In a high-stakes federal trial that has captivated the public and cast a long shadow over his illustrious career, music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was yesterday found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. However, the jury acquitted him of the more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. The split verdict concludes a nearly two-month legal battle in Manhattan federal court, where Combs has consistently denied any accusations of wrongdoing.

Combs, who was arrested in September 2024, faced charges that included two counts of sex trafficking, two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, and one count of racketeering for allegedly leading a criminal organization over two decades. While the racketeering charge alone carried a potential life sentence, and sex trafficking a statutory minimum of 15 years, the two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, under the federal Mann Act, each carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

The 12-person jury deliberated for 13 hours, announcing their decision a day after revealing they had “unpersuadable opinions on both sides” regarding the complex racketeering charge. This charge required prosecutors to prove Combs utilized his loyal associates to run a criminal enterprise involving crimes like sex trafficking, kidnapping, drugging, and obstruction of justice. Combs' defense maintained that his staff were not knowingly complicit and that the government was overreaching by criminalizing a consensual lifestyle, arguing that his conceded violence towards women was motivated by drugs and jealousy, not a larger criminal scheme.

A significant portion of the prosecution's case relied on the harrowing testimonies of key witnesses. Casandra “Cassie” Ventura Fine, Combs’ former girlfriend of a decade, laid bare the raw details of their complicated relationship, describing her participation in alleged sexual performances labeled “freak offs,” as well as physical and emotional abuse, and a drug addiction she developed to cope. She also detailed repeated physical abuse, captured in photographs shared with jurors, and an infamous 2016 surveillance video showing Combs beating and dragging her in a Los Angeles hotel hallway, which security employees testified Combs tried to pay them to delete.

Another critical testimony came from an anonymous former partner, identified only as “Jane,” who was romantically involved with Combs from 2021 to 2024. Over six days, Jane described how Combs allegedly pressured her into sexual performances, including “hotel nights” with sex workers, by leveraging his control over her finances, convincing her to take drugs, and exploiting her desire for his approval. She also recounted instances of severe physical abuse, including being kicked, punched, and dragged before being coerced into sex acts with an escort, yet stated on the stand, “I just pray for his continued healing, and I pray for peace for him.” More than 30 witnesses, including rapper Kid Cudi and former Danity Kane singer Dawn Richard, provided testimony, with Ye (Kanye West) also making a brief appearance.

Following the verdict, Judge Arun Subramanian denied bail to Combs, ruling he must remain incarcerated at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center until his tentative sentencing on October 3, 2025. The judge cited Combs' history of violence, despite arguments from his legal team, led by Marc Agnifilo, that he posed no flight risk and had participated in a domestic violence reform program, and had not been violent since 2018. However, Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Casandra Ventura, had warned the court in a letter that the hip-hop mogul would pose a danger if released, a concern echoed by her attorney Douglas Wigdor.

The trial's culmination follows a series of public allegations that began surfacing in late 2023. This began with Cassie Ventura’s bombshell lawsuit in November 2023, alleging rape, sex trafficking, and abuse, which was amicably settled for $20 million a day later. This lawsuit, his team claims, instigated the criminal investigation. Subsequently, numerous other civil suits alleging sexual assault and misconduct, some dating back to the 1990s, mounted against Combs. Federal agents raided his homes in Los Angeles and Miami in March 2024, leading to his indictment in September 2024. The case marks one of the most high-profile legal battles since the ‘Me Too’ movement gained steam in 2017.

The allegations and subsequent trial have had a significant impact on Sean Combs’ extensive business empire. Once a celebrated entrepreneur, many of his business relationships have dissolved, including his stepping down as chairman of Revolt TV, and the termination of his lucrative partnership with Diageo for Cîroc vodka and DeLeón tequila. His Sean John fashion brand has seen reduced visibility, and a planned reality show was reportedly shelved. As civil lawsuits from over 66 individuals are still pending, the full repercussions of the allegations against Sean “Diddy” Combs and the broader conversation about power dynamics and accountability within the entertainment industry are still unfolding.