Diddy acquitted of trafficking but faces 20 years for prostitution conviction [VIDEO]
Verdict in Diddy’s Trial Delivers Mixed Outcome After Explosive Testimony
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ high-profile federal trial has concluded with a partial conviction that could still send the music mogul to prison for up to 20 years. This morning (July 2, 2025), a jury acquitted Combs of racketeering and sex trafficking but found him guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, commonly referred to as violations of the Mann Act.
The outcome marks a critical turning point in a case that captivated global attention for months, combining celebrity, allegations of long-term abuse, and high-stakes legal drama.
Charges and Trial Overview
Diddy is the 55-year-old founder of Bad Boy Records and long-standing cultural icon. He faced five federal counts: racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking (two counts), and transportation to engage in prostitution (two counts). These charges stemmed from allegations that Combs used his businesses and personal influence to coerce women into exploitative sexual situations across a span of years.
The trial was held in Lower Manhattan and spanned six weeks, including testimony from 34 witnesses. The prosecution painted Combs as the architect of a decades-long pattern of abuse and coercion. Therefore, leveraging wealth and power to control women in his orbit.
Cassie’s Testimony: The Case’s Emotional Center
Central to the case was the emotional and detailed testimony of singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura. Cassie met Combs at 19 and remained in a relationship with him for nearly a decade. She described the relationship as riddled with violence and manipulation. One of the most shocking claims involved so-called “freak offs”—multi-day, drug-fueled sexual encounters that she testified began in 2008 and continued until their split in 2018.
Ventura recounted feeling “humiliated” and “disgusted” by the experiences. Therefore, claiming that her participation was coerced. A key piece of corroborating evidence was a 2016 hotel surveillance video capturing Combs attacking her—footage that went viral after being released months prior to the trial. Combs later apologized for the incident. However, it became a focal point of the prosecution’s argument for his pattern of control and abuse.
Additional Testimony and Government Evidence
Another witness, identified only as “Jane,” testified about her own experiences with what she called “hotel nights.” As a result, describing them as emotionally and physically draining. The government presented text messages, receipts, and even video snippets to back the witnesses’ claims.
The prosecution’s strategy was clear: portray Combs as operating a criminal enterprise under the guise of music and lifestyle branding. Lead prosecutor Christy Slavik described Diddy’s empire as his “kingdom” where women were allegedly manipulated, isolated, and in some cases, trafficked.
The Defense Strategy: Admit the Ugly, Deny the Illegal
Diddy’s legal team, led by renowned defense attorney Marc Agnifilo, made a bold decision not to call any witnesses. Instead, they focused on tearing down the credibility of the allegations during cross-examination.
In a move that experts now say paid off, the defense “owned” several damaging facts. As a result, acknowledging Combs’ flaws, his past drug use, and even domestic violence. They argued, however, that these did not constitute federal crimes. According to Agnifilo, the relationships were consensual but complicated, marked by jealousy, emotional highs and lows, and regrettable behavior—not illegal trafficking.
The defense emphasized that messages between Combs and the accusers suggested initial willingness to participate in events and encounters, arguing that later regret doesn’t equate to criminality. During closing arguments, Agnifilo told jurors that the prosecution had “badly, badly exaggerated” the narrative and attempted to criminalize a deeply flawed but consensual lifestyle.
The Verdict: Mixed Results
The 12-member jury—composed of eight men and four women—deliberated for 13 hours over three days. The final verdict stunned observers:
- Racketeering Conspiracy (Count 1): Not Guilty
- Sex Trafficking of Casandra Ventura (Count 2): Not Guilty
- Transportation for Prostitution – Cassie (Count 3): Guilty
- Sex Trafficking of “Jane” (Count 4): Not Guilty
- Transportation for Prostitution – “Jane” (Count 5): Guilty
Each conviction carries a maximum sentence of 10 years, putting Combs at risk of serving up to 20 years total.
Reactions: From Relief to Outrage
The courtroom atmosphere was tense as the verdict was read. Combs fell to his knees in prayer and blew kisses toward his family. His 85-year-old mother, Janice Combs, attended nearly every day of the trial and appeared visibly relieved. Supporters outside the courthouse chanted and held signs, including one that read, “A freako is not a RICO.”
Despite the partial victory, Cassie’s lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, emphasized that justice had still been served. “We’re pleased that he’s finally been held responsible for two federal crimes,” he said.
Legal experts weighed in with mixed interpretations. Some called it a clear win for the defense, given the acquittals on the most serious charges. Others noted that two felony convictions—especially in a case of this magnitude—still carry weighty consequences.
What Happens Next?
Sentencing has not yet been scheduled, but both sides are preparing for a fight. The prosecution is expected to push for the maximum 20-year sentence, citing the severity of the allegations and the weight of the evidence.
Meanwhile, Combs’ legal team has already filed a request for bail, proposing a $1 million bond and home confinement in Florida. They argue that the acquittals justify leniency and that Combs’ nearly 10 months in custody should count toward his time served.
Judge Arun Subramanian has requested formal submissions on bail and will make a ruling in the coming weeks.
Final Thoughts: A Turning Point in Celebrity Accountability?
The Diddy trial has become one of the most talked-about legal sagas in modern entertainment history. While Combs avoided the most damaging charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, his convictions on Mann Act violations ensure that this chapter is far from over.
In an era increasingly focused on accountability, the trial adds to a growing list of celebrity legal battles forcing fans and the industry alike to confront uncomfortable questions.
With sentencing pending and appeals likely, all eyes remain on what the next move will be—not just for Diddy, but for the broader cultural conversation his trial has reignited.