Diddy’s RICO Charge Explained: Why the Jury Deadlock Could Make or Break His Trial

The trial of hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has reached a critical juncture as jurors remain deadlocked on the most serious charge he faces: racketeering conspiracy under the federal RICO Act, a statute crafted initially to dismantle organized crime.

After two days of jury deliberations, the jury informed the court they were unanimous on four of the five charges against Sean Diddy Combs, including two counts of sex trafficking and two of transportation for prostitution. But the jury remains split over the RICO, i.e. racketeering conspiracy charge — a felony that carries a potential life sentence if convicted.

In a note to the judge,  jurors admitted to being stuck. “We have jurors with unpersuadable opinions on both sides,” they wrote, prompting Judge Arun Subramanian to urge continued deliberation before considering a partial verdict.

What Is Racketeering Conspiracy — And Why Does It Matter?

The charge stems from the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), enacted in 1970 to target mafia-style criminal operations. In Sean Diddy Combs’ case, prosecutors allege that he used his media empire, Combs Enterprise, to run a criminal enterprise involving coercion, blackmail, and sexual exploitation.

To convict on this RICO charge, the government must prove that Sean Diddy Combs and others formed an “enterprise” with a common illegal purpose, and they committed or planned to commit at least two criminal acts in support of that enterprise within a 10-year span. This broader framework enables prosecutors to present incidents and behavior that might not otherwise be admissible, including claims of abuse, intimidation, and misuse of power within Diddy’s inner circle.

What Happens If the Jury Can’t Agree?

If the jury’s deadlock on the racketeering charge continues, Judge Subramanian may accept a partial verdict on the other four charges. If Sean Diddy Combs is found guilty on those charges, he could still face significant prison time.

In the event of a mistrial on the RICO count, prosecutors could push for a retrial, depending on the outcome of the other charges and potential sentencing.

While no sentencing will occur until the jury fully delivers its verdict, Sean Diddy Combs remains in federal custody at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, having been denied bail earlier in the proceedings.

The trial has dominated headlines for over seven weeks, with speculation swirling about Sean “Diddy” Combs’ verdict and future. If convicted on any charge, he could face decades behind bars. Suppose this jury deadlock leads to him being cleared. In that case, the prosecution must decide whether retrying the RICO case is worth the toll, especially for witnesses who’ve already testified in graphic detail.

The entertainment mogul who once ruled charts and boardrooms now waits, behind bars, for a jury deliberation on his fate, and the verdict in the Diddy case is awaited.