A federal jury has informed the court it has reached decisions on several, but not all, charges in the high-stakes criminal trial of music executive Sean Combs. The partial verdict was reported on Tuesday, though the judge has instructed the panel to continue its deliberations.
The jury indicated it had come to a conclusion on four of the five counts but remained deadlocked on the lead charge of racketeering. In a note to the judge, jurors stated an inability to reach a unanimous decision on that count due to “unpersuadable jurors on both sides.”
The trial, which has unfolded over nearly two months in a Manhattan federal court, has featured testimony from former romantic partners and associates. Their accounts have painted a disturbing picture of alleged criminal conduct spanning years.
Combs was taken into custody in September 2024 following a federal investigation. Prosecutors have argued the 55-year-old led a criminal enterprise involved in drug distribution and sex trafficking, using his influence and resources to coerce participation in illicit activities. The defense has maintained the evidence does not support the serious allegations.
Since his arrest, Combs has been held in detention without bail. During raids on his properties, authorities reported seizing large quantities of baby oil and various narcotics, items allegedly used in connection with what were described as orchestrated sex parties.
Federal authorities have characterized these gatherings as elaborate, recorded events that Combs allegedly arranged and directed. They claim he ensured participation through intimidation, leveraging drugs, financial control, and threats to release compromising recordings.
Two of Combs’s former partners provided key testimony during the trial. They detailed their experiences, alleging they were coerced into participating in these parties during their relationships with him. One witness also gave a harrowing account of sustained physical and emotional abuse over a period of roughly ten years.
The jury, composed of eight men and four women, began its deliberations on Monday after closing arguments concluded last week. The court is now awaiting a full verdict.
