NEW YORK (Diya TV) — Sean “Diddy” Combs, the Grammy-winning music mogul, was acquitted Wednesday of federal sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges. But a Manhattan jury found him guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, following a high-profile, eight-week trial.
The verdict, delivered after three days of deliberations, is a partial win for Combs, 55, who faced life in prison if convicted on the most serious charges. Instead, he could serve up to 20 years—10 years for each count—when sentenced.
The jury cleared Combs of one racketeering conspiracy charge and two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. However, he was convicted of transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution, a lesser but still serious federal offense.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian will decide later whether to release Combs from Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, where he has been held without bail since his arrest last fall. Defense attorneys have requested that he be allowed to return to his home in Miami on a $1 million bond.
Combs’ legal team, led by attorney Marc Agnifilo, did not call any witnesses. The defense relied heavily on cross-examinations and argued that the prosecution exaggerated the case, framing Combs as a man with a consensual, though turbulent, personal life rather than a criminal mastermind.
Combs’ family, including his mother, Janice Combs, and son Justin Combs, were present in the courtroom when the verdict was read. They clapped and cried as the not-guilty counts were announced. Combs dropped to his knees in prayer and mouthed “thank you” and “love you” to his family.
His mother, 84, has been a daily presence in the courtroom. She often wore bold outfits and waved to supporters outside the courthouse. Other family members, including Combs’ three sons and three teenage daughters, also attended various stages of the trial.
The trial drew heavy public interest, with crowds gathering outside the courthouse on Worth Street in Manhattan. After the verdict, fans chanted “Free Puff!” as Combs’ family exited the building.
Combs’ downfall began with explosive allegations made by his ex-girlfriend, R&B singer Casandra Ventura, known professionally as Cassie. She and another woman, known only as “Jane,” were key witnesses for the prosecution. Both testified that Combs forced them into drug-fueled sexual encounters, referred to in court as “freak offs.”
Prosecutors alleged that Combs ran a criminal enterprise that abused and exploited women over two decades. They presented more than 30 witnesses, including former assistants and music industry associates, some of whom testified under immunity.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik told jurors that Combs used threats, violence, and blackmail to coerce women. She cited video footage and testimony describing instances of forced sex acts, domestic violence, and even arson—allegedly involving the firebombing of rapper Kid Cudi’s car.
Agnifilo admitted Combs engaged in domestic violence, showing jurors security footage of him assaulting Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel in 2016. But he argued that this did not prove racketeering or sex trafficking. He described Combs as a “self-made successful Black entrepreneur” and said the relationships in question were ultimately consensual.
“If he was charged with domestic violence, we wouldn’t be here,” Agnifilo said. “He did that. But he didn’t commit these crimes.”
Combs’ attorneys say they will continue to fight the charges and push for his release before sentencing. Even after the verdict, Combs faces numerous civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault and rape. He denies the allegations and claims some are attempts to extort money.
Outside the courthouse, Doug Wigdor, Ventura’s attorney, said they were disappointed the jury did not convict on the sex trafficking or racketeering charges. However, he added, “He has finally been held accountable and faces substantial prison time.”
Federal officials echoed that sentiment. “Sex crimes deeply scar victims,” said Jay Clayton, interim U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. “Brave victims came forward to share their stories. This case reflects our commitment to justice.”
As the court prepares for sentencing, Combs’ future remains uncertain—but his reign as a hip-hop mogul is now forever marked by conviction.
