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In September 2024, Sean “Diddy” Combs, the 55-year-old music mogul behind Bad Boy Entertainment, was indicted in the Southern District of New York on five federal charges: racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and two counts of transporting individuals to aid in prostitution. Prosecutors alleged that Combs orchestrated coercive, drug-fueled sexual events known as “Freak-Offs,” and maintained control over participants through manipulation, surveillance, and financial incentives. The allegations also included attempts to destroy or conceal evidence.
The trial began in May 2025 in Manhattan federal court under Judge Arun Subramanian. Jury selection was intensive due to the case’s visibility and high-profile nature. In their opening statements, federal prosecutors framed Combs as the architect of an abusive environment that exploited young women and maintained loyalty through fear and power.
The Prosecution’s Case
Over the course of seven weeks, the government presented 34 witnesses. Among them:
- Cassie Ventura, Combs’ former partner, who testified about sustained physical abuse, threats, and coerced sex acts.
- A witness referred to as “Jane,” who described being compelled to participate in multi-day group sex events.
- Rapper Kid Cudi, who described alleged acts of intimidation, including the destruction of a car following a personal dispute.
- Former employees and assistants who described a climate of secrecy, fear, and compliance, including the management of escorts and destruction of digital evidence.
Text messages, hotel surveillance requests, and financial transactions were introduced to support claims that Combs controlled both the people and infrastructure used in these operations.
The Defense Strategy
Combs did not testify in his own defense. His attorneys argued that the relationships described were consensual and that no criminal enterprise existed. They worked to discredit witnesses and questioned the motivations behind the allegations, particularly those from individuals who had previously settled civil claims. The defense presented no witnesses, instead relying on cross-examination and documentation to challenge the prosecution’s narrative.
Jury Deliberations
The jury began deliberations on June 30, 2025. After two days, they informed the court they had reached consensus on four charges but remained deadlocked on one. On the third day, they delivered a split verdict.T he jury consisted of 12 individuals, seven women and five men, ranging in age from their late 20s to early 60s. They represented a cross-section of Manhattan’s diverse population, including professionals in healthcare, education, and finance, as well as two retirees. During jury selection, attorneys from both sides spent significant time probing potential jurors’ views on celebrity culture, sexual assault cases, and media influence. Ultimately, the selected panel was instructed to set aside public opinion and judge solely on the evidence presented in court.
Final Verdict
The jury found Combs not guilty of one count of racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. However, he was found guilty of two counts of transporting individuals to engage in prostitution. Each count carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
The trial spanned a total of 27 days in court, including opening statements, witness testimony, cross-examinations, and closing arguments. In total, 34 individuals testified during the proceedings.
Throughout the trial, several members of Combs’ family attended in support, including his mother Janice Combs, his sons Justin and Christian, and his twin daughters Jessie and D’Lila. Their presence in the courtroom drew media attention and demonstrated the family’s public solidarity.
What the Verdict Means
The acquittals indicate that the jury was not convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that Combs ran an organized criminal enterprise or used coercion in his interactions. However, the guilty verdicts on transportation charges confirm that the jury found credible evidence that Combs knowingly arranged travel for the purpose of facilitating prostitution, a federal crime.
Sentencing will be scheduled in the coming months. Combs could face up to 20 years in prison, depending on the court’s assessment and sentencing guidelines. His legal team has signaled plans to appeal the convictions, arguing potential errors in legal interpretation and jury instruction.
Though cleared of the most serious charges, the guilty verdicts mark a significant legal and reputational blow. The trial may influence how future cases of sexual misconduct and abuse of power are prosecuted, especially in the entertainment industry. For now, Sean Combs faces a narrowed, but still very real, set of legal consequences.
