Inside Diddy’s trial: Judge Subramanian clarifies acts linked to Sean Comb’s racketeering case

Sean “Diddy” Combs is now in the hands of 12 jurors. They began deliberations today in his federal trial in New York. The case centers on racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transporting people for prostitution. As per the reports by Reuters, Judge Arun Subramanian gave them detailed instructions before sending them to decide on a verdict.

The reports by Indepent.Co.UK state that the charges are serious. Diddy is accused of running a criminal group from 2004 to 2024 that included kidnapping, arson, forced labor, bribery, trafficking sex, transporting people, witness tampering, and drug crimes. Prosecutors say he used power, money, and fear to control women, including his exes, Cassie Ventura and a woman called “Jane,” forcing them into “freak-offs” with drugs and paid escorts.

Diddy says everything was done by choice. His defense claims they were private, consensual acts. It calls the trial an invasion of private life and says prosecutors overplayed the case.

Judge Subramanian’s instructions on racketeering and trafficking in Diddy's trial

As mentioned in the reports by Indepent.Co.UK, Judge Subramanian wrote a long set of legal rules for the officers. He told them that to find Diddy guilty of racketeering, they must agree that he and at least one person worked together in a conspiracy. They must also agree on at least two “predicate acts” that took place within ten years of each other.

As per the reports by Good Morning America, at first, they could look at ten different types of acts, such as kidnapping, arson, and forced labor. The judge later let prosecutors drop some theories. Now, jurors will focus on acts like sex trafficking, forced labor, drug crimes, witness tampering, bribery, and transporting for prostitution.

He also explained what each act means. For example, kidnapping means taking someone without consent. Transporting for prostitution means moving someone with the intent for them to engage in paid sex. Sex trafficking means Diddy used force, fraud, or threats to get someone into commercial sex. The judge reminded jurors they must agree on each count. That includes two trafficking charges (one for Cassie, one for Jane) and one racketeering charge. He also said jurors can choose to stay late in the jury room if needed.

What happened in the closing arguments?

As per the reports by Business Insider last week, the prosecution said Combs led a power-driven criminal group. They described repeated abuse, intimidation, and coercion using wealth and fame. They showed videos, text messages, and witness stories. They argued Diddy believed he was above the law.

In response, defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo urged jurors to reject what he called exaggeration. He said the acts were private choices, not crimes. He pointed to the lack of victims coming forward at the time and questioned the need for government oversight in private life. But prosecutors said domestic abuse is not a defense to sex trafficking charges. These were mentioned in the reports by AP News.

The prosecution then rebutted again. They told jurors Combs wanted to control women and used threats and money to do so. They urged them to hold him accountable.

What’s next?

Now, jurors will meet in private to consider the case. They must agree on every count for a verdict. There is no time limit. They can stay late or meet on weekends. If they find Combs guilty on all counts, he could face life in prison. The jury foreperson has already been chosen (Juror No. 5), and alternate jurors have been sent home but must stay available. Diddy remains calm. This morning, his family bowed their heads in court before leaving. Combs also asked to have books sent to him in the holding cell while he waits.

The reports by The Washington Post stated that this trial questions what consent means when power and wealth are in play. It asks if private acts can become crimes when money and influence are used to control others.

The story draws attention to important public issues: consent, power, and accountability. Whatever the verdict, this trial could shape future cases about how the law treats private relationships and influence. The jury will come back with a decision. No one knows when. When they do, it will end months of emotional trial. For now, the court waits.

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