As Sean 'Diddy' Combs' waits to find out the verdict of his sex trafficking trial, jurors have sent two notes to the judge during deliberations which could be a good sign for the rap-mogul.
Combs could be facing life imprisonment if convicted of his racketeering charge, along with 15 years for sex trafficking and 10 years for transportation for purposes of prostitution.
He has denied all of these charges which mainly surround the 'freak-offs' or drug fueled orgies that he would coerce women into.
Seven-weeks since the trial started, the jury has begun discussing the verdict, but evidently ran into trouble on Monday when Judge Arun Subramanian received two separate notes from them.
The first note was related to one of the jurors' ability to follow the judge's instructions while the second enquired about a crucial aspect related to Comb's racketeering charge.
Legal experts suggest these enquiries pose well for the music industry titan's fate.
What The Notes Said
The jury sent a note to Judge Subramanian that expressed concern for juror number 25's ability to comprehend his 61-pages worth of instructions. They requested he speak to said juror or the jury as a whole.
The judge sent a note back reminding jurors that it's their duty to deliberate and adhere to his instructions. He also mentioned they should avoid giving anything away to do with their deliberations in their notes.
Note two came later that day with the jury asking for clarification around their instructions relating to Combs' racketeering charge.
The note asked, 'If a person request a controlled substance, is the person who then gives them the drugs considered a distributor?' as reported by the BBC.
Combs is accused of procuring and distributing drugs through his network of employees, including to women like his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura during 'freak-offs.'
Why This Could Be A Good Sign For Diddy
Experts have identified several reasons as to why the jury's notes may be a good sign for Combs.
Mitch Epner, a New York-based lawyer, told the BBC, 'It is unusual for the jurors to send a note to the judge this early, other than asking for logistical help.'
He added, 'This note indicates that there may already be a breakdown in the deliberative process.'
The jury needs to come to a unanimous decision in order for Combs to be convicted.
It's unknown why juror 25 has trouble following the judge's instructions but there are two options for the judge to follow if the issue persists. The first is for the juror to be dismissed and replaced with another. The second is to declare a mistrial, in which it would need to start over–a great sign for Combs' defense team.
Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani also told the BBC that the note regarding drug distribution is a 'good sign for the prosecution.'
'Asking for drugs is not a defence to drug distribution, and the judge will probably tell the jurors something to that effect,' he said.
Issues With the Jury Could Have Been Avoided
Legal experts have suggested that the jury might not have had such issues reaching a verdict if they had been sequestered.
'I don't see how people are not influenced by outside factors,' attorney David S. Seltzer told Fox News following Monday's events.
'We live in a technology world where everyone wants their information now. I know the jury was instructed not to read anything, but I don't think that was realistic given the length of the trial,' he added.
Sequestering the jury would involve isolating them during the trial's entire duration so as to stop them from having access to media reports and public opinion which could influence their decision. This would involve housing the jury, likely in a hotel, and having court personnel keep a strict eye on them.
'I have been saying from day one that it is impossible to tell people to stay off media and/or computers for six weeks-plus, when people are addicted to their devices,' Seltzer said, adding, 'I think the court is relying on the admonishment, but respectfully turning a blind eye.'
