Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been found guilty of two federal charges related to the transportation of women for prostitution but acquitted of the more serious allegations of racketeering and sex trafficking.
A federal jury reached its verdict after nearly two months of testimony involving 34 witnesses, including ex-girlfriends, former employees, male escorts, and federal agents. The charges were tied to Combs’ ex-partner Casandra Ventura, popularly known as Cassie, and another woman identified only as "Jane."
Although Combs was cleared of sex trafficking both women, the guilty verdicts for transportation to engage in prostitution still carry a potential 10-year maximum sentence for each count. Sentencing is yet to be scheduled.
As the verdict was read out in a packed New York courtroom, Combs appeared unreadable. Earlier, he had been seen praying quietly with his children. He has been in custody since his arrest in September 2024.
Reacting to the verdict, Cassie Ventura’s lawyer, Doug Wigdor, said he was pleased that Combs “still faces substantial jail time.” In a statement, Wigdor added: “Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice. She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion.”
The Southern District of New York, which prosecuted the case, released a joint statement from U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton and Homeland Security's New York Field Office head Ricky Patel. The prosecutors praised their teams and partners, including the NYPD, for adopting a “victim-centred approach to combatting sex crimes.”
“Sex crimes deeply scar victims,” the statement read. “The disturbing reality is that sex crimes are all too present in many aspects of our society. Victims go through gut-wrenching physical and mental abuse, and we commend the brave individuals who step forward to help stop this scourge.”
Outside the courthouse, supporters of Combs gathered in celebration, chanting “let him go.” Some pro-Diddy influencers, who have been covering the trial from day one, said they were satisfied with the outcome, calling it “mayhem, but a win.”
However, not everyone agrees the outcome was a full victory. Podcast host and legal analyst Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty noted that with a 93% success rate, the Southern District rarely sees major acquittals. “To see Diddy’s team beat the most serious charges—it’s more than a win,” she said. “But it also raises questions about whether federal prosecutors overreached with the racketeering and sex trafficking charges in the first place.”
The spotlight now shifts to sentencing, and whether the court will impose the maximum term under the federal charges that remain.
