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NBC News
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
Inside the courtroom, tension and anxiety before Diddy trial verdict was read
This is a free article for Diddy on Trial newsletter subscribers. Diddy's federal trial reached a stunning conclusion this morning when the jury of 12 everyday New Yorkers delivered a mixed verdict, acquitting him on the more serious counts, racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, butfinding him guilty on two interstate prostitution charges. Diddy faces a potential prison sentence of as much as 20 years. But with the not guilty verdict on the three other counts in the U.S. government's case, he has avoided a maximum possible sentence of life behind bars. The seven-week trial inside the federal courthouse in Manhattan featured 34 government witnesses and reams of oftentimes graphic testimony about drug-dazed 'freak offs' and alleged physical assaults. U.S. government prosecutors attempted to paint a scathing portrait of a man who, they argued, refused to take 'no' for an answer. Ultimately, though, the jury panel was not convinced that the Grammy-winning rapper led an alleged criminal enterprise or sex-trafficked two of his ex-girlfriends, the R&B singer Cassie Ventura and a woman identified by the pseudonym ' Jane.' The mogul's lawyers insisted that both Ventura and Jane were willing participants in marathon sexual encounters with male escorts in luxury hotel rooms. The defense didn't call any witnesses to the stand, but it used cross-examinations to portray Ventura and Jane as consenting adults and highlighted text messages in which both women expressed enthusiasm about 'hotel nights.' Diddy, who had pleaded not guilty to all counts, still faces a raft of civil lawsuits accusing him of rape and sexual assault — and it remains to be seen whether he can ever recover his position at the height of American music, where he helped catapult hip-hop into a worldwide phenomenon. Thank you for following along with us over the last two months. Stay tuned for more coverage of this case on 🔎 The view from inside By Adam Reiss, Chloe Melas, Katherine Koretski and Jing Feng The tension and anxiety inside the courtroom were palpable when the jury informed the court it had reached a unanimous verdict. Diddy, who appeared increasingly on edge yesterday, sat at the defense table with his head down. You could practically hear a pin drop. Then the verdict was read to the court. The jurors were stoned-faced and didn't appear to look directly at the defendant. Diddy's team was clearly elated. Teny Geragos, one of his lawyers, wept and wiped away tears with a tissue. The attorneys hugged each other. (In fact, defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo hugged Geragos so tightly he picked her up off the floor.) Diddy, for his part, got down on his knees, put his head on his chair and prayed. Diddy's family members— including his mother, Janice Combs — clapped and cheered loudly. They left the building without taking questions, ignoring the throngs of photographers and passersby who had massed outside the courthouse. 'I want to really thank all of you for your hard work and dedication,' U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian told the jurors. He praised them for their 'tremendous sacrifice … with no reward other than answering the call to public service.' 👨⚖️ Analysis: How will sentencing play out? By Laura Jarrett Diddy's defense team and federal prosecutors will submit to the court what they believe is an appropriate sentence for the music mogul. Misty Marris, a defense attorney and legal analyst, told me that Diddy's team will likely ask for no more jail time, considering the time served. The prosecution will likely ask for closer to the maximum recommendation. The probation department then will review the case and make a recommendation based on various factors — including the fact that this is the first time Diddy has been convicted of this type of charge and his behavior behind bars. 'The judge is really limited in those sentencing guidelines. There's discretion up to that 10 years, but they're going to use those guidelines in order to really pin down what would be appropriate under the circumstances,' Marris told me.
NBC News
02-07-2025
- NBC News
Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial live updates: Jury meets to deliberate again after reaching partial verdict
What to know about the trial Deliberations enter their third day today after jurors reached a partial verdict yesterday afternoon. The jury told the judge yesterday that they reached a verdict on four counts against Combs but could not decide on the racketeering charge. Their note to the judge said there were jurors with "unpersuadable views." Combs faces five criminal counts: one count of racketeering conspiracy; two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs has vociferously denied the allegations against him. This live briefing may include graphic descriptions of sexual violence. For resources on sexual assault, call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline. Sign up for the 'Diddy on Trial' newsletter for key developments and analysis; listen to the podcast ' Dateline: True Crime Weekly ' for daily coverage.
NBC News
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
Diddy trial jurors to continue deliberating after reaching verdict on all but one count
This is a free article for Diddy on Trial newsletter subscribers. to get exclusive reporting and analysis throughout Sean Combs' federal trial. Today, the jurors in Diddy's trial said they'd reached a verdict on four of the five criminal counts against the hip-hop mogul. In a note to the court just after 4 p.m. ET, the jury said it had made up its mind on the prosecution's two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of t ransportation to engage in prostitution. But on the remaining count — racketeering conspiracy — the panel said it could not get to a unanimous decision because of 'unpersuadable' opinions. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian asked the lawyers for suggestions on what to do next. Both sides agreed they'd like jurors to continue deliberating on the racketeering conspiracy charge. Ultimately, Subramanian instructed the jurors to keep talking. 'I remind you of the instructions I gave you yesterday,' Subramanian said. 'You should not hesitate to change an opinion when convinced, weigh your opinion dispassionately, and follow my instructions on the law.' The upshot: The jurors will be back in the federal courthouse tomorrow for more closed-door deliberations on count 1. We'll keep you updated on all the key developments. 🔎 The view from inside By Adam Reiss, Chloe Melas, Katherine Koretski and Jing Feng Diddy looked slightly on edge this morning, though he turned around to face family members, waving and making a prayer hands gesture. He chatted with his mother, Janice Combs, and blew kisses to her.'Relax. It's going to be alright, Ma,' Diddy could be heard telling her. He added: 'I like your shirt, your outfit.' When the jury's afternoon note came in, the mood in the courtroom became tense. Diddy's defense team formed a tight horseshoe-shaped huddle around their client for over 10 minutes. Diddy looked dejected and stared at the floor, hands folded in his lap. He later appeared to be wiggling his fingers as one of his attorneys whispered into his ear. The music mogul's face was stone cold. 👨⚖️ Analysis: No big shock here By Danny Cevallos The partial verdict is not a shocker to me — if the verdicts on counts 2 through 5 are guilty. Anything else on counts 2 through 5 would be a surprise. I expected a relatively quick verdict on all but racketeering conspiracy, in part because that count was always the most complicated. Even the verdict form for count 1 takes up more page space than any of the other counts. Count 1 was always going to be tough for a jury. It's tough for the attorneys to understand, too. PSA: Every night during Diddy's trial, NBC's 'Dateline' will drop special episodes of the 'True Crime Weekly' podcast to get you up to speed. 'Dateline' correspondent Andrea Canning chats with NBC News' Chloe Melas and special guests — right in front of the courthouse. Listen here.
NBC News
30-06-2025
- NBC News
Jury deliberations begin in Diddy's racketeering and sex trafficking trial
This is a free article for Diddy on Trial newsletter subscribers. to get exclusive reporting and analysis throughout Sean Combs' federal trial. Today, 12 everyday New Yorkers were tasked with a pivotal decision: deciding Diddy's legal fate. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian spent more than two hours walking the jurors through the five criminal counts at the heart of the case, detailing the charges and instructing the panel on the finer points of federal law. It's a process formally known as 'charging the jury.' He then sent the jury away for closed-door deliberations, which started at 11:30 a.m. ET. Juror No. 5 was selected as foreperson. 'Your decision must be unanimous,' Subramanian said. 'If you listen to your fellow jurors and apply common sense, you will come to a fair verdict.' Roughly an hour later, the panel sent a note to Subramanian. The group was worried that Juror No. 3 'does not follow' the judge's instructions. The exact reason for that concern wasn't specified. In response, Subramanian reminded every juror of a duty to deliberate. The eight men and four women came back just before 5 p.m. ET with two notes — a question about the government's drug distribution allegation against Diddy and a heads-up that they planned to break for the day at 5 p.m. They'll be back tomorrow morning. We'll keep you updated. Reminder: Diddy is charged with one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, known more simply as the Mann Act. He has pleaded not guilty. 🔎 The view from inside By Adam Reiss, Chloe Melas, Katherine Koretski and Jing Feng The jury appeared engaged with Subramanian's lengthy instructions. Several jurors followed along on their paper copies, underlying key parts and taking notes — especially during the judge's explanations of reasonable doubt and witness credibility. The jurors were given a three-page verdict sheet listing each of the five counts, with spaces to mark whether Diddy is guilty or not guilty. (In the case of the eight allegations underlying the racketeering charge, jurors must put down whether it was 'proved' or 'not proved' that he was involved in crimes such as kidnapping, arson, bribery and forced labor.) In other news: Diddy was all smiles walking into the courtroom this morning. He hugged defense lawyers Marc Agnifilo, Brian Steel and Alexandra Shapiro. He made a prayer gesture and put his hand over his heart as he looked out at his family seated in the gallery. Diddy later sat with his hands folded as Subramanian detailed the five counts and explained the individual elements of the racketeering charge. He occasionally glanced around the room and in the direction of the jury box. When the jurors stepped out of the courtroom to start deliberating, Diddy walked over to his family. They clasped hands and bowed their heads in prayer. Later, Diddy held up two books for reporters and members of the public to see: Norman Vincent Peale 's 'The Power of Positive Thinking' and Shawn Achor 's 'The Happiness Advantage.' PSA: Every night during Diddy's trial, NBC's 'Dateline' will drop special episodes of the 'True Crime Weekly' podcast to get you up to speed. 'Dateline' correspondent Andrea Canning chats with NBC News' Chloe Melas and special guests — right in front of the courthouse. Listen here. 🎧
NBC News
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
In closing arguments, Diddy lawyer says Cassie relationship was a 'great modern love story'
This is a free article for Diddy on Trial newsletter subscribers. to get exclusive reporting and analysis throughout Sean Combs' federal trial. Today, jurors in Diddy's trial heard closing arguments from defense attorney Marc Agnifilo. Agnifilo, who addressed the panel for four hours, forcefully and sometimes derisively pushed back on the U.S. government's 'exaggerated' narrative. He asserted that Diddy was being unfairly persecuted for his sexual 'lifestyle,' insisting that his client was innocent of all charges. Agnifilo said the defense doesn't dispute that Diddy physically assaulted his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. ('We own the domestic violence,' Agnifilo said. 'I hope you guys know that.') But the rapper 'did not do the things he is charged with, racketeering or sex trafficking,' the attorney added. 'He is going to fight to the death to defend himself against what he didn't do.' The prosecution team alleges that Diddy sex-trafficked Ventura and another ex-girlfriend, ' Jane,' forcing them to participate in the drug-dazed 'freak offs' at the heart of the case. Agnifilo rejected that version of events, referring to Diddy's relationship with Ventura as 'a great modern love story' between two 'swingers.' Agnifilo argued that both women were consenting and sometimes enthusiastic participants in 'freak offs,' which the lawyer characterized as pleasant evenings in 'beautiful hotel rooms.' He attempted to downplay the marathon sexual encounters, including the fact that Diddy recorded them on video. 'He's not the only man in America making homemade porn,' Agnifilo said. In closing, Agnifilo implored the jury to 'summon the courage' and acquit Diddy. 'I am asking you to acquit Sean Combs of all the counts. He is not a racketeer,' Agnifilo said. 'He sits there innocent, so return him to his family.' What's next: The jury will get the case first thing Monday, Subramanian confirmed this afternoon. Then it can start deliberations. We'll keep you updated on all the key developments. The view from inside By Adam Reiss, Chloe Melas, Katherine Koretski and Jing Feng Agnifilo spoke animatedly, occasionally using a biting and jocular tone to convey skepticism about the government's case against his client. In one notable moment, Agnifilo appeared to mock the federal law enforcement officers who searched Diddy's houses, remarking that the agents made America 'safe from Astroglide,' the lubricant brand the rapper used for 'freak offs' with ex-girlfriends and male escorts. 'Way to go, fellas,' Agnifilo said. 'You guys just do you.' When the jurors were on a break, Maurene Comey, one of the prosecutors, complained to Judge Arun Subramanian about Agnifilo's tone. 'Respectfully,' Agnifilo replied, 'I think I'm allowed to be sarcastic.' In the prosecution's rebuttal, Comey said Diddy's defense team served up 'lies' and 'excuse after excuse' for the defendant's 'inexcusable behavior.' She added: 'Make no mistake, this trial was how, in Sean Combs' world, 'no' was never an option.' In other news: Diddy, sitting close to the defense table, appeared engaged during Agnifilo's summation — a sharp contrast with his generally downcast appearance during prosecutor Christy Slavik 's closing arguments yesterday. The music tycoon acknowledged his family in the courtroom earlier in the day, forming his hands into a heart and giving them a thumb-up.
