In a high-profile federal trial in New York, Sean “Diddy” Combs was acquitted of the most serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy but found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. The jury of eight men and four women delivered a split verdict after nearly two months of testimony.
Combs was charged with five counts: racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution. The jury found him not guilty on the racketeering charge and both sex trafficking counts but convicted him on the two transportation charges related to his former partners Cassie Ventura and a woman identified as “Jane.”
The verdict follows allegations that Combs used his influence to coerce women into participating in sex parties and sexually exploit them over two decades. Despite the serious accusations, Combs has consistently denied all wrongdoing.
He faces up to 10 years in prison for each transportation conviction, while the acquittals on sex trafficking and racketeering charges spare him from potential life sentences. His lead attorney has requested his release pending sentencing.
The trial included testimony from several celebrities and former associates, including Cassie Ventura and Dawn Richard, who accused Combs of abuse. The jury’s mixed verdict reflects the complexity of the case and the difficulty in proving coordinated criminal enterprise involvement.
Judge Arun Subramanian will determine Combs’ release status and sentencing in the coming days.
