Sean “Diddy” Combs escaped a lifetime prison sentence Wednesday as a federal jury cleared him of the most serious accusations, racketeering and sex trafficking, but still found him guilty of transporting individuals for illegal sexual activity, a felony under the Mann Act.
The partial acquittal spares the Bad Boy Records founder from the harshest penalties but leaves him facing up to ten years behind bars, and likely marks the downfall of his long-standing career as a producer, fashion icon, and entertainment brand.
The courtroom fell into emotional release as the verdicts were read: Combs reportedly raised his hands in a prayerful gesture toward the jury and embraced defense attorney Teny Geragos. A supporter’s exclamation—“Yeah!”—pierced the silence, defying the judge’s warning against outbursts.
RELATED STORIES
The jury of eight men and four women found that Combs had flown partners and male sex workers across state lines for sexual encounters, but rejected the government’s claim that he ran a criminal enterprise or coerced women into exploitative sexual acts.
Watch a recent episode of The BreakDown podcast below and subscribe to our channel PanaGenius TV for latest episodes.
The federal racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges had been tied to disturbing testimony about Combs’ alleged use of violence, manipulation, and money to coerce women into degrading, drug-fueled encounters. The defense argued these were consensual relationships, and that while Combs had personal failings, his actions didn’t warrant such charges.
Judge Arun Subramanian is now considering whether to grant Combs bail while he awaits sentencing. For now, the artist remains behind bars, where he’s been since his September arrest.
As court adjourned, Combs appeared overcome. He knelt beside his chair, head bowed, and mouthed comforting words to his family: “I’ll be home soon,” and “I love you, baby… I love you, Mom,” AP reported. His relatives stood and applauded, defiant and relieved.
Though no sentencing date has been set, the prostitution-related conviction could yield significant prison time. Combs’ legal team is expected to argue that his acquittals on the major charges should weigh heavily in sentencing considerations.
Federal prosecutors acknowledged the mixed result but emphasized the broader fight. “Sex crimes are all too present in many aspects of our society,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton and Homeland Security official Ricky J. Patel. “New Yorkers and all Americans want this scourge stopped and perpetrators brought to justice.”
READ ALSO: Sean “Diddy” Combs declines to testify, praises judge as sex trafficking trial nears end
The jury reached its decision after three days and 13 hours of deliberation, following emotional and graphic testimony from 34 witnesses, including Combs’ former partner Cassie Ventura.
Ventura testified in harrowing detail about her 11-year relationship with the 55-year-old music mogul, beginning when she signed with his Bad Boy label. She described degrading “freak-offs,” voyeuristic group sex sessions drenched in baby oil, and frequent physical abuse.
“I’m not a rag doll. I’m somebody’s child,” she told Combs after he dragged her through a hotel hallway in 2016, she testified.
Another woman, known as “Jane,” said she was pressured into group sex despite voicing discomfort. “I’m not an animal. I need a break,” she once told Combs, adding that she continued the relationship partly because he paid her rent. Jane also described being punched, choked, and left with a black eye when she resisted.
Celebrity witness Kid Cudi testified that Combs broke into his home in 2011, enraged by his romance with Cassie. Weeks later, Cudi’s car was firebombed. “I knew he had something to do with it,” Cudi said. Combs denied involvement.
In his closing argument, defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo painted the prosecution as overreaching, invading Combs’ private life. “They go into the man’s bedroom… Where is the crime scene?” he said.
Despite the violence described, “Jane” admitted on the stand that her feelings for Combs remained complicated. She revealed she still loved him and had even planned to meet him again just before his arrest.
Now, with the most serious charges behind him but a felony conviction on record, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ future hangs in the balance, professionally and personally.
