In a mixed verdict, the court found Sean “Diddy” Combs not guilty of racketeering conspiracy and not guilty of sex trafficking allegations involving both Cassie Ventura and a woman referred to as “Jane.” However, he was found guilty of transporting Ventura, Jane, and others across state lines for the purpose of prostitution. The outcome reflects a partial conviction, clearing him of the most severe trafficking charges while holding him accountable for facilitating illegal transport.The verdict, delivered by a Manhattan jury after three days of deliberations, means the 55-year-old hip-hop mogul avoids a life sentence but still faces the possibility of up to 10 years in prison. He was found guilty of violating the federal Mann Act by transporting individuals — including ex-girlfriends and paid male sex workers — across state lines for prostitution.
Combs showed visible relief as the jury returned its decision. He smiled, nodded, and clasped his hands together in a prayer-like gesture towards the jury, before hugging his lead defence lawyer, Teny Geragos. Moments later, he thanked the panel of eight men and four women, who had earlier struggled to reach consensus on the most serious racketeering charge.The acquittal on the racketeering and sex trafficking charges — both of which could have resulted in life imprisonment — marks a significant legal victory for Combs. But the felony conviction under the Mann Act still puts his freedom and career in serious jeopardy.
Disturbing allegations, mixed outcome
Prosecutors had painted Combs as the architect of a two-decade criminal enterprise, using his fame, wealth and staff to intimidate, coerce and control his victims. Central to the case were accusations from singer Cassie Ventura and another woman known only as “Jane”, both of whom alleged years of psychological and sexual abuse.The women testified that Combs forced them into drug-fuelled sex marathons involving hired male sex workers — events referred to in court as “freak-offs.” Jurors heard disturbing claims of beatings, blackmail, and threats of revenge porn. One hotel assault caught on camera showed Combs dragging and kicking Ventura — footage that circulated widely.
Inside the case: What Diddy was accused of
At the heart of the federal trial were disturbing allegations that Combs used his wealth, power and influence to force women into sexually abusive situations. Prosecutors accused him of orchestrating drug-fuelled sex marathons involving male sex workers, using blackmail, violence and coercion to maintain control over victims.Central to the case was testimony from R&B singer Cassie Ventura, Combs’ former long-term partner, and another woman known only as Jane. Both described being trapped in abusive relationships where they were allegedly threatened, assaulted, and pressured into performing sexual acts at Combs’ direction.Prosecutors argued that Combs operated like a mob boss, using a network of employees, bodyguards and assistants to commit or cover up crimes including bribery, arson, kidnapping and witness tampering. They pursued the racketeering charge under the federal RICO statute — a legal tool historically used to dismantle organised crime.Combs’ legal team rejected the charges as an overreach, describing the trial as an attempt to criminalise his consensual sexual lifestyle. They acknowledged elements of domestic violence but insisted there was no basis for federal sex trafficking charges.
