NEW YORK — In a dramatic split verdict that sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was found guilty Wednesday on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution while being acquitted of the more serious sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges that could have resulted in life imprisonment.
According to ABC News, the 55-year-old music executive pumped his fist and mouthed “thank you” to jurors when he heard he was found not guilty of racketeering conspiracy, the most serious charge.
However, his relief was tempered when the guilty verdicts were read for the prostitution-related offenses, causing him to rub his forehead in apparent distress.
Emotional Courtroom Scene
The Washington Post reports that Combs was overcome with emotion as the verdict was delivered after three days of jury deliberations.
Following the reading of the verdict, Combs dropped to his knees in the courtroom and appeared to pray, while his legal team embraced each other as his family erupted in applause.
“I’m coming home, baby! I’m coming home!” NBC News reported Combs telling his family, including his mother Janice Combs and six adult children, as the jury left the courtroom.
His mother was later seen giving a thumbs up to photographers outside the Manhattan federal courthouse.
The Charges and Verdict Breakdown
As detailed by CNN, the jury reached their decision after approximately 14 hours of deliberation across three days.
The panel of eight men and four women struggled particularly with the racketeering conspiracy charge, initially reporting they were deadlocked with “unpersuadable opinions on both sides.”
According to Al Jazeera, here’s how the verdict broke down:
- Count 1: Racketeering conspiracy – Not Guilty (potential life sentence avoided)
- Count 2: Sex trafficking of Cassie Ventura – Not Guilty
- Count 3: Transportation to engage in prostitution (Cassie Ventura) – Guilty
- Count 4: Sex trafficking of “Jane” – Not Guilty
- Count 5: Transportation to engage in prostitution (“Jane”) – Guilty
Prosecution’s Case and Key Testimony
The Associated Press reports that prosecutors alleged Combs operated a criminal enterprise that coerced women into drug-fueled sexual encounters with male escorts during events dubbed “freak-offs.”
The government’s case relied heavily on testimony from two of Combs’ former girlfriends, including singer Cassie Ventura and another woman who testified under the pseudonym “Jane.”
According to HuffPost, both women testified that Combs forced them to participate in sex marathons with male prostitutes in hotel rooms, providing them drugs like Ecstasy and MDMA to stay awake for the encounters, some of which he allegedly recorded.
BREAKING: Sean “Diddy” Combs found guilty on 2 counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, but acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking charges. Each guilty count carries maximum 10 years. #DiddyTrial
— Court Watch (@CourtWatchNews) July 2, 2025
Cassie Ventura’s Reaction
The verdict represents a partial victory for Cassie Ventura, whose 2023 lawsuit against Combs sparked the federal investigation.
CNN reports that Ventura’s attorney, Douglas Wigdor, said outside court that his client is “pleased that he’s found guilty and held responsible to federal crimes, something that he’s never been held responsible in his entire life.”
“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,” Wigdor stated, according to ABC News.
He added confidently, “I feel confident in saying he still faces substantial incarceration.”
Sentencing and Immediate Future
Reuters reports that each charge of transportation to engage in prostitution carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, meaning Combs could face up to 20 years behind bars.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Ryan Comey told the court that the government plans to pursue “significant incarceration.”
The defense immediately pushed for Combs’ release pending sentencing.
As reported by NBC News, defense attorney Marc Agnifilo argued, “I am not saying it is not a serious crime. It is a crime of a vastly different nature. I believe that a significant change in conditions is warranted.”
The judge has yet to decide whether Combs will be released on bail while awaiting sentencing, with both sides ordered to submit letters by 1 p.m. ET on the matter.
Defense Strategy and Trial Highlights
Fox News notes that Combs’ defense team, which his family members dubbed the “dream team” after the verdict, chose not to call any witnesses during the trial, resting their case after just 30 minutes.
The strategy focused on arguing that all sexual encounters were consensual and that Combs was being unfairly targeted by overzealous prosecutors.
The Washington Post reports that defense attorney Marc Agnifilo acknowledged in closing arguments that while Combs engaged in domestic violence, he was not guilty of the sex trafficking charges:
“If he was charged with domestic violence, we wouldn’t all be here having a trial because he would have pled guilty because he did that. He did not do the things he’s charged with.”
Industry Impact and Public Reaction
Billboard reports that the verdict marks a significant moment for the music industry, with Combs’ Bad Boy Records having launched the careers of numerous hip-hop and R&B stars in the 1990s.
The mixed verdict leaves questions about his future in the entertainment business.
Outside the courthouse, CBS News captured scenes of media frenzy, with dozens of traditional outlets and online streamers jostling for position.
One supporter was seen holding a Sean John t-shirt, referencing Combs’ fashion brand, while others expressed mixed reactions to the split verdict.
What’s Next
According to Deadline, sentencing will be scheduled in the coming weeks, with legal experts suggesting Combs could receive between 5-10 years per count based on federal sentencing guidelines.
The mogul has been held without bail at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center since his arrest in September 2024.
TMZ reports that Combs still faces over 70 civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault and misconduct, which could result in significant financial damages regardless of the criminal case outcome.
These civil cases are expected to proceed now that the criminal trial has concluded.
As reported by multiple outlets, ABC will air a special “Verdict: The Diddy Trial” at 10/9c Wednesday, with the program streaming next day on Hulu and Disney+, providing comprehensive coverage of this landmark case that has captivated the nation for over seven weeks.
