Diddy trial enters final phase as jury instructions are confirmed

The high-profile trial involving Sean “Diddy” Combs is now entering its final stage. After nearly seven weeks of witness testimony and evidence review, the jury took a day off as attorneys and Judge Arun Subramanian met to finalize the jury instructions.

This meeting is known as a charge conference, where the judge and lawyers from both sides agree on the specific legal instructions the jury will follow when deciding the verdict. Judge Subramanian confirmed that both the prosecution and defense teams agreed on the language for the verdict form.

The focus now shifts to closing arguments. The jury will soon hear both sides summarize their positions before beginning deliberations.

What happened at the Charge Conference?

According to NBC News on June 26, 2025, the charge conference was held in absentia before the jury. This gave the judge and attorneys a chance to review the legal aspects of the case in detail. Judge Subramanian presided over the meeting, carefully examining the charge sheet with both legal teams.

Lawyers were allowed to object to any phrase they disagreed with. They went over the document carefully, reviewing it line by line and even word by word. The charge sheet is important because it helps jurors understand each count against the defendant.

Judge Subramanian noted the large number of journalists present, saying it was the largest group he'd seen at a charge conference. The session set the stage for the final phase of the trial: jury deliberations.

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The charges against Diddy

According to NBC News on June 26, 2025, Diddy faces three federal criminal charges. These include racketeering conspiracy, s*x trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. The government alleges that he operated a criminal enterprise for several years. Prosecutors claim that Combs was the leader of an organized group involved in criminal activities. They presented witnesses and documents they believe support their claims. Some of this evidence includes travel records and communications between Combs and other individuals.

Diddy's lawyers strongly deny these allegations. They argue that Combs had no involvement in any criminal activity. According to them, he is being unfairly accused and should not be held responsible for the actions of others.

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What’s next: Closing arguments and jury deliberation

With the instructions to the jury in place, the next step is for each side to deliver closing statements. This is the prosecutors' and defense attorneys' final chance to speak directly to the jury before they retire to deliberate. Both sides will try to interpret what the evidence suggests and why the jury should rule in their favor. Prosecutors will argue that they have proven Diddy's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense will claim that the government has not met that standard.

After closing arguments, the jury will start deliberating. They will use the charge sheet and the approved verdict form to help make their decision. The jury's job is to decide whether Diddy is guilty or not guilty on each charge, based only on the facts and the law.

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The Diddy trial is at a critical point. With the jury instructions finished, the only remaining step is for both sides to deliver their closing arguments. After that, the jury will deliberate and decide Diddy's future. This trial has gone on for weeks and has received extensive media attention. The outcome could have a lasting effect on Diddy's career and reputation. The decision now rests with the jury.

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