Diddy Guilty — But Not for What You Think
Diddy performing at the eTalk Festival Party, during the Toronto International Film Festival, 2008. Photo by Richard Burdett under CC BY 3.0.
Sean "Diddy" Combs once reigned over the music world. Today, he's a convicted felon facing up to 20 years in prison. But the jury's decision — part guilty, part not — left the courtroom stunned and the public divided.
The Charges and the Verdict
On July 2, a Manhattan federal jury found Combs guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, violations of the federal Mann Act.
However, he was acquitted of the more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.
Jurors deliberated for three days before reaching their split verdict. They found Combs guilty in cases involving both Casandra "Cassie" Ventura and another woman referred to as "Jane," but only on the prostitution-related counts.
The not-guilty verdicts spared him from a potential life sentence.
The guilty charges each carry a maximum of 10 years, and prosecutors have recommended a sentence of four to five years.
His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 3.
Why This Trial Gripped the Nation
Combs' trial offered a rare look inside the life of one of hip-hop's most powerful figures. Over nearly two months of testimony, prosecutors argued that Combs used his fame, money, and influence to manipulate and coerce women into participating in drug-fueled sex acts he called "freak offs."
Witnesses described what they said was a pattern of abuse and control spanning years. Cassie Ventura, who was in a long-term relationship with Combs, testified that he often directed sexual encounters with male escorts and threatened her with violence or public exposure if she resisted.
A 2016 surveillance video of Combs attacking Ventura in a California hotel hallway — footage cited by Judge Arun Subramanian when denying bail — further reinforced the prosecution's case.
Another woman, known only as "Jane," alleged she took part in similar events and felt pressured to stay in the relationship because of financial dependence.
Despite the acquittals, Ventura's attorney Doug Wigdor said his client felt pleased with the guilty verdicts.
Escort Speaks Out
One of the trial's unexpected voices came after the verdict — a male escort identified only as "Don," who said he was hired by Combs to attend "freak offs" with Ventura and Jane between 2016 and 2024.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Don said he wished he had realized what was happening at the time.
"I apologize," he told PEOPLE. "I'm a son and a brother ... and this whole case has made me take a second look at my part in causing hurt."
While Don said he didn't witness abuse directly, he no longer questions the women's accounts. "I do feel that they feel they were victimized, and they were made to do things against their will," he said, according to PEOPLE, noting that fear can drive someone to appear agreeable while being emotionally trapped.
He called on Combs to offer a public apology, saying the music mogul should acknowledge the pain caused.
Bail Denied, Sentence Looms
Combs has remained in custody since his arrest in September 2024, and the judge denied a $1 million bail request immediately after the verdict.
Celebrity attorney Robert Shapiro said Combs may still face substantial prison time, estimating a range between 2.5 to 3.5 years based on federal guidelines, though a maximum of 20 years remains possible if the judge imposes consecutive sentences.
A Surreal Scene Behind Bars
Back at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center, Combs was reportedly greeted with cheers. According to his lead attorney Marc Agnifilo, his fellow inmates gave him a standing ovation following the acquittal of the most serious charges — a rare show of solidarity in a place not known for celebration.
"They all said, 'We never get to see anyone who beats the government,'" Agnifilo told PEOPLE.
Still, Agnifilo made clear the legal fight isn't over. "We are not nearly done fighting. We are just getting started," he said outside the courthouse, vowing to keep pushing for Combs' release, according to the New York Post.
The Road Ahead
Combs still faces dozens of civil lawsuits, including allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse, all of which he has denied.
For now, though, the rap mogul waits behind bars — no bail, no freedom — until a judge decides how much time he'll serve for transporting women across state lines for prostitution.
The verdict may have split opinion, but for many watching, one thing is clear: Combs is no longer untouchable.
References: After Diddy Verdict, Why Is an Escort Hired for 'Freak Offs' Apologizing to Cassie? (Exclusive) | Sean 'Diddy' Combs Could Face 'Substantial' Prison Time After Guilty Verdict, OJ Simpson Lawyer Warns | Sean "Diddy" Combs Acquitted of Sex Trafficking and Racketeering, Convicted on Prostitution-Related Counts | Sean 'Diddy' Combs Was Met with a Standing Ovation from His Fellow Inmates After Court Verdict | Sean 'Diddy' Combs Found Not Guilty of Racketeering and Sex Trafficking but Convicted of Lesser Charges
