Music producer and rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs was found guilty this week on two charges of prostitution-related crimes. However, he was cleared of the more serious charges of sex trafficking and running a criminal group. The verdict was delivered by a jury in a New York federal court on Wednesday, July 2, after a long and emotional trial.
The jury found Diddy guilty of two counts of transporting women across state lines for prostitution. These charges are connected to two women: singer Cassie Ventura and another woman known only as “Jane.” These crimes fall under the federal Mann Act, which makes it illegal to take someone across state lines for illegal sexual activity.
Each count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years, but he may serve less time because the charges are considered misdemeanors.
The jury also found Diddy not guilty of three much more serious charges which are running a criminal group (racketeering) and two counts of sex trafficking. If he had been found guilty of those, he could have faced life in prison.
Prosecutors said Diddy used his fame and money to control and abuse women. They said he hosted wild “freak-off” parties where women were forced or pressured to take drugs and have sex with others, sometimes against their will.
Singer Cassie Ventura, who had a long relationship with Diddy, said in court that he physically and sexually abused her for years. She described being forced into sex acts, being hit, and being watched by security at all times.
In total, over 30 people gave testimony, including former employees and other women who described similar abuse.
Diddy’s lawyers admitted that he made “bad choices” in some of his relationships. But they argued that the women were not forced into anything and that the government failed to prove there was a criminal plan or sex trafficking.
When the jury read the verdict, Diddy dropped to his knees and appeared to cry. His family, including his children, hugged and smiled. Outside the court, his son Justin Combs said the family was thankful and believed the jury made the right decision.
However, not everyone agreed. Advocates for survivors of abuse said the verdict shows how difficult it is to hold powerful people accountable.
“This is a reminder that money and fame still matter too much in courtrooms,” said Lisa Goodman, who works with victims of sexual violence.
Diddy will stay in jail until his sentencing, which is set for October 3, 2025. The judge denied him bail, saying he might try to harm or threaten witnesses.
Prosecutors have asked the judge to sentence him to 4 to 5 years in prison. Diddy’s lawyers will likely ask for a lighter sentence, saying he has no previous criminal history and was cleared of the most serious charges.
This criminal trial may be over, but Diddy’s legal problems are not. He still faces more than 50 civil lawsuits, many of them from women accusing him of sexual abuse, physical violence, or emotional harm. These cases could lead to large financial settlements or more court hearings.
His business empire is also falling apart. Companies like Diageo, which worked with him on Cîroc vodka and DeLeón tequila, have ended their partnerships. His fashion and media brands have lost deals as well.
This case has brought attention to how abuse can happen behind closed doors, even when the person accused is rich and famous. Some people believe justice was served, while others say the outcome shows how hard it is to win serious charges against powerful celebrities.
Sean Combs, once seen as a symbol of success in the music and business world, now faces the possibility of years in prison—and a long road of legal battles ahead.
