Sean 'Diddy' Combs found guilty of prostitution-related charges, acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering
Sean “Diddy” Combs, the once-celebrated hip-hop mogul turned embattled entrepreneur, was found guilty on two federal counts related to prostitution but acquitted on the more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. The verdict, delivered in a packed Manhattan federal courtroom, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal saga surrounding the influential but controversial figure in the music industry.
Diddy found guilty of prostitution-related charges, acquitted of sex trafficking & racketeering. Sentencing decision pending.
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After six weeks of testimony and more than 12 hours of deliberation, a jury found Combs guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution, but not guilty of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking — charges federal prosecutors had presented as the core of their case.
The government alleged that Combs used Combs Global — now renamed Combs Enterprises — as a front for a criminal organization that trafficked women, enforced loyalty through fear, and profited from illicit activity. The jury, however, rejected that broader narrative.
“The jury has spoken,” said defense attorney Marc Agnifilo. “Mr. Combs has been given his life back and is deeply grateful. He understands the responsibility that comes with this outcome.”
During the trial, jurors heard from dozens of witnesses, including singer Cassie Ventura and a woman identified as “Jane,” both of whom delivered harrowing testimony accusing Combs of sustained abuse, manipulation, and coercion. While jurors credited some of the claims enough to convict on lesser charges, they found insufficient evidence to support the existence of a criminal enterprise.
In a dramatic moment following the reading of the verdict, Combs knelt in prayer before applauding the jury, prompting cheers from courtroom observers — many of whom had attended the trial daily.
Federal Prosecutor Maurene Comey stated that although Combs was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering, the government will seek a substantial prison sentence, potentially up to 20 years, for the two counts on which he was convicted.
“Mr. Combs has shown he does not respect the law. The risk of recidivism is real,” Comey told Judge Arun Subramanian, who will determine Combs' release status and future sentencing after reviewing submissions from both sides by 1 p.m. ET today.
Outside the courthouse, Douglas Wigdor, Ventura’s attorney, expressed measured satisfaction. “This case proves that accountability is possible, even for the powerful,” he said. “Cassie’s courage brought a partial but important measure of justice.”
The government had painted a picture of a man driven by control and excess, laying out claims that included forced labor, drug distribution, kidnapping, arson, and bribery. One of the more explosive allegations involved the firebombing of rapper Kid Cudi’s Porsche and a hotel bribe to cover up a hallway assault.
Yet, the defense called no witnesses, relying instead on cross-examinations and closing arguments that framed the trial as a “witch hunt” and an attempt to criminalize consensual, albeit unconventional, sexual behavior. Agnifilo positioned Combs as a “respected Black entrepreneur”, unfairly targeted by the federal government.
Public reaction to the verdict has been divided, with some applauding the acquittal on major charges and others demanding more accountability.
Combs is expected to be sentenced in the coming weeks. Whether he walks free or faces significant prison time now lies in the hands of the court — and will shape the legacy of a man once at the pinnacle of pop culture.
