Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs found guilty of prostitution transport, cleared of major criminal charges

Sean “Diddy” Combs was acquitted of the most serious charges—racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking—but found guilty of transporting two women, including Cassie Ventura and another woman referred to as “Jane,” for the purpose of prostitution. The verdict came after a high-profile seven-week trial in a New York federal court.

The jury's decision marks a legal turning point. Combs, 55, had pleaded not guilty to all five charges. The court found him not guilty of racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking involving Ventura and “Jane.” However, he was found guilty of two counts of transportation for prostitution—one involving Ventura and another involving “Jane.”

These convictions carry a maximum sentence of 10 years for each count. Unlike sex trafficking, which has a mandatory 15-year minimum sentence, the lesser charges mean Combs avoids a potential life sentence. His legal team did not call any witnesses during the trial, and the rapper chose not to testify.

The jury initially returned a partial verdict on Tuesday, having reached consensus on four of the five charges. Deliberations on the racketeering charge continued into Wednesday before the not guilty decision was finalised.

Prosecutors had alleged that Combs operated a criminal network for over two decades, engaging in sex trafficking, drug distribution, and obstruction of justice, with help from employees and associates. They presented testimonies from former partners, including Ventura, who described disturbing incidents such as “freak-offs”—sexually exploitative situations allegedly involving coercion and violence.

One key moment involved hotel surveillance footage from 2016, which showed Combs kicking and dragging Ventura. The prosecution argued these incidents constituted sex trafficking, but the jury ultimately disagreed.

After the verdict, Combs kneeled and appeared to pray before addressing the courtroom: “I’m gonna be home soon. I love you. Thank you. I love you.” His family responded with cheers. His lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, requested Combs’s release on bail, noting it was his first conviction and urging the judge to allow release on conditions. Judge Arun Subramanian asked both parties to submit arguments by 1 PM regarding bail. Combs awaits sentencing. For now, he is no longer facing life imprisonment, but the legal chapter is far from over.