Jury Finds Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Not Guilty in Sex Trafficking Case

Music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been found not guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering, but guilty of transporting a person for the purpose of prostitution, following a nearly two-month-long federal trial in New York City.

Prosecutors had accused Combs of using his fame and businesses to operate a criminal ring that exploited women. A jury of 12 deliberated for 13 hours before delivering the mixed verdict.

Combs admitted to domestic violence but denied coercing anyone into sex or running a wider criminal enterprise. On Tuesday, jurors said they could not reach a unanimous verdict on the racketeering charge, calling their positions on the matter “unpersuadable.” It was one of the most serious charges, potentially carrying a life sentence.

The seven-week trial included testimony from more than 30 individuals, including his ex-girlfriend Casandra Ventura, rapper Kid Cudi, former staff, and hotel employees.

Prosecutors claimed Combs coerced partners into “freak-offs,” where women had sex with male escorts while he watched and recorded. Ventura, eight months pregnant at the time of her testimony, said he threatened to release footage of these encounters if she disobeyed him.

Key evidence included hotel security footage from 2016 showing Combs physically assaulting Ventura in a Los Angeles hallway. Witnesses testified that Combs attempted to pay them to destroy the footage.

Combs’ legal team argued that his violent behaviour stemmed from jealousy and drug use, not from participation in a criminal conspiracy.

Though acquitted of the most serious allegations, Combs still faces multiple civil lawsuits relating to sexual assault and violence.

Diddy rose to prominence after founding Bad Boy Records in 1993, signing major artists including The Notorious B.I.G. and Usher. He later launched a clothing line (Sean John), fragrances, alcohol brands, and a media company.