Jury Begins Deliberations in Diddy’s Explosive Sex Trafficking Case

USA — A jury of eight men and four women is set to begin deliberations Monday in the federal sex trafficking and racketeering case against hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, whose fate now rests in their hands after seven weeks of explosive courtroom testimony.

U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian began giving legal instructions to the jury early Monday before they begin weighing charges that could put the 55-year-old music and fashion icon behind bars for life.

The case saw graphic and emotional evidence, including allegations of drug-fuelled “freak-offs,” violent abuse, and a disturbing 2016 hotel video showing Combs allegedly beating his former girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie (Casandra Ventura).

Prosecutors allege Combs used his money, fame, and power to intimidate, abuse and traffic women, aided by a tight inner circle of loyal staff. They say he trafficked two women — Cassie and another woman known only as “Jane” — and arranged for sex workers to be flown across state lines.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking, and two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution. He did not testify, and his legal team called no witnesses, instead choosing to aggressively question the credibility of the accusers.

“This isn’t about crime. It’s about money,” argued defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo, referencing civil suits filed by the alleged victims. He described Combs as innocent and urged jurors to “return him to his family.”

In all, 34 witnesses took the stand, with prosecutors relying heavily on Cassie and “Jane” to paint a picture of Combs’ dark double life.

Jurors are now tasked with deciding whether the Bad Boy Records founder is a criminal predator — or the victim of an elaborate plot to take down a powerful figure.

More updates as the verdict nears.