If found guilty, the hip-hop tycoon faces a potential life sentence in prison.
Jury Retires After Months of Testimony
Deliberations began on Monday, 30 June, following more than two hours of legal instructions delivered by federal Judge Arun Subramanian in a New York courtroom.
The jury, consisting of eight men and four women, went behind closed doors to consider their verdict. Judge Subramanian also instructed five alternate jurors to remain on standby in case they are needed to replace any of the main jurors during deliberations.
“Each of you must make your own decision about the proper outcome of the case,” the judge told the panel before sending them out.
The trial has spanned nearly two months, with testimony from 34 witnesses. These included ex-girlfriends of Combs, former employees, male escorts, and federal agents who detailed the alleged criminal activities under scrutiny.
Details of the Charges
Prosecutors have charged Combs with sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
If convicted of the racketeering charge alone, he could face life imprisonment. The sex trafficking count carries a statutory minimum sentence of 15 years. The transportation for purposes of prostitution charge has a maximum penalty of 10 years.
Sean Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges and denies any wrongdoing.
How Was the Jury Selected?
Selecting a jury for such a high-profile case required careful screening. The court vetted a large pool of potential jurors, who had to review an extensive list of names and places that could be mentioned during the trial. This list included celebrities such as Kanye West and Kid Cudi.
Judge Subramanian even joked about the length of the list, comparing it to “reading an appendix from Lord of the Rings.”
Potential jurors completed detailed questionnaires, answering questions about their views on hip-hop artists, as well as their feelings about violence and sexual assault.
The judge repeatedly emphasised the importance of choosing a fair and impartial jury capable of setting aside any preconceived notions or media coverage.
Notably, many of the potential jurors admitted they had read news reports about the allegations and had seen security footage showing Combs allegedly kicking his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in a hotel hallway—an incident widely circulated online.
Detention and Conditions
Since his arrest on 16 September 2024, Sean Combs has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York.
The facility has faced longstanding criticism for being overcrowded, understaffed, and prone to violence. Human rights advocates describe conditions at the prison as harsh and unsuitable for inmates awaiting trial.
Next Steps
As deliberations continue, the jury must weigh complex evidence and testimony to decide Combs’ fate.
A guilty verdict on the most serious charges would represent a stunning fall for the music and business mogul, whose influence over hip-hop and popular culture spans decades.
Observers expect the jury’s decision to have major implications, both for Combs’ legacy and for the broader conversation about power, celebrity, and accountability in the entertainment industry.