A federal jury in Manhattan delivered a split verdict in high-profile trial of hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, finding him not guilty on three major charges. But convicting him on two counts of transportation for prostitution.
Verdict reached after two days of deliberation, marks a significant moment in the seven-week trial that scrutinized Combs’ personal and professional conduct over decades.
Combs, 55, acquitted of the most complex charge, racketeering conspiracy (Count 1) which alleged he led a criminal enterprise involving drug distribution kidnapping, bribery. And coerced sexual acts dubbed “freak-offs.” Jury’s decision to clear him of this charge negated the need to evaluate predicate acts like drug distribution. Which had sparked intense debate during deliberations.
Combs also found not guilty of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion in relation to his former girlfriends, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura (Count 2) and a woman identified as “Jane” (Count 4).
Jurors rejected prosecutors’ claims that Combs’ 11-year relationship with Ventura and his interactions with Jane constituted criminal sex trafficking. Despite defense admissions of domestic abuse, notably evidenced by a 2016 surveillance video showing Combs assaulting Ventura.
However, jury convicted Combs on two counts of transportation for prostitution (Counts 3 and 5), each carrying a maximum penalty of seven years in prison, totaling a possible 14 years.
These charges stemmed from testimony by male escorts who described being paid cash for sexual encounters arranged across state lines with prosecutors arguing these acts were explicitly commercial. “They weren’t in those hotel rooms for scintillating conversation,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson told the jury, emphasizing the transactional nature of the encounters.
Trial which drew global attention featured 34 prosecution witnesses. Including Ventura and Jane, but no defense witnesses, as Combs’ legal team, led by Marc Agnifilo, leaned on perceived weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Defense argued that Combs’ lifestyle, while morally questionable, did not amount to a criminal enterprise, framing the “freak-offs” as consensual. And the drug evidence as exaggerated personal use. Jury’s mixed verdict suggests they distinguished between Combs’ admitted personal failings and the threshold for federal crimes like racketeering and sex trafficking.
Combs, who remained stoic as verdict read faces sentencing at later date with Judge Arun Subramanian expected to consider his lack of prior convictions. And family support, including his mother and six children, who attended the trial.
Legal analysts predict an appeal, particularly on the prostitution convictions, citing potential ambiguities in defining commercial intent. For now, Combs remains free on a $50 million bond, with his legal team vowing to fight the convictions.
Read more: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Trial: Jury Deliberations Continue Amid Juror Concerns in Manhattan Federal Court
Verdict closes a chapter in a case that has gripped the entertainment world raising questions about power, consent, and accountability in the music industry. While leaving Combs’ legacy as a hip-hop icon under scrutiny.
