KUALA LUMPUR — Disgraced American rapper and music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is found guilty of prostitution-related charges but has been acquitted of more serious offences, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, following nearly a two-month federal trial in New York City.
According to CNBC, the jury found Combs guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, each carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years, but cleared him of sex trafficking and racketeering — charges which could have seen him face a mandatory maximum of 15 years to life in prison.
The verdict marked a mixed outcome for prosecutors, who had accused the 55-year-old musician of using his wealth and influence to run a criminal enterprise that sexually exploited women over two decades.
The trial, held at the Manhattan Federal Court, heard harrowing testimonies from two of Combs’ former romantic partners, including singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and another woman known by the pseudonym Jane.
Both women alleged they were physically abused and coerced into taking part in what prosecutors described as “freak offs”—sexually charged events involving male escorts that Combs would allegedly orchestrate, watch, and sometimes film.
Jurors were shown a 2016 hotel surveillance video in which Combs was seen kicking and dragging Ventura, a key piece of evidence that demonstrated a pattern of control and violence.
Ventura, who testified while eight months pregnant, told the court that Combs had pressured her into sexual acts and threatened to leak recordings if she disobeyed him.
Prosecutors claimed Combs used “power, violence and fear to get what he wanted,” arguing he often manipulated his partners using threats, financial control, and physical abuse.
Despite the graphic testimony and claims of manipulation, the jury ultimately found that the government had not met the burden of proof on the more serious racketeering and sex trafficking charges.
Combs, who has been held in federal custody in Brooklyn since his arrest in September 2024, appeared emotional after the verdict.
Kneeling at his seat before rising to address supporters, he said, “I’m gonna be home soon. I love you. Thank you, I love you,” prompting cheers from family and fans in the courtroom.
His legal team, while acknowledging Combs had been violent in some domestic situations, argued that the sexual encounters were consensual and accused prosecutors of trying to criminalise his private sex life.
“If he was charged with domestic violence, we wouldn’t all be here,” defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo said during his closing arguments.
US District Judge Arun Subramanian is expected to sentence Combs at a later date. The court has requested written arguments from both sides on whether Combs should be granted bail in the meantime.
Combs—known throughout his career by various stage names including Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, and Love—is also facing numerous civil suits alleging sexual assault and abuse. In 2023, he settled a high-profile civil case filed by Ventura for US$20 million (RM94 million).
Once a towering figure in the American entertainment industry, Combs built his empire through Bad Boy Records, launching the careers of major artists such as The Notorious B.I.G. and Usher, and later expanded into fashion, alcohol, and media ventures.
Despite the partial acquittal, the verdict caps a dramatic fall from grace for the Harlem-born entrepreneur, who is now left to face both the legal and reputational consequences of years of alleged abuse. — July 2, 2025