In a trial that has captivated the entertainment world, Sean “Diddy” Combs was found guilty on only two of five federal charges. This means he could walk out of court today. The verdict came after nearly seven weeks of intense testimony and evidence, revealing a complex and disturbing portrait of power, control, and alleged criminal enterprise.
Verdict Summary
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Count 1 (Racketeering Conspiracy): Not Guilty.
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Count 2 (Sex Trafficking): Not Guilty.
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Count 3 (Sex Trafficking): Not Guilty.
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Count 4 (Transportation for Prostitution): Guilty.
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Count 5 (Transportation for Prostitution): Guilty.
The racketeering conspiracy charge, which accuses Combs of orchestrating a criminal enterprise over two decades involving sex trafficking, violence, and intimidation, carries the most severe potential sentence—ranging from 15 years to life imprisonment.
Timeline of Witness Testimony
May 5, 2025: Jury selection began in Manhattan federal court, setting the stage for a high-profile trial under Judge Arun Subramanian.
May 12, 2025: Opening statements and the start of witness testimony commenced, launching nearly seven weeks of courtroom drama.
May 13–16, 2025:
Cassie Ventura, Combs’ ex-girlfriend and the prosecution’s star witness, took the stand for four days. She delivered graphic and emotional testimony detailing a decade-long relationship marked by physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. Ventura described the infamous “freak-offs,” drug-fueled sex parties involving hired male sex workers, and Combs’ controlling and violent behavior.
Following Weeks:
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Another former girlfriend, known in court as “Jane,” testified for six days. She recounted being provided drugs and coerced into participating in orgies during their three-year relationship.
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Multiple former employees and associates testified, including Capricorn Clark, who alleged she was kidnapped twice on Combs’ orders and witnessed acts of violence against Ventura.
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Male escorts and staff involved in cleaning up after the “freak-offs” testified about their roles and the environment surrounding these events.
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Federal agents presented evidence from raids on Combs’ properties, including firearms, drugs, and other incriminating materials.
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Witnesses such as a makeup artist and rapper Kid Cudi corroborated claims of violence and intimidation. Cudi testified about a break-in and a firebombing of his car, allegedly linked to Combs’ retaliation against his relationship with Ventura.
June 24, 2025:
The prosecution rested after calling 34 witnesses over six weeks.
June 24–25, 2025:
The defense rested its case swiftly, without calling any witnesses. Their argument focused on undermining the credibility of the prosecution’s witnesses and emphasizing that all sexual encounters were consensual. They highlighted text messages from Ventura expressing love for Combs and framed the trial as an overreach.
June 26–27, 2025:
Closing arguments were delivered, with the prosecution emphasizing the pattern of abuse and criminal enterprise, while the defense maintained Combs’ innocence.
The Verdict and Its Implications
After two days of jury deliberations, the partial verdict was announced. The jury found Combs guilty on one count of sex trafficking and one count of transportation for prostitution, acquitting him on two other charges. The jury remains deadlocked on the racketeering conspiracy charge, which alleges Combs led a criminal enterprise involving multiple illegal acts over two decades.
Judge Subramanian has urged the jury to continue deliberations on the racketeering count, emphasizing the importance of a unanimous decision. If convicted on this charge, Combs faces a potential sentence of 15 years to life in prison.
Closing Thoughts
This trial has exposed the dark intersections of celebrity, power, and alleged criminality, sparking widespread discussions about accountability in the entertainment industry. The testimonies, especially from Cassie Ventura and other former associates, painted a harrowing picture of abuse and coercion behind the scenes of fame.
As the jury continues deliberations on the racketeering charge, the final outcome remains uncertain but will undoubtedly have lasting repercussions for Combs and the broader industry.
