American music mogul and hip-hop heavyweight, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, wore a mix of relief and emotion as the jury returned its verdict in his high-profile sex trafficking and racketeering trial. In a dramatic courtroom moment, Diddy pumped his fist in the air and mouthed “thank you” to the jurors; a clear sign of gratitude for not being convicted on the more serious racketeering and sex-trafficking counts.
The verdict, which followed weeks of intense testimonies and cross-examinations, found the Bad Boy Records founder guilty on only two of five charges, sparing him a harsher outcome that could have included a decades-long sentence.
Specifically, the jury found that Sean “Diddy” Combs is:
Not guilty of Count 1: Racketeering conspiracy
Not guilty of Count 2: Sex-trafficking of Cassie Ventura
Guilty of Count 3: Transportation for prostitution of Cassie and others
Not guilty of Count 4: Sex-trafficking of Jane
Guilty of Count 5: Transportation for prostitution of Jane and others
The two guilty verdicts both centered around “transportation to engage in prostitution” refer to incidents involving Cassie Ventura, Diddy’s longtime ex-girlfriend, and a second woman who testified under the pseudonym “Jane.” Jane, who dated Combs between early 2021 and his arrest in 2024, had delivered emotional testimony about her experiences.
The courtroom was tense as the jury’s decision was read aloud. While Diddy avoided convictions on the more explosive charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, the guilty findings still carry significant weight. Legal experts say sentencing for transportation for prostitution could still involve prison time and massive reputational fallout.
The trial drew widespread attention, fueled by years of speculation, industry whispers, and the wave of lawsuits filed against Combs in recent months. While he has continuously denied wrongdoing, the guilty verdicts are a major legal and personal blow to the once-celebrated mogul, who helped shape modern hip-hop and launched the careers of countless stars.
Reactions have poured in from across the music world and social media, with opinions sharply divided. Some argue that the outcome was a partial victory for justice, while others claim Diddy was targeted due to his celebrity status.
The sentencing phase of the trial is expected to begin soon, with legal observers keeping a close eye on how the court weighs the mixed verdict and how it affects the legacy of one of hip-hop’s most influential and controversial figures.
