Sean Combs’ legal victory in avoiding sex trafficking and racketeering convictions renews scrutiny on the music industry’s failure to hold its stars accountable.
Sean “Diddy” Combs may have escaped the harshest charges in his federal trial this week, but his acquittal on sex trafficking and racketeering counts has reignited a storm of criticism about how the music industry continues to protect its powerful—even when their abuse plays out on camera. For many industry insiders and victims’ advocates, the verdict is less a conclusion and more a symptom of an entertainment culture still entrenched in silence, misogyny, and unchecked power.
ALSO READ: Hollywood Reacts to Sean “Diddy” Combs Verdict
The outcome has left advocates like Tiffany Red, a longtime industry watchdog and close friend of accuser Cassie Ventura, reeling. “I’m tired of living in a world where money, power, misogyny and patriarchy continue to win,” she wrote on Instagram just hours after the ruling. Though Combs was found guilty of two lesser counts related to prostitution, his acquittal on the more serious racketeering and sex trafficking charges has many questioning whether justice was truly served.
Despite avoiding a potential life sentence, Combs remains behind bars, denied bail until his sentencing in October. The two counts he was convicted of could carry up to 20 years, though it’s unclear how much time he’ll actually serve. Meanwhile, a series of civil lawsuits still await him, and public trust seems all but shattered.
What’s certain is that the world saw video evidence of violence. What’s uncertain is whether the music industry—long accused of shielding its biggest names from consequences—will do anything differently moving forward.
A music entrepreneur who’s worked with major labels didn’t mince words: “He’s a monster. And the reality is the music industrial complex has protected him for decades.” That sentiment is echoed in hushed tones by others across the business. Of seven executives interviewed by The Hollywood Reporter, none agreed to be named—each citing fear of retaliation or industry backlash.
One high-profile communications executive added, “The music industry is lawless, and people have very short memories. Bad behavior is baked into its foundation. Sex, drugs, rock and roll—it was always glorified. Never punished.”
Indeed, history shows that artists accused of violent or abusive behavior rarely disappear entirely. Chris Brown pled guilty to assaulting Rihanna in 2009 and has since released eight major-label albums and continues to sell out arenas. Kanye West lost representation after antisemitic outbursts, only to find new booking agents. Ryan Adams, accused by seven women in 2019 of sexual misconduct and emotional abuse, is still booking venues.
“What’s changed, really?” asks the same communications executive. “Russell Simmons still walks red carpets. Marilyn Manson still tours. R. Kelly was only truly erased after he was imprisoned.”
Combs’ music empire may be in ruins, but the road back—even if unlikely—remains theoretically open. Some industry veterans say the bar for cancellation is still too high. “If you can find talent and deliver hits,” said one label founder, “you’re fair game in the record business. He’s persona non grata for now, but I wouldn’t count him out.”
Dr. Ann Olivarius, a leading women’s rights attorney, disagrees. “The court of public opinion won’t be forgiving,” she said. “The damage is done. Survivors matter—even if their abuser is powerful.”
Another female executive was more blunt: “He might still release music, but he won’t have a career with a caring audience. You don’t get to come back from this.”
A prominent A&R insider added, “He was already over the hill before the scandal. Add the hotel video? He’s finished.”
Still, some fear that without real consequences, history could repeat itself. “There’s no next #MeToo,” one exec said. “I think it’s over. What else would it take?”
Until Combs’ sentencing—and beyond—the case will likely remain a touchstone for conversations about power, accountability, and the slow progress of cultural change in music. As Tiffany Red put it, “Far too many people are guilty of corruption and abuse in this industry, but very few are exposed, and almost none are held accountable.”