Juror Raises Concerns in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Sex Trafficking Trial, Judge Issues Caution

Juror’s Ability to Follow Legal Instructions Questioned as Deliberations Begin in High-Profile Diddy Sex Trafficking Case

NEW YORK (Reuters) – The federal judge presiding over Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking trial said Monday that he would issue a reminder to the jury about their legal obligations after a concern was raised over a juror’s ability to follow judicial instructions. The matter came to light shortly after jurors began deliberating in the closely watched case.

U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian read a note aloud in Manhattan federal court approximately two hours into deliberations. “We have a juror, number 25, who we are concerned cannot follow Your Honor’s instructions,” the note said, although it did not specify which instructions the juror was struggling to follow.

The jury in this case has been granted anonymity — a rare step in U.S. criminal proceedings — due to the high-profile nature of the trial and potential risks of harassment or threats.

After consulting with both the prosecution and defense teams, Judge Subramanian decided to respond with a written reminder to the jurors, emphasizing their duty to deliberate in accordance with his legal guidance. At this stage, he opted against further immediate action.

Juror number 25, during jury selection on May 5, identified himself as a 51-year-old Manhattan-based veterinarian. He lives with his domestic partner, a freelance graphic designer, and holds a doctorate in molecular biology and neuroscience. He also shared his interests in hiking, opera, and nature documentaries.

Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to five felony counts, including racketeering conspiracy, two charges of sex trafficking, and two counts of transportation for the purpose of engaging in prostitution. Once a music mogul hailed for his role in shaping American hip-hop, Combs faces a potential life sentence if convicted on all counts.

The prosecution’s case included disturbing testimonies from two of Combs’ former partners: R&B singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and another woman identified only by the pseudonym “Jane.” Both testified that Combs coerced them into participating in sexual encounters — referred to as “Freak Offs” — with paid male escorts while he watched, masturbated, and sometimes filmed the events.

They also described incidents of physical abuse. A hotel surveillance video shown to the jury captured Combs attacking Ventura in a hallway in 2016. “Cassie repeatedly told you that the defendant’s violence was in the back of her mind whenever he proposed a Freak Off,” said lead prosecutor Christy Slavik during her closing statement. “The whole point was to control Cassie, to make her afraid to say no to the defendant. And it worked.”

The defense, led by attorney Marc Agnifilo, conceded that Combs may have been physically violent at times but argued that the sexual encounters were consensual. They introduced intimate and explicit messages between Combs and the women to support their case. “If he was charged with domestic violence, we wouldn’t all be here,” Agnifilo told jurors in his closing argument. “He did not do the things he’s charged with.”

Once a billionaire and founder of Bad Boy Records, Combs has long been associated with a life of opulence and fame, residing in mansions in Miami and Los Angeles and credited with launching the careers of icons like Notorious B.I.G. and Usher.

He has been held in federal custody at a Brooklyn facility since his arrest in September 2024.