Sean 'Diddy' Combs found not guilty of sex trafficking, but convicted of minor offenses

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Key Points

Sean Combs was found guilty on two counts of transporting women for prostitution but cleared of trafficking charges.
The jury rejected the prosecution’s claim that “violence and fear” compelled victims to perform sex acts.
Combs faces up to 10 years for each of the two counts, though sentencing guidelines suggest a shorter prison term.

This article contains references to sexual abuse and domestic violence.

Sean “Diddy” Combs has been cleared in a federal New York court of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put him behind bars for life, but was found guilty of lesser prostitution-related offences.

The verdict is a partial win for Combs, a former rapper and music mogul, and a blow to prosecutors who said Combs used “violence and fear” to abuse women.

The 12-member jury unanimously convicted him on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, but acquitted Combs of racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking two of his former romantic partners: the rhythm and blues singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, and a woman known in court by the pseudonym Jane.

After the judge dismissed the jury and lawyers for both sides, Combs knelt before his chair and appeared to pray. Combs then rose and faced the courtroom gallery.

“‘I’m gonna be home soon,” he said, smiling and clasping his hands. “I love you. Thank you, I love you.”

Combs’ family and supporters erupted into applause and cheers.

On Thursday AEST, Combs’ bid to be released from jail ahead of his sentencing was rejected as US district judge Arun Subramanian denied him bail.

A courtroom sketch of a man on his knees with his head against his hand on a chair.

Sean “Diddy” Combs fell to his knees and knelt against a chair after learning of the verdict. Source: AAP / AP / Elizabeth Williams

Combs, 55, who had pleaded not guilty to all five counts, faces a maximum 10-year prison sentence on each of the two prostitution counts.

Prosecutors acknowledged in a court filing that federal sentencing guidelines appeared to recommend a maximum sentence of around half that time. Combs’ lawyers argued that two years would be the outer limit.

The trial focused on prosecutors’ allegations that Combs, for two decades, used his business empire to force Ventura and Jane to take part in drug-fuelled, days-long sexual performances sometimes known as “freak-offs” with male sex workers in hotel rooms while Combs watched.

Prosecutors unsuccessfully argued that Combs’ conduct towards both women amounted to sex trafficking because he compelled Ventura and Jane to take part in the performances using physical violence and threats to withhold financial support or leak sexually explicit images of them.

Acquittal on three charges

The jury’s acquittal on the most serious charges signals the prosecution failed to draw a direct line between Combs’ abuse of Ventura and Jane and their participation in the sexual performances.

The defence acknowledged Combs engaged in domestic violence, but argued that Ventura and Jane consensually took part in the sexual performances because they wanted to please Combs.

Sean "Diddy" Combs, wearing a white tuxedo, is standing in front of a large group of photographers.

Sean “Diddy” Combs still faces dozens of civil lawsuits accusing him of abuse. Source: Getty / Gareth Cattermole

Defence lawyers accused prosecutors of trying to criminalise Combs’ private sex life.

The Bad Boy Records founder could have faced life in prison if he were convicted of sex trafficking or racketeering conspiracy.

Combs, once famed for hosting lavish parties for the cultural elite in luxurious locales like the Hamptons and Saint-Tropez, has been held in federal lockup in Brooklyn since his September 2024 arrest.

In a statement after the verdict, the Manhattan US attorney’s office, which brought the case, said sex crimes were “all too present” across society.

With the criminal trial over, Combs still faces dozens of civil lawsuits accusing him of abuse.

Ventura sued him in November 2023 for sex trafficking, and they settled a day later for US$20 million ($30 million).

Combs, once known for turning artists like Notorious BIG and Usher into stars, has denied all wrongdoing.

After the verdict, Ventura’s lawyer said in a statement she had “paved the way” for Combs’ conviction.

If you or someone you know is impacted by family and domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.