Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Cleared of Major Charges, Declares: ‘I’ll Be Home Soon’

What is the final verdict?

Combs received a conviction for transportation relating to prostitution but was acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and two sex trafficking charges. This outcome represents a partial victory for the renowned former mogul who significantly influenced hip-hop culture in America.

After the ruling, Combs knelt in prayer and expressed gratitude, saying, “I’m gonna be home soon. I love you. Thank you.” His family and supporters responded with applause and cheer.

The trial included testimony from former girlfriends who claimed they experienced physical and sexual abuse. Combs now faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years on each of the two prostitution-related counts, with Judge Arun Subramanian set to decide his fate at a later time.

The acquittals on sex trafficking charges bring an end to the potential for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, which could have escalated to life imprisonment if he had been convicted.

After the jury’s decision, defense attorney Marc Agnifilo requested Combs be released on bail, but prosecutors objected. Judge Subramanian has requested further written arguments from both sides on this matter.

Combs has been held in federal custody in Brooklyn since his arrest in September 2024.

Departing the courthouse, his family was greeted with chants of “love, love, love” from supporters—a nod to Combs’ various stage names, including Love and P. Diddy.

Trial Overview

This seven-week trial in Manhattan federal court featured evidence such as numerous bottles of lubricants found at Combs’ residences, which prosecutors believed were used during the alleged sexual performances.

Both former partners, including R&B singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, testified about their experiences of coercion and abuse from Combs. He entered a not guilty plea for all five charges.

While acknowledging moments of violence in his relationships, his defense maintained that the sexual activity was consensual, claiming prosecutors attempted to criminalize private matters. They argued that the women willingly participated in these acts.

Prosecutors insisted Combs manipulated the women through threats and physical force to engage in these situations, with one witness describing a distressing incident captured on surveillance footage.

Combs’ defense objected to this portrayal, emphasizing that he was a successful entrepreneur who engaged in recreational drug use without letting it impact his professional and personal boundaries.

Legal challenges are not over for Combs. Ventura has pursued multiple civil lawsuits against him, including a notable sex trafficking claim, for which he reportedly settled for $20 million.

“The jury’s findings do underline that while Combs was acquitted on sex trafficking, a guilty verdict on transportation is significant,” stated Ventura’s attorney.