Diddy was allowed to read books in his cell as a New York jury deliberates charges that could send the Hip-Hop mogul to prison for life.
Diddy received permission from a federal judge to read books in his holding cell while a New York jury weighs multiple criminal charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.
The decision was made on Monday during a brief courtroom exchange as deliberations began following a seven-week trial.
Diddy’s attorney, Marc Agnifilo, asked Judge Arun Subramanian if the Hip-Hop mogul could bring reading material back to his holding cell. The judge approved the request without objection.
Diddy has been in custody since his arrest in September 2024. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which include sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transporting individuals for prostitution.
If convicted, he could face a life sentence on the racketeering count, a mandatory minimum of 15 years for sex trafficking and up to 10 years for the transportation charge.
The jury, comprising eight men and four women, began deliberating on Monday afternoon. But within an hour, proceedings hit a snag. The jury’s foreperson sent a note to the judge raising concerns about one juror’s ability to follow instructions.
“We have a juror, number 25, that we are concerned cannot follow your honor’s instructions,” the note read.
Judge Subramanian consulted with both legal teams before siding with the prosecution’s recommendation. He reminded the jury of their obligation to deliberate in good faith and adhere to the court’s guidance.
The case was kick-started by a lawsuit filed in November 2023 by Combs’ former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, who accused him of sexual abuse. That suit was settled the following day.
Ventura testified during the trial that the settlement amount was $20 million.
The jury will resume deliberations Tuesday morning in Manhattan federal court.
Related
