Diddy remains behind bars as jury reaches partial verdict in federal sex trafficking trial
Diddy Trial: No final verdict yet as deliberations on racketeering charge continue
Sean “Diddy” Combs remains in federal custody, with the jury in his high-profile sex trafficking and racketeering trial reaching a partial verdict on four of five charges. The jury has not yet returned a unanimous decision on the most serious charge — racketeering conspiracy — keeping the music mogul’s legal fate uncertain for now.
Despite speculation and unverified claims circulating on social media, there has been no official announcement of a full acquittal or release. Instead, deliberations are ongoing as the court grapples with a deadlocked jury on one critical count.
Jury Deliberates for Second Day, Returns Partial Verdict
The jury began its deliberations on June 30 and continued throughout July 1. After nearly 10 hours in the jury room, the panel informed the judge at approximately 4:15 PM EDT on Tuesday that they had reached decisions on four counts but remained divided on the first — a racketeering conspiracy charge — due to firmly held opposing views.
The four counts with verdicts reached include:
- Count 2: Sex trafficking of singer Cassie Ventura
- Count 3: Transportation for prostitution involving Ventura and others
- Count 4: Sex trafficking of an anonymous witness identified only as “Jane”
- Count 5: Transportation for prostitution involving Jane and additional individuals
At this time, the specific verdicts for these four counts — whether guilty or not guilty — have not been made public.
Racketeering Charge Holds Up Final Verdict
The holdout on the racketeering conspiracy charge, which is Count 1 in the case, could significantly influence the outcome of the trial. This charge alleges that Diddy operated a criminal enterprise for the purpose of committing various crimes, including sex trafficking and forced labor, over a span of years.
The judge now faces a legal crossroads: whether to issue an “Allen charge,” a judicial instruction used to encourage a deadlocked jury to reach a consensus, or to declare a mistrial on that specific count.
Prosecutors are urging the court to issue the Allen charge. Meanwhile, Diddy’s legal team opposes it, arguing that it may coerce jurors into changing their verdicts against their will. Until a decision is made on this matter, the full verdict cannot be finalized, and Diddy will remain incarcerated.
Timeline of Diddy’s Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Sean Combs was arrested by U.S. Homeland Security agents on September 16, 2024, in Manhattan, marking the beginning of a highly publicized federal case. The indictment brought forth a series of explosive allegations, including:
- Racketeering conspiracy
- Sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion
- Transportation to engage in prostitution
Diddy pleaded not guilty to all charges, and has been held without bail since his arrest.
The trial began in early June 2025, featuring testimony from 34 witnesses over nearly two months. Witnesses included former romantic partners, employees, male escorts, and federal agents. Notably, singer Cassie Ventura — who previously filed a civil lawsuit against Diddy before reaching a settlement — played a central role in the prosecution’s case.
On June 24, the court dropped three lesser charges: attempted kidnapping, attempted arson, and aiding sex trafficking. Therefore, narrowing the scope to the five core felony counts currently under deliberation.
Public Reaction: Confusion and Outrage Online
Social media lit up on July 1 following a wave of premature and conflicting reports suggesting that Diddy had either been released or fully acquitted. One viral X post falsely declared, “DIDDY WAS JUST FOUND NOT GUILTY THIS IS WORSE THAN OJ SIMPSON.” However, this statement has been debunked as courtroom reporting confirms that no final decision has been announced.
Other posts on X, such as those by @Rap and @spectatorindex, provided more accurate summaries. Thus, noting the delivery of a partial verdict without public details.
Legal commentators and fans alike are split on what the partial verdict could mean. Some believe it signals leniency. Meanwhile, others warn that Diddy could still face significant prison time, especially if found guilty on multiple counts.
What Each Charge Could Mean for Sentencing
If convicted on all five counts, Combs could face a minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. Additionally, he could face up to life imprisonment, according to federal sentencing guidelines. Even if the racketeering conspiracy charge results in a mistrial or acquittal, guilty verdicts on the remaining four charges could still carry steep penalties.
According to legal experts cited in coverage by NorthJersey.com and BBC News, sex trafficking charges under federal law are among the most serious and carry mandatory minimums of 15 years. However, that’s depending on the specific provisions applied.
Betting odds and predictions from public legal forums — including a post from @TheGunzShow — speculate that Diddy could face a sentence between 11 and 15 years if found guilty on the four charges currently being deliberated. As a result, there is a lot riding on this verdict.
Key Events in the Trial So Far
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 16, 2024 | Arrested by Homeland Security, held without bail |
| June 2025 | Federal trial begins, featuring 34 witnesses |
| June 24, 2025 | Three charges dropped: attempted kidnapping, arson, aiding sex trafficking |
| June 30, 2025 | Jury deliberations begin |
| July 1, 2025 (4:15 PM EDT) | Jury delivers partial verdict on 4 counts, deadlocked on racketeering |
Diddy’s Future: What Comes Next?
Until the jury reaches a unanimous decision on all charges or the judge declares a mistrial on the unresolved count, Diddy will remain in custody. The court is expected to reconvene soon to address the deadlock and decide whether to push for a consensus or proceed with sentencing on the resolved counts.
If the Allen charge is issued and results in a verdict on Count 1, the full legal consequences for Diddy will become clear. If not, sentencing may proceed for the four counts already decided — depending on their outcomes.
Meanwhile, the public and media continue to watch closely, as the trial of one of hip-hop’s most iconic figures reaches a historic turning point.
Conclusion
As of now, Sean “Diddy” Combs is not free, and no official verdict has been disclosed for four of the five serious charges against him. The jury remains deadlocked on the racketeering charge, the trial continues, and speculation is rampant.
Despite misleading headlines and rumors online, no final judgment has been delivered. All eyes remain on the courtroom as the next chapter of this high-profile federal case unfolds.