USA — A jury of eight males and 4 ladies is ready to start deliberations Monday within the federal intercourse trafficking and racketeering case in opposition to hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, whose destiny now rests of their palms after seven weeks of explosive courtroom testimony.
U.S. District Choose Arun Subramanian started giving authorized directions to the jury early Monday earlier than they start weighing expenses that would put the 55-year-old music and style icon behind bars for all times.
The case noticed graphic and emotional proof, together with allegations of drug-fuelled “freak-offs,” violent abuse, and a disturbing 2016 resort video displaying Combs allegedly beating his former girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie (Casandra Ventura).
Prosecutors allege Combs used his cash, fame, and energy to intimidate, abuse and visitors ladies, aided by a decent inside circle of loyal workers. They are saying he trafficked two ladies — Cassie and one other girl identified solely as “Jane” — and organized for intercourse staff to be flown throughout state strains.
Combs has pleaded not responsible to racketeering conspiracy, two counts of intercourse trafficking, and two counts of transporting people for prostitution. He didn’t testify, and his authorized workforce referred to as no witnesses, as an alternative selecting to aggressively query the credibility of the accusers.
“This isn’t about crime. It’s about cash,” argued defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo, referencing civil fits filed by the alleged victims. He described Combs as harmless and urged jurors to “return him to his household.”
In all, 34 witnesses took the stand, with prosecutors relying closely on Cassie and “Jane” to color an image of Combs’ darkish double life.
Jurors are actually tasked with deciding whether or not the Unhealthy Boy Information founder is a felony predator — or the sufferer of an elaborate plot to take down a strong determine.
Extra updates as the decision nears.
