Diddy found not guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering
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Diddy convicted of prostitution offenses, not guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering

The verdict could still send Combs, 55, to prison for as long as a decade

Diddy

FILE – Sean “Diddy” Combs arrives at the BET Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, on June 26, 2022. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP File)

NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs was convicted of prostitution-related offenses but acquitted Wednesday of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put one of hip-hop’s most celebrated figures behind bars for life.

The mixed result came on the third day of deliberations. It could still send Combs, 55, to prison for as long as a decade, and is likely to end his career as a hitmaking music executive, fashion entrepreneur, brand ambassador and reality TV star.

You may like: After Diddy’s conviction, here’s where his business ventures stand

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The usual crowd has grown outside the courthouse

The trial-watching crowd of TikTokers, YouTubers, supporters, detractors and members of the traditional news media outside the courthouse is now waiting for word on whether Combs will be freed pending his sentencing.

Diddy verdict

Family members of Sean “Diddy” Combs, react as they leave Manhattan federal court after Combs’ was convicted of a prostitution-related offense but acquitted on the most serious charges at his New York trial, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

In one bizarre celebration, a woman danced around while a man poured baby oil on her, an homage of sorts to an activity at Combs’ so-called “freak-offs” and “hotel nights.”

The crowd spilled into the street at times, prompting police officers to shoo them back to the sidewalk. Officers later added to a maze of barricades as more people gathered.

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Diddy mother

Janice Combs, right, mother of Sean “Diddy” Combs, reacts outside Manhattan federal court after Combs’ was convicted of a prostitution-related offense but acquitted on the most serious charges at his New York trial, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

TV reporters from national networks, local stations and international outlets reported the news from a row of makeshift studios. The 14 tents went up across from a park where men keep working out or shooting hoops, seemingly oblivious or indifferent to the spectacle around them.

Singer Dawn Richard’s lawyer still seeking ‘complete justice’

Richard told jurors that Combs’ threatened to kill her if she told anyone that she saw him physically abusing his longtime girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura.

“Today’s split verdict is a disappointment, but the criminal charges are different than the civil claims we filed and have been fighting against Sean Combs,” wrote Richard’s attorney, Lisa Bloom. “We will continue to aggressively fight our case until we obtain full and complete justice for Dawn.”

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What will the verdict mean for Diddy Combs’ business empire?

Combs’s acquittal on the most serious charges comes long after the once-celebrated music mogul’s major business ventures collapsed:

1. He stepped down and later fully divested from Revolt TV, a network that offered programming focused on hip-hop culture, R&B music, social justice and documentaries.

2. He reportedly lost a Hulu reality series deal, watched his once-iconic fashion brand Sean John vanish from Macy’s shelves, and Peloton pulled his music.

3. New York City revoked his ceremonial key, Howard University rescinded his honorary degree, and his charter school in Harlem cut ties.

4. He settled a legal dispute with Diageo, relinquishing control of his lucrative spirits brands, Ciroc and DeLeón. However:

5. His Bad Boy Records label remains operational, even though it hasn’t announced any major upcoming releases.

6. His music catalog — for now — remains available on major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music. None have publicly addressed whether they plan to adjust how his music is featured.

Jurors have left the courthouse, remaining anonymous

The court has not released identifying information about the jurors, who were discreetly ushered into and out of the courthouse each day so that the media had no access to them. Trial observers had to remain in the courtroom for about 10 minutes until the jurors were all taken down in a freight elevator, likely to the courthouse garage.

Before dismissing them, the judge spoke to the jury, guiding them on whether and how to speak about the case to the media. He told them not to speak about other jurors’ deliberations.

Celebrities react to the Diddy Combs verdict

“Diddy beat the Feds that boy a bad man!” — rapper 50 Cent, on Instagram.

“I’m tired of seeing us Black moguls get took down like that. … And I’m tired of seeing us Black people go against us Black moguls like that.” — rapper Boosie Badazz, in an Instagram video. “I’m glad he free … The courts spoke.”

“Oh, this makes me physically ill. Cassie probably feels so horrible. I’m gonna vomit.” — singer Aubrey O’Day, formerly of the girl group Danity Kane, on her Instagram story.

“I guess a jury just never wants to believe that a woman stays because of power and coercion, wow.” — actor Rosie O’Donnell on Instagram.

What is the Mann Act, which Diddy Combs was convicted of violating?

Combs was convicted of flying people around the country, including his girlfriends and paid male sex workers, to engage in sexual encounters in violation of the federal Mann Act.

The 1910 law originally prohibited the interstate or foreign commerce transport of a woman or girl “for prostitution, debauchery or for any other immoral purpose.” A 1986 update made the law gender-neutral and effectively ended the Act’s role in trying to legislate morality by changing “debauchery” and “immoral purpose” to “any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense.”

Federal officials: All Americans want ‘scourge’ of sex crimes stopped

The statement by federal officials on the verdict in U.S. v. Sean Combs doesn’t mention the verdict, or Combs.

“Sex crimes deeply scar victims, and the disturbing reality is that sex crimes are all too present in many aspects of our society. Victims endure gut-wrenching physical and mental abuse, leading to lasting trauma. New Yorkers and all Americans want this scourge stopped and perpetrators brought to justice,” says the statement by U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton and Ricky Patel, who runs New York’s field office for Homeland Security Investigations.

“Prosecuting sex crimes requires brave victims to come forward and tell their harrowing stories. We and our law enforcement partners recognize the hardships victims endure and have prioritized a victim-centered approach to investigating and prosecuting these cases,” said the statement, which also praises law enforcement offices “for their assistance in this matter.”

Cassie’s lawyer says she ‘paved the way’

A lawyer for the R&B singer, who previously dated Combs and testified that he beat and raped her, lauded her courage despite the verdict.

“Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution,” Douglas H. Wigdor said in a written statement.

You may like: Cassie testifies that Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs blackmailed her with sex videos

“By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice.”

How long did the jury deliberate for?

Overall, the jury deliberated for about 13 and a half hours over the course of three days.

It’s been almost two months since jury selection began on May 5.

The verdict came as the jury faced the prospect of coming into court Thursday, while the courthouse is otherwise closed, or waiting until after the long Independence Day weekend to resume deliberating if they didn’t have a decision Wednesday.

What Diddy Combs said to his family as he left the courtroom

As Combs turned toward his family as he left the courtroom, he smiled as they applauded and said: “I’ll be home soon.”

He added: “I love you, baby” and, “I love you, Mom.”

U.S. Marshals then ushered him out. Combs will remain in custody as the judge considers the defense’s argument that the hip-hop mogul should be granted bail and released until his sentencing.

Diddy Combs seems overwhelmed, his friends and family overjoyed

Combs’ family stood and applauded as Diddy faced them before being led out by authorities. The family also cheered for the hip-hop mogul’s lawyers as the defense attorneys hugged one another.

Combs wiped his face, turned and kneeled at his chair, his head bowed in prayer, as court adjourned. The judge said he’ll reconvene later Wednesday to discuss whether to grant Combs bail.

Prosecutors say they will seek to have Diddy Combs incarcerated

The charges Combs was convicted of carry a maximum of 10 years behind bars, Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey notes.

“Mr. Agnifilo tried to downplay the significance” of the charges Combs was convicted of, “but the record says otherwise,” the prosecutor says.

She said the court has heard testimony of years of illegal conduct, transporting sex workers, drug use and attempting to intimidate witnesses.

Comey argued there’s a “real risk that he will flagrantly disregard orders from this court, that he will commit new crimes and that he will attempt to flee justice.”

Diddy Combs’ defense attorney asks the judge to release his client on bail

“In light of the fact that Mr. Combs is no longer charged with sex trafficking … he should be released,” Marc Agnifilo said.

Agnifilo wants Combs to be released today and allowed to return to his Florida home.

He says the acquittal on the serious charges demands a change in Combs’ conditions of release.

Prosecutors oppose Combs being released on bail.

Diddy Combs reacts to verdict

Combs pumped his right fist subtly, seemingly satisfied that he was acquitted on the most serious charges. And he nodded his head in agreement as the judge thanked the jury for its hard work over the last eight weeks.

As the verdicts were read, he held up his hands in a prayer motion. Then he was hugging his defense lawyer Teny Geragos.

Here’s how the jury decided on all charges

COUNT ONE — Racketeering Conspiracy — NOT GUILTY

COUNT TWO — Sex Trafficking of Casandra Ventura — NOT GUILTY

COUNT THREE — Transportation to engage in prostitution — Casandra Ventura — GUILTY

COUNT FOUR — Sex Trafficking of Jane — NOT GUILTY

COUNT FIVE — Transportation to engage in prostitution – Jane — GUILTY

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