Sean “Diddy” Combs is walking away from the most serious charges in his explosive federal trial, but he’s not walking free, yet.
The hip-hop mogul was acquitted Wednesday of racketeering and sex trafficking but convicted on two counts of transporting women across state lines for prostitution, known under the Mann Act.
Had he been convicted on all charges, Combs faced a potential life sentence. Instead, he now faces up to 20 years in prison. The judge has yet to decide whether Combs will remain in custody or be released to await sentencing at his Miami estate.
Diddy has been found not guilty of sex-trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, but was found guilty of transportation for prostitution.
He could face up to a maximum of 20 years in prison. pic.twitter.com/EUogSP3nHL
— Pop Base (@PopBase) July 2, 2025
In the courtroom, the mood swung dramatically. Combs fell to his knees in apparent prayer, while his family cheered and clapped behind him. Outside, the energy mirrored the split decision—supporters danced shirtless, drizzled in baby oil, referencing details from trial testimony, while protestors and advocacy groups condemned the acquittals.
The trial, held in Manhattan federal court, had all the hallmarks of a streaming true-crime hit: celebrity drama, salacious testimony, and a social media frenzy. Influencers, including YouTuber Armon Wiggins, livestreamed updates daily, claiming the trial represented a changing of the guard in media. “We changed the face of how news gets out,” Wiggins told NBC News.
Combs was charged with using his business empire as a front for a sex-trafficking operation. Key testimonies came from Cassie Ventura, Combs’ ex-girlfriend, and another woman referred to as “Jane.” Both described being coerced into sex acts with male escorts while Combs filmed. But the jury—eight men and four women—ultimately said there wasn’t proof beyond a reasonable doubt of coercion.
Still, Combs was found guilty of paying for the transport of the women for prostitution. Prosecutors argued that even without force, the act violated federal law. The judge will now weigh whether his celebrity status, lack of prior convictions, and the year already spent in custody should mitigate his sentence.
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The reaction online has been fierce and divisive. “Disappointed but not surprised“ trended shortly after the verdict. Advocacy groups, including UltraViolet and RAINN, condemned the verdict as a systemic failure to protect victims of sexual abuse.
“There’s nothing modern or great about abusing your partner,” RAINN President Scott Berkowitz said, referencing Combs’ defense, labeling his relationship with Cassie a “great modern love story.”
the Diddy verdict is going to set a nasty precedent and trend for what people (especially those with wealth & power) believe they can get away with, when it comes to sex, domestic violence, & abuse crimes. and that’s honestly, the most terrifying part of this entire case. https://t.co/48leeffVSd
— Sassington, M.C. (@MissSassbox) July 2, 2025
i feel sick to my stomach how is diddy beating all these charges. that jury is so damn useless
— cay (@koralinadean) July 2, 2025
The verdict could also impact Combs’ pending civil lawsuits. While acquittals may help his defense, civil courts operate under a lower burden of proof. Legal experts say he could still face millions in damages.
