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The federal trial charges of sex trafficking and racketeering for hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is underway in Manhattan, with jury selection having commenced on May 5, 2025. The prosecution alleges that Combs, 55, operated a criminal enterprise through Bad Boy Records, coercing women into sexual exploitation over several years. Combs has pleaded not guilty and remains incarcerated without bail at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, facing a minimum of 15 years in prison if convicted. Here’s what an attorney said about how Combs’ defense is likely counting on a specific “win” as the trial begins.

An attorney says the defense will count a hung jury as a ‘win’ in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ case

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Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial began with jury selection on May 5, 2025. The case could extend for up to eight weeks, with opening statements beginning on May 12, 2025. Attorney and legal commentator Elie Honig spoke to Stephen A. Smith about Combs’ defense strategy. While it’s unlikely that the jury will unanimously decide that Combs is not guilty, there’s a chance of a hung jury.

“There’s always a risk … of jury nullification, which means when the jury, or a single juror, says, ‘I don’t really care what the evidence is, I’m going to vote not guilty,'” Honig explained. “And all you need is one if you’re the defense. You need all 12 jurors beyond a reasonable doubt to convict. So, you get one person on that panel who says, ‘I don’t know. I don’t believe some of these victims, or I feel bad for Sean Combs; I feel like he’s been railroaded.’ Racial issues could come into play, here.”

Honig noted that the prosecution likely won’t worry about an acquittal. “But, you never know. In high-profile cases, cases hang. And then that’s a win, essentially, for the defense.”

He added that a hung jury can go through another trial. However, the process becomes a “nightmare for prosecutors.”

How to get help: In the U.S., call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area. 

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