Diddy cleared of sex trafficking charges

Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was acquitted on Wednesday of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that carried the possibility of a life sentence.

However, a federal jury found him guilty on two lesser counts related to prostitution, marking a partial setback for federal prosecutors who accused him of exploiting women through intimidation and violence, according to Reuters.

Although Combs escaped the most serious charges, the jury unanimously found him guilty of transporting individuals for the purpose of engaging in prostitution. He was cleared of three other counts, including racketeering conspiracy and two sex trafficking allegations involving Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and another woman identified in court as Jane.

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As the courtroom proceedings concluded, Combs kneeled, seemingly in prayer, before rising to address the gallery. “I’m gonna be home soon,” he said, smiling and pressing his hands together. “I love you. Thank you, I love you.” His supporters in the courtroom responded with cheers and applause.

Now 55, Combs had denied all five counts. He faces up to 10 years in prison for each of the two prostitution convictions. His legal team has requested bail, with both sides expected to file briefings later in the day.

The seven-week trial in Manhattan focused heavily on the government’s allegations that for nearly twenty years, Combs used his wealth and influence to pressure Ventura and Jane into participating in drug-fueled sexual acts referred to as “Freak Offs.” Prosecutors argued these encounters, which sometimes involved male sex workers, were conducted in hotel rooms and often filmed by Combs, who would also watch and masturbate.

Jurors were shown some of the 1,000 bottles of lubricant and baby oil seized from Combs’ properties, which prosecutors claimed were used during the orchestrated sexual acts.

The prosecution contended that Combs used threats of violence, financial coercion, and blackmail involving explicit content to manipulate Ventura and Jane.

“The defendant used power, violence and fear to get what he wanted,” said prosecutor Christy Slavik in her June 26 closing argument. “He doesn’t take no for an answer.”

Despite these arguments, the jury was not convinced that the conduct rose to the level of sex trafficking. The defense admitted that Combs had engaged in domestic abuse but insisted that the women had willingly participated in the acts in question, emphasizing their autonomy and desire to maintain a relationship with Combs.

Defense lawyers further argued that the case was an overreach by prosecutors attempting to criminalize Combs’ personal sexual lifestyle.

Legal experts noted the complexity of the case.”It doesn’t fit what they would expect to be sex trafficking,” said Sarah Krissoff, a former federal prosecutor, now with Cozen O’Connor.

Had Combs been convicted of the most severe charges, he could have received a life sentence. He has been in custody at a federal detention center in Brooklyn since his arrest in September 2024.

As Combs’ family exited the courthouse, supporters chanted, “love, love, love,” a nod to one of Combs’ former stage names. Over the years, he has also gone by Puff Daddy and P. Diddy.

In response to the verdict, Manhattan U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton and Homeland Security’s Ricky Patel issued a joint statement highlighting the broader issue: “Americans want this scourge stopped and perpetrators brought to justice.”

Combs’ legal troubles are far from over. In addition to the criminal case, he was previously sued by Ventura in November 2023 over similar allegations. That civil case ended with a $20 million settlement. Other lawsuits from multiple women have followed. Combs has denied all wrongdoing.

Following the trial, Ventura’s lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, remarked: “She had ‘paved the way’ for Combs’ conviction.”