Sean "Diddy" Combs has been acquitted of the most serious charges against him in a high-profile sex trafficking trial in New York City but was convicted on prostitution-related charges. The mixed verdict was reached on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, after a seven-week trial and three days of jury deliberations.
Combs, 55, was found guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution, a felony violation of the Mann Act. This conviction stems from allegations that he flew people, including his girlfriends and male sex workers, across state lines for sexual encounters. However, the jury acquitted him of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges. If he had been convicted of sex trafficking or racketeering, he could have faced life in prison. Instead, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years for the prostitution-related offense.
The trial included testimony from 34 witnesses over 29 days, including Combs' former girlfriend, singer and model Cassie Ventura. Ventura, who was in a relationship with Combs for 11 years, testified that she was coerced into participating in "freak offs," described as elaborate sex performances with male sex workers. Another former girlfriend, using the pseudonym Jane, also testified, alleging she was coerced into drug-fueled sexual encounters and abused throughout her relationship. Prosecutors argued that Combs used his power, fame, and money to manipulate his girlfriends into these encounters. They presented evidence of flights and hotel bookings paid for by Combs across the U.S. and the Caribbean.
Combs' defense team conceded that he could be violent, had a bad temper, used drugs, and had multiple relationships. However, they argued that the sexual encounters were consensual and that the allegations did not amount to sex trafficking or racketeering. They presented text messages and other exhibits intended to reinforce the argument that the sexual activity was consensual. Combs himself did not testify.
The jury initially informed the court that they had reached a verdict on four of the five charges but were deadlocked on the racketeering conspiracy charge. Judge Arun Subramanian instructed them to continue deliberations. Ultimately, the jury reached a verdict on all counts, acquitting Combs of the most serious charges but convicting him on the prostitution charge.
Despite the acquittals on the sex trafficking and racketeering charges, the conviction could significantly impact Combs' career as a music executive, fashion entrepreneur, brand ambassador, and reality TV star. He also faces several dozen lawsuits accusing him of sexual misconduct, indicating that his legal battles are far from over.
The case has drawn significant attention due to Combs' prominent role in the hip-hop industry and the serious nature of the allegations. The initial indictment in September 2024 included charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. The indictment alleged that Combs led a criminal enterprise that engaged in sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice from at least 2008.
