Jury Begins Deliberations in Diddy Sex Trafficking Trial; No Verdict on Day One

Jury deliberations have commenced in the federal sex trafficking trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs. The process began on Monday, but the jury did not reach a verdict on the first day, despite indications of progress in weighing the complex charges. These charges could potentially result in a life sentence for the hip-hop mogul.

The initial day of deliberations was marked by multiple notes from the jury. Combs and his supporters were seen praying in the courtroom. The jury, consisting of eight men and four women, is tasked with analyzing seven weeks of testimony, some of which was graphic and emotional. The testimony revolved around the rap, fashion, and reality TV entrepreneur's alleged penchant for violence and sexual behavior, including what have been described as drug-fueled sex marathons.

Approximately an hour into deliberations, the foreperson informed Judge Arun Subramanian that a juror might be struggling to comprehend the extensive, 61-page instructions provided.

"We are concerned (the juror) cannot follow your honor's instructions," the foreperson stated in a note to Judge Subramanian shortly after 12:30 p.m.

Defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo advised caution, suggesting it was prudent to say less rather than more.

"We can always ratchet it up. We can't ratchet it down," Agnifilo said.

Judge Subramanian responded to the jury around 2 p.m., urging them to continue deliberating and adhere to the legal instructions he had given.

Three hours later, the jury submitted another note, seeking clarification on a portion of the instructions related to drug distribution, an allegation included in Combs' racketeering conspiracy charge.

During the deliberations, Combs was observed praying with family and friends in the courtroom. He faced his supporters in the audience and bowed his head. Following the prayer, they applauded and exited the courtroom.

Combs was also seen with two books: "The Power of Positive Thinking" by Norman Vincent Peale and "The Happiness Advantage" by Shawn Achor.

Before sending the jury to deliberate, Judge Subramanian instructed the five alternate jurors to remain on standby in case they were needed to replace a member of the main jury.

The jurors have access to a laptop containing all the exhibits presented in court, including text messages, photographs, and videos related to the sexual encounters central to the case.

Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to federal charges, including racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking related to two former girlfriends, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution for allegedly arranging to fly his girlfriends and sex workers across state lines.

In closing arguments the previous week, federal prosecutors and Combs' defense team presented their final arguments to convince the jury to either convict or acquit the Grammy Award-winning founder of Bad Boy Records.

"The defendant used power, violence and fear to get what he wanted," Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik argued. "He thought that his fame, wealth and power put him above the law."

Slavik asserted that Combs used his "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."

Defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo countered, stating, "This isn't about crime. It's about money." He emphasized that one of Combs' accusers in the criminal case had also filed a civil lawsuit against him.

"He is not a racketeer. He is not a conspirator to commit racketeering. He is none of these things. He is innocent. He sits there innocent. Return him to his family, who have been waiting for him," Agnifilo pleaded with the jurors.

In total, 34 witnesses testified, most notably Combs' former girlfriends Cassie (born Casandra Ventura) and "Jane," who testified under a pseudonym. Both women testified that Combs was often violent towards them. Cassie claimed that he forced her into hundreds of sexual encounters with male sex workers, while Jane recounted numerous "hotel nights."

The jury was also shown security camera footage of Combs assaulting, kicking, and dragging Cassie at a Los Angeles hotel in 2016, as well as clips from videos of sexual encounters.

Combs chose not to testify, and his lawyers did not call any witnesses in their defense. Instead, they focused on challenging the credibility of the accusers during cross-examination.

The defense has acknowledged instances of violence by Combs, but his lawyers maintain that the sex acts were consensual. They argue that prosecutors are interfering in Combs' personal life and that he has not committed any actions that justify the charges against him.