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A jury presiding over the high-profile federal trial of music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs has reached a partial verdict but was ordered by the judge to continue deliberations until a unanimous decision is made on all charges.

The development unfolded on Tuesday, 1 July, after three days of deliberations in a case that has drawn intense media attention worldwide. The jury informed the court that it had agreed on four out of five counts, including two sex trafficking charges and two counts of transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution. However, jurors remained deadlocked on the most serious charge: racketeering conspiracy.

Judge Refuses Incomplete Verdict

Upon receiving news of the partial verdict, Judge Arun Subramanian declined to accept it, instructing the jury to continue its work.

'We have come to agreement on certain aspects of this case, which shows progress,' Judge Subramanian told jurors. 'However, your work is not yet done. I'm instructing you to return to the jury room and continue your deliberations.'

Legal experts noted that judges commonly encourage further deliberations in high-stakes cases to avoid a hung jury or mistrial.

Details of Partial Verdict Withheld

As of this writing, the specific outcomes of the partial verdict have not been made public. It remains unclear which charges Combs may have been found guilty or not guilty of. The court confirmed that no parts of the verdict will be read in open court until a full decision is reached or it becomes clear that the jury cannot agree.

Combs, 55, appeared composed in court as the jury's note was read. His legal team, led by Marc Agnifilo, declined immediate comment, while prosecutors also refrained from issuing statements pending the final outcome.

Background on the Charges

The charges against Combs stem from a federal grand jury indictment unsealed in September 2024. The indictment includes:

  • Racketeering conspiracy
  • Two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion
  • Two counts of transportation for prostitution across state lines

During the trial, prosecutors portrayed Combs as the leader of a criminal enterprise involving coerced sexual encounters, drug use and intimidation tactics. The government presented testimony from 34 witnesses, including former girlfriend Cassie Ventura and an accuser identified only as 'Jane', along with extensive documentary evidence.

The defence argued that all relationships were consensual and denied any criminal conspiracy. Combs's lawyers claimed that the allegations were exaggerated and driven by opportunism.

What Happens Next

If jurors remain deadlocked, the judge could choose to keep them deliberating further, declare a hung jury on that count or declare a mistrial, allowing for a possible retrial on that specific charge.

A conviction for racketeering conspiracy could carry a potential life sentence, while convictions on the other counts carry up to 10 years each. A mistrial on the racketeering charge would extend Combs's legal battles and public scrutiny.

The final decision will be pivotal in determining the future legal and professional standing of Sean Combs, a figure whose influence in the music and entertainment industry has spanned decades.

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