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Summary
Music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs was found guilty of two prostitution-related charges but acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering in the federal trial. The verdict sparked public outrage and renewed support for survivors, including his former partner, Cassie Ventura.
Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been convicted of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution following a high-profile federal trial in New York. However, he was acquitted of the more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, sparking outrage across social media platforms.
After days of deliberation, a jury in the U.S. District Court in Manhattan delivered the verdict on July 2, 2025. Sean Diddy now faces up to 20 years in prison for the two convictions, with each count carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years. Prosecutors estimate he may serve between 51 and 63 months, approximately four to five years. He has already served 10 months, which will count toward his sentence.
The charges stem from a grand jury indictment initially unsealed in September 2024 and expanded to five counts by April 2025. Sean Combs pleaded not guilty to all charges. The final verdicts were as follows:
- Count 1: Racketeering Conspiracy – Not Guilty
- Count 2: Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, or Coercion (Casandra Ventura) – Not Guilty
- Count 3: Transportation to Engage in Prostitution (Casandra Ventura) – Guilty
- Count 4: Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, or Coercion (“Jane”) – Not Guilty
- Count 5: Transportation to Engage in Prostitution (“Jane”) – Guilty
While Sean Combs avoided the more severe sex trafficking charges, the verdict drew sharp reactions from the public, especially from women and supporters of his survivors, including singer Cassie Ventura, who previously settled a civil case against him.
American pop singer Kesha expressed support for Cassie on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“Cassie, I believe you. I love you. Your strength is a beacon for every survivor.”
Other women on X voiced their anger and disappointment:
@Shanika_WM expressed frustration over the verdict and emphasised the need for jury education on domestic and sexual violence:
“So so disappointing on the Diddy charges. The evidence was there. And that’s why Cassie went civil, because why should she have to go through all that for not guilty?”
@_RAYtedr posted: “Predominantly male jury. Not shocked by this unfortunately.”
@ulxma added: “I’m so heartbroken at the verdict. Super terrified for other survivors and witnesses. It’s almost like the only thing they achieved was having everyone relive their trauma. Defeating.”
Following the verdict, Sean Combs’ legal team faces mounting opposition to his release, with Cassie Ventura among those publicly opposing his return to federal custody. Judge Arun Subramanian denied Combs bail, stating that the offences triggered mandatory detention and rejecting the defence’s appeal.
A tentative sentencing date has been scheduled for October 3, 2025.
