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By Jenna Sundel and Joshua Rhett Miller
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The jury in the Sean "Diddy" Combs trial acquitted the hip-hop mogul on the top charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, a stunning blow to federal prosecutors who alleged Combs presided over a sprawling criminal enterprise.
The jury convicted Combs on:
- Count 3: Transportation to engage in prostitution involving Casandra Ventura
- Count 5: Transportation to engage in prostitution involving "Jane," an ex-girlfriend of Combs who testified under a pseudonym
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He was acquitted on:
- Count 1: Racketeering conspiracy
- Count 2: Sex trafficking of Casandra Ventura
- Count 4: Sex trafficking of "Jane"
The Context
The jury deliberated for more than 13 hours over three days after an eight-week trial at a federal courthouse in Lower Manhattan, where no cameras were allowed. The prosecution rested its case on June 24, having called 34 witnesses. The defense called no witnesses.
What To Know
Combs held the hand of defense attorney Teny Geragos as the verdict was read. His children and mother were inside the courtroom.
Many individuals in the overflow room applauded after the jury announced that they found Combs not guilty on three charges. Supporters of Combs celebrated outside the courthouse following the verdict.
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Ventura's lawyer, Douglas H. Wigdor, said that the criminal case originated from her courage in filing a lawsuit against Combs in 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," Wigdor said in a statement. "By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice."
Combs is facing a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for each transportation to engage in prostitution conviction. The judge said he needs time to rule on whether Combs can be released pending sentencing. The defense requested he be released on $1 million bond, while the prosecution argued for him to remain incarcerated.
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What People Are Saying
Lonnie Hart, Jr., a criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor, in comments sent to Newsweek: "I'm not surprised at the verdict at all. The racketeering charge was ill conceived from the beginning. The prostitution charges were much easier to prove."
Douglas H. Wigdor, Cassie Ventura's lawyer, in a statement: "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."
ABC News Chief Legal Analyst Dan Abrams, on X, formerly Twitter: "Convictions in #DiddyTrial just on transportation for prostitution (counts 3 and 5) is a win for him. It could have been a lot worse."
What Happens Next
The judge is expected to make a decision later Wednesday on whether Combs must remain in custody as he awaits sentencing.
Follow Newsweek's live blog for up-to-the-minute developments on this story.
Update 7/2/25, 11:29 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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