Diddy Not Guilty of Racketeering, Convicted on Two Prostitution Counts

Sean “Diddy” Combs has been found not guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering by a federal jury in New York, but was convicted on two lesser prostitution-related charges.

The verdict was delivered on Wednesday, July 2, concluding a trial that has kept the public eye on the music mogul for months.

The court found Combs guilty of two counts of transporting individuals for the purpose of prostitution. If Judge Arun Subramanian imposes the maximum sentence consecutively, the Bad Boy Records founder could face up to 20 years behind bars.

Until a decision is made on whether he will be granted bond, Combs remains in a holding cell. The judge is expected to make that ruling by 1 p.m.

Combs avoided the most serious charges, which could have led to life imprisonment. The outcome is a partial relief for the hip-hop mogul, whose reputation has been significantly damaged by the allegations and whose future remains legally uncertain.

Throughout the high-profile trial, which began in May, prosecutors brought forward 34 witnesses over 29 days. Among them was Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, Combs’ former partner of over a decade. Testifying while heavily pregnant, Ventura provided disturbing accounts of alleged abuse and detailed what she described as “Freak Offs” — orchestrated sex encounters involving male sex workers.

Prosecutors argued Ventura had been coerced into participating, but Combs’ legal team pushed back, claiming the acts were consensual. They introduced several text messages and other pieces of evidence to support their argument.

Despite avoiding a life sentence, Combs’ legal woes are far from over. He continues to face numerous civil lawsuits tied to sexual misconduct allegations.

Still, Wednesday’s split decision marks a significant legal victory for the embattled music icon — now visibly graying after spending months in custody awaiting trial.