As the jury verdict looms on P Diddy’s trial some shocking moments unfolded in court on Tuesday – from the rapper’s cryptic comment to his mum to unexpected jury behavior
What charges does Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs face?
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.
During the trial at the Federal District Court in Lower Manhattan, which began on May 5, the jury heard from 34 witnesses – including celebrities like Kid Cudi and Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie.
Here, we take a look at the biggest bombshell’s from the second day in court this week as the disgraced star’s verdict looms.
Diddy’s five-word comment to his mum
Before leaving the court, Diddy turned to his children, who were sitting in the second row behind him, and whispered.
He told his mother, who had leaned in to ask him something: “I’ll be alright. Love you,” before tapping his chest.
Jury unable to reach a verdict on Count 1
The jury sent a note to the judge at 4.05pm local time, saying: “We have reached a verdict on counts 2, 3, 4 and 5. We are unable to reach a verdict on count 1 as we have jurors with unpersuadable opinions on both sides.”
Both prosecution and defence lawyers wanted the judge to encourage the jury to continue deliberating. Marc Agnifilo, representing Diddy, said the defence would like the judge to bring out the jury and instruct them to continue their deliberation. They are currently working on the wording of the instruction.
The jury decided on four of the five charges – counts two, three, four, and five, but is unable to decide on count one. The counts against Diddy are:
- Count 1 – Racketeering conspiracy
- Count 2 – Sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion – pertains to Victim 1 (Cassie)
- Count 3 – Transportation to engage in prostitution relating to Victim 1 (Cassie) and commercial sex workers
- Count 4 – Sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion(relating to Jane Doe – Victim 2)
- Count 5 – Transportation to engage in prostitution, relating to Victim 2 (Jane Doe) and commercial sex workers
Count one carries the biggest sentence, which is life in prison. Meanwhile, counts two and four have a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of life. Counts three and five carry a maximum sentence of ten years.
Judge demands that the jury keeps deliberating
Judge Subramanian and the lawyers were talking about how they will respond to the note from the jury to say they cannot reach a full verdict.
Subramanian said: “There’s not much there,” when responding to the defence team’s proposed instruction. He added that telling the jury to “keep deliberating” would be non-responsive to their note which stated “unpersuadable opinions” to Count One.
Diddy’s defence, Marc Agnifilo, said he believes the jury has been productive and efficient, so they do not need any more encouragement to continue with their deliberation. Meanwhile Subramanian, said that the government’s proposal isn’t an Allen charge as such but reiterates the section of the jury instructions relating to the duty of deliberation.
Two notes passed by jury – and why it could be good news for Diddy
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. 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.
Epner pointed out that while a juror can be dismissed for not participating in discussions, they cannot be removed simply for “having come to a fixed conclusion about the proper verdict”.
If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999
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