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Jury begins deliberations in Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial

The jury began their deliberations in the high-profile Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial on Monday.

After an extensive seven-week trial in New York, eight men and four women were sent outside the courtroom to consider the charges against the rap mogul.

Combs, 55, is charged with sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has denied the allegations.

If convicted on the racketeering charge, the Last Night rapper faces a potential life sentence in prison, while the sex trafficking charge carries a minimum 15-year sentence and the latter charge carries a maximum of 10 years.

Deliberations hit a snag after an hour, with Judge Arun Subramanian receiving a note from the jury's foreperson expressing concern about a fellow juror.

"We have a juror, number 25, that we are concerned cannot follow your honour's instructions," it read, reports BBC News.

The judge spoke with both legal teams about how to respond to the note and eventually sided with the prosecution's suggestion, reminding jurors that they had a "duty" to deliberate and follow the judge's instructions.

Elsewhere during the court hearing, Combs' attorney Marc Agnifilo asked the judge if the rapper could bring books back into his holding cell while he awaits the verdict. The request was granted.

Combs has been behind bars since he was arrested in September 2024.

The accusations against him began in November 2023 when his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, filed a lawsuit alleging sexual abuse. They settled out of court the following day, with Ventura testifying during the trial that they settled for $20 million (£15 million).

Combs is also facing a series of civil sexual abuse lawsuits. He has denied the allegations.

Photo: Cover Media
Source: Cover Media
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