Sean “Diddy” Combs Found Guilty of Prostitution Offences, Cleared of Sex Trafficking and Racketeering
Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been found guilty of prostitution-related offences but was acquitted of more serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering, following a high-profile criminal trial that lasted seven weeks.
The verdict delivered by a federal jury in New York means Diddy avoids a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years for sex trafficking. If convicted on the more serious charges, the former billionaire, known for elevating hip-hop culture in the United States, could have faced life imprisonment.
Verdict Breakdown: The Charges and Outcomes
Diddy, 55, pleaded not guilty to all five charges brought against him. The verdicts were as follows:
• Count 1: Racketeering Conspiracy – Maximum sentence: life in prison
➤ Not guilty
• Count 2: Sex Trafficking of Cassie Ventura – Minimum 15 years, maximum life in prison
➤ Not guilty
• Count 3: Transporting Individuals (incl. Cassie Ventura) for Prostitution – Maximum 10 years
➤ Guilty
• Count 4: Sex Trafficking of “Jane” – Minimum 15 years, maximum life in prison
➤ Not guilty
(Note: “Jane” is a pseudonym used to protect the accuser’s identity.)
• Count 5: Transporting Individuals (incl. “Jane”) for Prostitution – Maximum 10 years
➤ Guilty
What is a Partial Verdict—and Why Did It Delay the Outcome?
On Tuesday, the jury returned a partial verdict—deciding four of the five charges, but could not reach a consensus on the fifth count (racketeering conspiracy).
In U.S. criminal trials, a partial verdict occurs when the jury agrees unanimously on some charges but is deadlocked on others. This mechanism prevents delays in justice while allowing continued deliberation on unresolved counts.
Judge Arun Subramanian instructed the jury to keep deliberating on the racketeering charge, which they later resolved.
The Testimonies: Allegations and Defense
During the trial, two of Diddy’s former partners, including Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, testified that he physically and sexually abused them.
Cassie detailed being coerced into participating in “freak-offs” — a term Diddy used for drug-fueled sex marathons, during which she was allegedly forced to have sex with paid male escorts while Diddy watched and sometimes filmed.
A particularly damning incident was caught on surveillance footage in 2016 at a Los Angeles hotel, showing Diddy kicking and dragging Ventura in a hallway. Prosecutors claimed she was trying to flee one of these “freak-offs.”
Prosecutors argued this amounted to sex trafficking, citing that Diddy used coercion, threats to withdraw financial support, and the potential release of sex tapes to manipulate Ventura’s participation.
Another accuser, “Jane”, testified that Diddy similarly forced her into drug-fueled sex acts with male sex workers.
Despite the harrowing testimonies, Diddy’s legal team argued the sexual activity was consensual, though they did acknowledge he had been violent in past relationships.
Understanding the Racketeering Charge
Racketeering conspiracy, the most serious charge Diddy faced, involves committing at least two criminal acts within a 10-year period as part of a broader criminal enterprise. It’s a tool used to dismantle structured crime networks like gangs or corrupt organizations.
Prosecutors alleged that Diddy led a criminal enterprise for over two decades, involving associates and employees who helped cover up crimes including:
• Sex trafficking
• Forced labor
• Drug distribution
• Bribery
• Obstruction of justice
However, the jury did not find sufficient evidence to convict him on this charge.
Diddy’s Reaction to the Verdict
After the final verdict, Diddy knelt and prayed, then stood to address the courtroom:
“I’m gonna be home soon. I love you. Thank you. I love you.”
His family and supporters cheered and applauded. Notably, Diddy chose not to testifyduring the trial.
What Happens Next? Sentencing and Bail
Following the reading of the verdict, Diddy’s attorney Marc Agnifilo requested his release on bail, noting:
“This is his first conviction, and it’s a prostitution offence, so he should be released on appropriate conditions.”
Judge Subramanian instructed both legal teams to submit written arguments on bail by 1pm (17:00 GMT).
Combs now faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for each of the two prostitution-related convictions. His final sentencing date will be determined by the court.
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