The hip-hop mogul was convicted of transportation for prostitution but avoided the most serious federal charges in a closely watched trial
Sean Combs, the music and business mogul once known as “Puff Daddy” and “Diddy”, has been found guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution, but acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy — the two most serious charges federal prosecutors had built their case around over six weeks in a New York courtroom.
The Sean Combs verdict, delivered on Wednesday after 12 hours of jury deliberation, shocked many observers inside and outside the federal courthouse on Pearl Street in downtown Manhattan. Prosecutors had argued that Combs used his company, Combs Enterprises (formerly Combs Global), as a criminal organization to traffic and abuse women, but jurors did not agree with the broader conspiracy claims.
A Mixed Outcome After a High-Profile Trial
As the foreman of the 12-person jury read the decision aloud, Combs, visibly emotional, knelt in front of his chair, bowed his head in prayer, and then turned toward the gallery to applause and cheers. Federal marshals then escorted him from the courtroom.
“Mr. Combs has been given his life by this jury,” said lead defense attorney Marc Agnifilo, adding that his client “treasures the opportunity that he has been given.”
Judge Arun Subramanian, who presided over the case, praised the jury’s dedication during the nearly two-month trial.
“You worked together. You were here every day, rain or shine… That should give all of us hope,” the judge told the jurors, before confirming that they were free to speak publicly if they wished.
Next Steps: Will Combs Be Released or Jailed?
Despite being acquitted on major charges, Combs remains in custody as the court deliberates whether to release him on conditions. His attorneys asked for immediate release, while federal prosecutor Maurene Comey strongly opposed the request, stating Combs could face up to 20 years in prison based on the counts for which he was convicted.
“Mr. Combs does not respect the law,” Comey argued, adding that he poses a risk of reoffending if freed.
Judge Subramanian will review letters from both parties before ruling on Combs’ release later today.
Cassie’s Role and Public Reaction
Two of the central witnesses in the trial were singer Cassie (Casandra Ventura) and another woman identified only as “Jane.” Both alleged prolonged abuse and control by Combs, including participation in disturbing acts under duress.
Although Combs was not convicted of sex trafficking, Ventura’s attorney Douglas Wigdor emphasized that her courage helped the jury reach its partial guilty verdict.
“Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice,” Wigdor said in a statement to ABC News. “She’s happy he’s been held responsible for federal crimes — something that’s never happened before in his life.”
Charges Combs Was Facing: A Breakdown
Over the course of the trial, federal prosecutors laid out an elaborate list of alleged crimes tied to Combs and his inner circle:
- Sex trafficking: Coercion of women into sex acts, sometimes involving commercial sex workers
- Forced labor: Women allegedly forced to participate in multi-day events called “freak-offs”
- Kidnapping: Assistant Capricorn Clark testified about being abducted and taken to Kid Cudi’s home during an emotional rage
- Arson: Combs was linked to a Molotov cocktail attack on Kid Cudi’s Porsche
- Bribery: Alleged payment of $100,000 to secure surveillance footage of an altercation with Cassie
- Obstruction of justice: The enterprise was accused of silencing victims and witnesses
- Narcotics: Drugs allegedly procured and distributed by staffers for use during private sex parties
The Defense: A Tale of Two Trials
Combs’ defense team mounted an aggressive counter, frequently challenging witnesses and questioning the prosecution’s narrative. At one point, the judge admonished the defense for aggressive cross-examinations that bordered on bullying.
Agnifilo argued that the government was “twisting consensual, non-traditional sex acts into crimes” and building what he called a “fake trial” around it.
“There were two trials happening here,” Agnifilo said. “One created by the prosecutors’ narrative, and another based on actual evidence — that of a successful Black entrepreneur.”
Combs did not take the stand, and his legal team called no witnesses, choosing instead to focus on dismantling the prosecution’s case during cross-examination.
A Cultural Moment Beyond the Courtroom
Outside the courthouse, a throng of content creators, hip-hop fans, media personalities, and spectators gathered as the Sean Combs verdict was announced — a symbolic moment in an industry reckoning with its powerful figures and long-ignored allegations of abuse.
The outcome may not have delivered the maximum penalty prosecutors sought, but it represents a historic turning point in Combs’ career and legacy — one that could have long-lasting consequences for both his business empire and public image.