Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs verdict delivered in bombshell NY sex-trafficking trial

A Manhattan jury has reached a final verdict in the bombshell federal sex-trafficking case against Sean “Diddy” Combs.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been acquitted on the most serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking as his stunning verdict was handed down in New York.

The music mogul, 55, has been spared life behind bars after the jury on Wednesday found him not guilty on two counts of sex trafficking and one count of racketeering conspiracy following a seven-week trial in Manhattan.

Combs was found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, charges of which can carry a 10-year prison sentence each.

Combs nodded his head repeatedly and said “thank you” to a juror as a verdict clearing him on the most serious charges was read out in court, New York Post reports. He then held his hands in a prayer gesture, waved them in the direction of the jury and mouthed “thanks”.

However, Combs will remain behind bars awaiting sentencing after his bail application was rejected by the judge.

Judge Arun Subramanian said Combs had shown a “disregard for the rule of law and a propensity of violence” during the bail hearing. He proposed a sentencing date of October 3, with a remote hearing to discuss the sentence scheduling set for for next Tuesday at 2pm local time.

Combs has been incarcerated in Brooklyn since his arrest in September.

CNN anchor Laura Coates described the atmosphere outside court as a “circus”, with video showing Diddy supporters spraying baby oil in celebratory scenes.

“Spectacle, circus, show, all words that come to mind,” Coates said on-air.

“There are shouting matches at times. This is a scene.”

Combs’ lawyers had pushed hard for bail, suggesting a $1 million bond and that he be permitted to travel between Miami, Los Angeles, and New York while he awaits sentencing.

After releasing the jury, Judge Subramanian asked Combs if he wanted to go back to the notorious Brooklyn lock up.

“Mr Combs, you don’t want to go back to the MDC?” Mr Subramanian asked.

Combs shook his head several times and held up his hands in a prayer gesture toward the judge.

The question came after Combs’ lawyer argued that he should be released to home confinement since he was acquitted on the most serious charges in the case.

They said they would hand over his passport to court officials.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs made a praying gesture as the verdict was read out in court. Picture: Elizabeth Williams via AP

Combs reacts after he was convicted of prostitution-related offences but acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges. Picture: Elizabeth Williams via AP

“He would be nothing short of a fool, which he is not, to violate any conditions the court set,” defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo said, adding that Combs “treasures” the “opportunity he has been given.”

Cassie Ventura Fine’s lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, had earlier urged the judge to reject his bail application.

“Ms. Ventura believes that Mr. Combs is likely to pose a danger to the victims who testified in this case, including herself, as well as to the community,” Wigdor wrote in a letter.

Diddy reacted in relief in court. Picture: AFP.

Cassie Ventura and Combs were in a relationship for a decade. Picture: AP.

Combs faces a maximum of 20 years behind bars on the two prostitution charges.

Each count he was convicted of has a maximum sentence of 10 years and could be combined into a 20-year sentence.

There is no minimum sentence for those charges of transportation to engage in prostitution – or Mann Act Transportation.

MORE: ‘Freak off’: Diddy cops $50m insult in major blow

The jurors, eight men and four women, began deliberating around 11:30am on Monday, before finally notifying the judge they had reached a decision.

Combs was facing the rest of his life behind bars if he was found guilty of the sex-trafficking or racketeering conspiracy charges against him.

Prosecutors claimed the Bad Boy Records founder ran a 20-year criminal scheme, committing a slew of crimes, including forcing women into so-called “freak-offs.”

Janice Combs, mother of Diddy, and King Combs arrive at court in New York. Picture: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images via AFP

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The “freak-offs” were highly orchestrated, sometimes days-long sex sessions in which Combs had women sleep with male prostitutes while they were on drugs, prosecutors alleged. Combs directed the participants to slather each other in baby oil while he watched, pleasured himself and filmed, they claimed.

The music tycoon was on trial for five felony counts: two for sex trafficking, two of transportation to engage in prostitution and one of racketeering conspiracy — a charge frequently used in mob cases.

The guilty findings on the prostitution counts confirm that Combs transported both Ventura and a woman who testified under the pseudonym Jane. for purposes of prostitution during the sometimes days-long sex parties. Both women had been in long-term relationships with the entrepreneur, and they each testified about abuse, threats and coercive sex in graphic detail.

Lead prosecutor Maurene Comey opposed Agnifilo’s bond request on that basis, accusing the defence of trying to “downplay the seriousness” of the convictions.

In a letter filed to the court, prosecutors calculated that he should serve at least four to just over five years in prison based on federal sentencing guidelines, a range that could increase after taking all evidence into account, they said.

He should remain behind bars until his sentencing, they urged, calling him a flight risk with a history of violence and abuse against women and a “habitual drug user.”

Rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs was caught on CCTV viciously beating then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in a hotel hall.

During the seven weeks of testimony that began in May, prosecutors called 34 people to the stand, including star witness Cassie Ventura, to testify about Combs’ alleged violent temper and twisted sexual proclivities.

Ms Ventura — an R & B singer signed to Combs’ label who testified while eight and a half months pregnant — told jurors about her tumultuous 10-year relationship with the hip-hop mogul, who she alleged repeatedly beat her and forced her into “freak-offs”, which were elaborate sex performances with male sex workers.

Jurors were repeatedly shown the infamous surveillance video of Combs shoving, kicking and dragging Ms Ventura in the hallway of a Los Angeles hotel in 2016. Combs allegedly bribed a security worker at the hotel to bury the footage.

“We’re pleased that he’s finally been held responsible for two federal crimes,” Ms Ventura’s lawyer told reporters outside the courthouse following the verdict.

“He still faces substantial jail time.”

King Combs (C), son of Sean "Diddy" Combs, and family members depart federal court after a verdict was announced at his sex trafficking trial on July 2, 2025 in New York. Picture: AFP.

The jury also heard about other crimes Combs allegedly committed, like setting Kid Cudi’s Porsche convertible on fire and breaking into his home in a jealous rage over the rapper’s relationship with Ms Ventura. Combs also allegedly had multiple people, including his employees, buy him drugs and even fly them from California to Miami for him, according to witness testimony.

The “It’s All About The Benjamins” rhymer has been held in a Brooklyn federal lockup since September 2024, and was present in court for the duration of the trial, with his mother and his children often showing up in support.

Combs pleaded not guilty and his lawyers argued to jurors that prosecutors failed to prove the array of charges.

The defence maintained that the women who took part in “freak-offs” were Combs girlfriends and were willing participants.

With The NY Post and AFP

Originally published as Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs verdict delivered in bombshell NY sex-trafficking trial