Sean “Diddy” Combs was acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking on Wednesday but found guilty of lesser charges, following a federal trial where he faced allegations of sexual abuse and forced drug-related acts.
After three days of deliberation, the jury found Combs, 55, not guilty of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, but guilty of two counts of transporting for prostitution.
Later on, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian denied Combs’ bail, stating he could not prove he wouldn’t pose a danger.
The verdict was viewed as a favorable outcome for Combs and his defense team, which did not present any witnesses during the seven-week trial. Following the announcement, his family remained in the background, applauding. Combs knelt in prayer, and upon exiting the courtroom, he expressed gratitude to his family.
Teny Geragos, one of Combs’ attorneys, cried with relief as the defense team celebrated. Lead attorney Marc Agnifilo requested that Judge Subramanian release Combs from federal detention, where he has spent nearly a year, proposing a $1 million bond and home confinement in Miami.
Combs has been a “model prisoner” who is “in the process of working on himself” and has no plans to flee, Agnifilo said.
Judge Subramanian denied the claim, quoting Combs’ attorneys saying, “we own the domestic violence,” and noting prosecutors had shown evidence of Combs’ long history of violence.”
“He continues to be a danger to others,” Subramanian said.
Judge Subramanian scheduled sentencing for October 3. According to the judge, prosecutors are requesting a prison term of four to five years.
Combs’ family, including his mother Janice and son Justin, left the courthouse soon after the verdict as supporters chanted, “Free Puff!” Janice later returned briefly to greet onlookers.
Outside the court, Combs’ supporters marked the verdict with a baby oil celebration, referencing witness testimony. A woman in a bikini danced as a man poured baby oil on her from a ledge.
During the trial, a jury heard the U.S. government accuse Combs, founder of Bad Boy Records, of using his influence to sexually abuse and exploit women over two decades.
The defense argued to the jury that the case was overstated and asserted that the trial centered on consensual activities associated with a “swingers” lifestyle, which included aspects of violent behavior and the presence of drugs and baby oil.
Nearly three dozen government witnesses, including former personal assistants, stylists, and label artists, provided testimony to the jury. Some testified voluntarily, while others received immunity in exchange for their cooperation. Three women—among them Cassie, whose legal name is Casandra Ventura—played central roles in the proceedings, offering detailed accounts related to allegations of sexual assault, violence, and purported threats of blackmail.
Combs’ lawyers did not call any witnesses, and Combs chose not to testify, relying instead on cross-examination of government witnesses. Ventura’s attorney, Doug Wigdor, said his team had hoped for convictions on the sex crimes and racketeering charges, but was satisfied that Combs will face significant jail time for lesser offenses.
