Jury continues to consider after the worst allegations

The jury at Sean Diddy’s trial will continue to be considered after a partial verdict is reached, but the worst allegations faced by hip-hop tycoons are at a deadlock.

In federal court in New York, 12 jurors announced they had agreed to four of the five charges but could not decide on racket charges with potential life imprisonment.

The atmosphere was tense as the rapper looked up and sat with his hands folded on his legs. His lawyer occasionally put his arms around him. Deliberations will resume Wednesday morning.

Mr Combs, 55, pleaded not guilty to all five charges, including sex trafficking, extortion and transportation for prostitution.

The jury has received 34 witnesses over the past two months, including ex-girlfriend, former Mr. Coms’ former employee, male escorts and federal agents.

At around 16:30 EST Tuesday (20:30 GMT), the jury announced that after two days of deliberation, they had sentenced four of the five charges.

The panel said they could not reach an agreement on the allegations of extortion because jurors on both sides had opinions that were unfulfilled.

Judge Arun Subramanian heard a debate between prosecutors and the rapper’s defense attorneys before urging jurors to continue trying to make a unanimous decision. Their verdict on the other four charges was not disclosed.

Prosecutors urged the judge to use Allen’s charges, a set of instructions to the pending jury to demand a unanimous decision by its members.

Allen’s allegations are controversial because some believe they may put improper pressure on the jury, forcing them to change their positions or cave into peer pressure, especially when their opinions are in minorities.

The jury will return Wednesday and is likely to continue its consideration when the court closes before the July 4 public holiday.

Criminal defense attorney Robert Mintz told the BBC that the unanimous decision of the majority of the charges after less than two days of deliberation could bode well.

But to be confident in the racket charges, prosecutors need to prove that Mr Combs has established a criminal enterprise – a coordinated plan between the musician and at least another person, committing at least two crimes over a few years.

“This is always the most challenging charge to convict a prosecutor,” Mintz said.

“It’s a very complex allegation, usually used in organized crime prosecutions, so it’s not surprising that it’s the most difficult charge to juries.”

The defendant also left under the name of fluffy, Paddy, Paddy, Love and Brotherly Love.

He used his position to find his successful Sean John costume series and starred in several reality TV shows, including shows where contestants compete to be part of his band.

In 2023, he released his fifth album, Love Album: Off The Grid, and received his first solo nomination at the Grammy Awards. He was also named a global idol at the MTV Awards.