As the jury in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ high-profile sex trafficking trial digs deeper into explosive testimony, a new note sent on Day 34 reveals their focus on pivotal moments that could decide the hip-hop mogul’s fate. The second day of deliberations in Manhattan’s federal courthouse saw heated legal debates over which pieces of evidence the jury should review, keeping the courtroom on edge as the world awaits a verdict in this blockbuster case.
At 10:26 a.m. EST, the court notified media of a new juror note, sparking immediate activity. By 10:44 a.m., Combs’ legal team—Marc Agnifilo, David Shapiro, John Steel, and Teny Geragos—was huddled in the gallery. At the same time, Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Maurene Comey conferred with Combs’ attorney, Xavier Donaldson. A U.S. Marshal briefly opened the holding cell door, signaling preparations to bring Combs into the courtroom. By 10:46 a.m., Combs was present, speaking intently with Agnifilo as his team worked on laptops, likely strategizing over the jury’s request.
At 11:18 a.m., Judge Arun Subramanian revealed the jury’s note: they requested transcripts of testimony from Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, about two key incidents. The first was the 2016 InterContinental Hotel incident in Los Angeles, where security footage showed Combs allegedly attacking Ventura.
The second involved a trip to the Cannes Film Festival, where Ventura testified Combs painfully squeezed her leg and later threatened to release explicit “freak-off” videos of her. The jury also sought testimony from Daniel Phillip, a male escort, about a “freak-off” at the Jumeirah Essex House Hotel in New York, where he claimed Ventura was “slumped over” and he heard yelling and slapping from a nearby room.
This request triggered sharp disagreements between the prosecution and defense. AUSA Comey argued against including Ventura’s testimony about a “freak-off” upon returning from Cannes, focusing instead on the InterContinental incident’s immediate aftermath. The defense, however, pushed to include Ventura’s 2024 Instagram post responding to the hotel incident video.
“How does something from 2024 relate more than events closer in time?”
Judge Subramanian asked. Defense attorney Teny Geragos countered that Ventura’s reaction to the video, both in 2024 and during the trial, was relevant to assessing coercion in the alleged commercial sex acts.
At 11:58 a.m., a dispute arose over Daniel Phillip’s testimony. The prosecution wanted an additional question and answer from his redirect, which the defense opposed, arguing it reflected later reflections rather than direct accounts of the Essex Hotel incident. AUSA Johnson also requested including photos Ventura took of her injuries from the InterContinental incident and a March 5, 2016, message tied to it. Geragos objected to the photos but agreed some earlier and later messages were relevant. Judge Subramanian ultimately ruled to include the Instagram post and select messages, stating,
“I think it can be included. Both sides have reviewed. We’ll proceed on this basis.”
The jury’s focus on these incidents suggests they’re closely examining allegations of coercion and violence in the “freak-off” events—drug-fueled, marathon sexual encounters central to the prosecution’s case. Combs, 55, faces five charges: one count of racketeering conspiracy (RICO), two counts of sex trafficking involving Ventura and another ex-girlfriend, “Jane,” and two counts of transportation for prostitution. A guilty verdict on RICO or sex trafficking could mean life in prison.
The prosecution portrays Combs as the head of a criminal enterprise using power, fear, and violence to control victims. They’ve leaned heavily on the InterContinental video and witness accounts, including Phillip’s, to argue coercion and threats drove these encounters. The defense, led by Agnifilo, insists all sexual activities were consensual, pointing to affectionate texts from Ventura and Jane to frame Combs’ lifestyle as a consensual “swinger” culture, not a crime.
Adding intrigue, a gag order bars lawyers from speaking to the media, and questions have surfaced about YouTuber Tisa Tells receiving VIP courtroom seating, given her vocal anti-Combs stance online. This has stirred debate about fairness in public access to the trial.
The jury’s meticulous evidence requests follow a rocky start to deliberations. On Day 1, they raised concerns about Juror 25’s ability to follow instructions, prompting Judge Subramanian to remind them of their duty to deliberate fairly. This early hiccup, combined with today’s detailed note, suggests intense scrutiny of the case’s complex evidence.
Hypefresh’s Verdict Prediction:
The jury’s focus on the InterContinental and Essex Hotel incidents points to a deep dive into the sex trafficking and transportation charges. The RICO charge, requiring proof of at least two criminal acts like sex trafficking or drug distribution, seems likely to stick due to extensive evidence, including Ventura’s testimony and the hotel video. The transportation charges for Ventura and Jane also appear strong, given evidence of Combs arranging interstate travel for escorts. However, proving sex trafficking beyond a reasonable doubt may be tougher, as the defense has highlighted consensual communications.
OUR VERDICT PREDICTION –
Notes:
- RICO (Count 1): Predicted guilty due to extensive evidence suggesting a pattern of criminal activity, including the InterContinental incident and witness testimonies.
- Sex Trafficking (Counts 2 and 4): Predicted not guilty, as the defense’s evidence of consensual communications may create reasonable doubt.
- Transportation (Counts 3 and 5): Predicted guilty based on evidence of Combs arranging interstate travel for escorts, supporting the prosecution’s case.
With Combs’ mother, Janice, among family in the courtroom, tension is palpable as the jury continues its work with no set timeline. The outcome of this trial could redefine Combs’ legacy, and Hypefresh will keep you updated as the verdict nears.