The jury has reached its verdict in the sex trafficking case against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
Jurors have found Sean “Diddy” Combs’ guilty on prostitution charges, but acquitted the mogul of more serious racketeering and sex trafficking charges.
Combs could still face 10 years behind bars for his two convictions on transportation to engage in prostitution charges, related to his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and a woman who testified under the name “Jane.”
Jurors had told the judge on Monday that they could only reach a verdict on 4 of the 5 charges, but not the most serious racketeering charge. They were dismissed for the day and returned this morning, where they quickly appeared to reach a verdict.
Federal prosecutors allege that Combs forced or coerced multiple women — including ex-girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and another who testified under the pseudonym “Jane” — to take part in choreographed sex acts involving male escorts, referred to in court as “freak offs” or “hotel nights.”
The case, brought in September 2024 by the Southern District of New York, claims Combs leveraged his vast business network to carry out a range of criminal activity as part of an organized racketeering scheme.
The trial began in May, with the prosecution presenting 34 witnesses over 29 days of testimony.
The feds are locking down the street around the federal courthouse, barring anyone from entering or leaving.
Throngs of reporters are still outside along with Combs’ supporters, one of whom could be seen covering himself in baby oil.
The parties are expected back in the courtroom at 1 p.m. to discuss whether Combs should be released on bond or remain in detention pending his sentencing. Combs’ legal team will also address the media this afternoon.
The feds are preparing for the possibility that Combs, who has been locked up since September, could be released from custody today.
Workers could be seen setting up and rearranging barricades nearby the courthouse, likely in expectation of a huge crowd should Combs be allowed to walk out a free man.
In a statement, the prosecution credited the “brave victims” for coming forward and telling their stories.
“Prosecuting sex crimes requires brave victims to come forward and tell their harrowing stories,” read a statement by U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton and HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Ricky J. Patel. “We and our law enforcement partners recognize the hardships victims endure and have prioritized a victim-centered approach to investigating and prosecuting these cases.”
Combs could theoretically face up to 20 years behind bars for the offenses he was convicted of — but a legal expert predicts he’ll get little more than a slap on the wrist.
Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor and legal commentator, tells PEOPLE that with a two-count conviction on transportation to engage in prostitution charges, he is “likely going to get little to no time.”
“He may even get time served,” says Rahmani. “The government would not have brought this case had they thought they could only get prostitution.”
Rahmani describes the verdict as “a huge overwhelming win by the defense and a tremendous loss for the prosecution,” adding it was “the most expensive prostitution trial in American history.”
50 Cent, whose longtime beef with Diddy has given way to him becoming one of the mogul’s most prolific online trolls during the trial, has reacted to the verdict.
“Diddy beat the Feds that boy a bad man ! 👏👏👏 beat the Rico, he the Gay John Gotti,” the rapper posted on Instagram.
Outside the federal courthouse, a throng of Combs’ supporters were jubilant upon hearing the news Combs was acquitted of the most serious charges.
Supporters chanted “Free Puff” and “Bad Boy” upon learning the verdict.
Combs’ family members flashed wide smiles as they exited the courthouse, and his octogenarian mother Janice gave a thumbs up to assembled cameras.
Douglas Wigdor, a lawyer for Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, released a statement following the verdict.
“This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023. Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution. By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice. We must repeat – with no reservation – that we believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial. She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion. This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors.”
Combs may have been convicted on prostitution offenses, but his acquittal on the most serious charges he faced left him and his camp elated.
He could be heard saying “thank you” repeatedly and telling his mother he loves her, while his family chanted that his lawyers were a “dream team.”
One lawyer, Teny Geragos, appeared to be crying tears of joy.
Judge Subramanian has adjourned proceedings until 1 p.m. today as he considers arguments on whether to release Combs from custody.
Prosecutors judge he remains a flight risk while potentially facing 20 years behind bars on prostitution charges, but his lawyers are seeking his immediate release on $1 million bond.
Federal prosecutors oppose Combs’ release on bond, alleging he remains a flight risk and assaulted Jane even after knowing authorities were closing in on him.
Combs’ lawyers are requesting he be released from custody immediately on $1 million bond.
The jury has been escorted out of the courtroom.
Combs’ lawyer Marc Agnifilo is now requesting he be released from custody on bond to live in his Florida home ahead of his sentencing.
“Is your proposal that Mr. Combs leave the courtroom and walk outside,” Judge Subramanian asked.
“That is my proposal,” replied Agnifilo.
Combs has been incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest by federal authorities last September.
The jury’s verdict has been read: not guilty on racketeering conspiracy or sex trafficking charges, guilty on transportation to engage in prostitution.
He could still face a maximum of 20 years for the charges he was convicted on — 10 years for each count.
The jury informed Judge Subramanian that it had reached a verdict shortly after 10 a.m. Combs’ fate should be read in the courtroom soon.
Earlier, Combs could be seen leading his family in a prayer as they waited out deliberations. “Let us pray, please watch over my family, amen” he said, to applause from his supporters in the courtroom.
The jury will continue deliberating the racketeering conspiracy charge on Wednesday, July 2, after reaching verdicts on four of the five counts the previous day.
They reached a unanimous verdict on counts of sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution after over 12 hours over deliberation, though the verdicts haven’t been read aloud in court.
In a note to Judge Arun Subramanian, jurors cited “unpersuadable opinions on both sides.”
Prosecutors want the judge to issue an Allen charge — a directive urging jurors to reconsider their positions when deadlocked. Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo opposes it.
The Fully Informed Jury Association says an Allen charge promotes reevaluation but doesn’t force a juror to change their vote.
In court, Combs appeared serious as deliberations continued under increasing pressure for resolution.
