Claudia PassarellJul 2, 2025 4 min read

Diddy Found Guilty on Prostitution Charges, Acquitted of RICO and Sex Trafficking

FILE - Sean Combs arrives at the Pre-Grammy Gala And Salute To Industry Icons at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Mark Von Holden/Invision/AP, File)
Associated Press

July 2, 2025— After seven weeks of emotional testimony and three days of tense deliberations, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal trial ended with a mixed verdict.

Diddy Dodges RICO and Sex Trafficking

For Diddy’s defense team, the acquittals on racketeering and sex trafficking were a huge win.

Prosecutors had pushed hard to prove that Combs ran a criminal enterprise under RICO laws, accusing him of using money, power, and intimidation to control women for years.

They also alleged that he was personally involved in sex trafficking two women: Cassie Ventura and an anonymous woman identified only as “Jane.”

After nearly 13 hours of deliberations over three days, the jury cleared Diddy of both sex trafficking charges and the racketeering conspiracy.

Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo called it “life-saving.” Speaking directly to the judge, he said, “Mr. Combs has been given his life by this jury.”

Guilty on Two Federal Counts

Diddy didn’t walk away unscathed.

The jury found him guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, connected to both Ventura and Jane.

In plain terms, this means jurors believed Diddy arranged for both women to cross state lines for illegal sex acts.

Testimony during the trial centered around so-called “freak-offs,” the nights when Diddy allegedly pressured women into drug-fueled sexual encounters with male escorts while he watched or directed.

Each count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years, putting Diddy at risk for up to 20 years in prison.

The Push for Bail and the Government’s Objection

The next big question: Will Diddy stay in custody while he waits for sentencing?

His defense team is pushing hard for his release, offering a $1 million bond and promising strict compliance with court conditions.

“He treasures the opportunity he’s been given,” Agnifilo said, adding that Diddy would return to his Miami home and be closely monitored if released.

Prosecutors strongly object.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey argued that Diddy poses a danger and a flight risk, citing trial testimony about years of abuse and drug use. She also pointed out that Combs continued to commit crimes even after knowing he was under federal investigation.

Judge Arun Subramanian has yet to make a decision and instructed to submit their written arguments by 1 pm ET, with a ruling expected soon after.

Inside the Courtroom

The atmosphere in the court was electric following the verdict announcement.

Diddy knelt in front of his chair and prayed, visibly emotional. When he stood, he turned toward his family and clapped, prompting cheers and applause from supporters in the gallery and overflow room.

Family members were seen wiping away tears, with some shouting “Dream Team!” to Diddy’s defense lawyers.

Attorney Teny Geragos was seen hugging family members with tears streaming down her face, emphasizing just how high the stakes felt for the entire defense team.

The daughters of Sean Combs leave federal court in Manhattan following the closing arguments of the high profile legal case of Sean 'Diddy' Combs in New York, NY on June 27, 2025
Associated Press

Cassie Ventura’s Role: “A Step Toward Justice”

Though the jury cleared Diddy on sex trafficking, Cassie Ventura’s legal team called the verdict a significant step forward.

Attorney Doug Wigdor released a statement saying, “This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023.”

He acknowledged the jury’s decision on the trafficking charge but emphasized that Cassie’s story helped pave the way for Diddy’s conviction on the prostitution counts.

Wigdor added that Ventura showed “exemplary courage” and helped shine a spotlight on “the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion.”

Cassie Ventura wipes tears from her eye while testifying in Manhattan federal court, Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in New York. (Elizabeth Williams via AP)
Associated Press

What’s Next for Diddy?

For now, Diddy’s future remains uncertain.

He faces up to 20 years in prison, and with sentencing yet to be scheduled, all eyes remain on Judge Subramanian’s upcoming bail decision.

Diddy’s team has already made it clear they plan to fight the guilty verdicts. But for now, the reality is simple: he’s facing real prison time. And with the level of public attention on this case, it’s safe to say this won’t be the last headline we see about Diddy’s legal troubles.

Find this useful? Save it and share it with anyone following the case. We’ll have more updates as Diddy’s sentencing date approaches.

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