive sign for Combs, suggests Mitch Epner, a New York-based lawyer and former prosecutor.
Speaking to the BBC, he said: “First, it is unusual for the jurors to send a note to the judge this early, other than asking for logistical help. Second, this note indicates that there may already be a breakdown in the deliberative process,”.
A unanimous decision is required for a conviction, and the specific concerns about juror number 25 and their difficulty following the judge’s instructions are yet to be disclosed.
Two notes passed from the jury as deliberations began
Deliberations began on Monday, but took an unexpected twist when two notes were passed to the presiding judge from the jury.
The first note expressed a juror’s difficulty in understanding the lengthy 61-page instructions given by the judge before deliberations began.
Despite this, Judge Arun Subramanian insisted that jurors must strictly follow his directions, even if it meant extending the deliberation process.
