Sean 'Diddy' Combs Acquitted of Sex Trafficking and Racketeering, Found Guilty on Prostitution Charges
Sean “Diddy” Combs was found guilty Wednesday on two counts of transporting women for prostitution, but was acquitted of more serious federal charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.
Each conviction carries up to 10 years in prison. The charges stem from the Mann Act, which makes it illegal to transport individuals across state lines for sex work.
The verdict followed a seven-week trial featuring emotional and graphic testimony from two ex-girlfriends — singer Cassie Ventura and another woman known only as "Jane." Both described years of alleged abuse, control, and coercion by Combs, often involving drugs and group sex acts.
Ventura’s testimony included a 2016 assault caught on surveillance video, which Combs later apologized for. She also settled a civil lawsuit with him in 2023.
Combs did not testify, and his defense argued that the relationships were consensual and the government failed to prove its case. Prosecutors described Combs as running a “criminal enterprise” fueled by money, fear, and silence.
After the verdict, Combs prayed in court while his family erupted in applause. His lawyers pushed for his immediate release, but the judge postponed the decision.
Combs, 55, had faced five total charges. The jury reached a full verdict Wednesday morning after days of deliberation.