Sean “Diddy” Combs was found guilty Wednesday of prostitution-related offenses but acquitted of more serious sex trafficking and racketeering charges after a seven-week trial in Manhattan federal court.
The jury convicted the 55-year-old music mogul on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution while clearing him of racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking.
The partial victory for Combs means he avoids potential life imprisonment on the most serious charges.
The verdict came after jurors initially told the judge Tuesday they had reached decisions on four counts but were deadlocked on the racketeering conspiracy charge.
Judge Arun Subramanian had instructed the panel to continue deliberating, with jurors reporting “unpersuadable views” on both sides regarding the racketeering count.
Prosecutors alleged Combs used his business empire for two decades to force romantic partners into drug-fueled sexual performances called “Freak Offs.
The government claimed Combs forced ex-girlfriends Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and a woman known as “Jane” to engage in days-long sex marathons with male escorts.
During raids on Combs’ homes, authorities seized drugs and 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant allegedly used in the performances.
Combs’ defense team acknowledged the Bad Boy Records founder was violent in domestic relationships but maintained all sexual activity was consensual.
“We own the domestic violence,” defense attorney Marc Agnifilo said during closing arguments.
The jury saw surveillance footage from 2016 showing Combs kicking and dragging Ventura in an InterContinental hotel hallway in Los Angeles.
Ventura testified she was trying to leave a “Freak Off” at the time of the assault.
Jane testified that Combs attacked her in June 2024 and forced her to perform oral sex on a male entertainer despite her objections.
The alleged attack occurred one month after Combs publicly apologized for the 2016 assault on Ventura.
Prosecutors argued Combs used violence, financial threats, and threats to release explicit images to coerce the women’s participation.
“The defendant used power, violence and fear to get what he wanted,” prosecutor Christy Slavik said.
“He doesn’t take no for an answer.”
Defense lawyers portrayed Ventura and Jane as “strong, independent women” who voluntarily participated to please Combs.
They argued the women retrospectively claimed coercion because they were jealous of Combs seeing other women.
“If he was charged with domestic violence, we wouldn’t all be here,” Agnifilo said.
The prosecution presented testimony from former personal assistants who said they arranged hotel rooms for “Freak Offs” and purchased drugs for Combs.
An InterContinental security guard testified Combs paid him $100,000 for surveillance footage of the Ventura assault.
Rapper Kid Cudi testified Combs was likely involved in arson on his car after learning of his relationship with Ventura.
Each transportation to engage in prostitution conviction carries a maximum 10-year sentence.
The acquittals on sex trafficking charges mean Combs avoids mandatory minimum sentences of 15 years to life.
Combs settled Ventura’s November 2023 civil lawsuit for $20 million, the first of dozens accusing him of abuse.
The music mogul has been held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center since his September 2024 arrest.
Once known for elevating artists like Notorious B.I.G. and Usher, Combs faced intense scrutiny during the trial.
His three daughters were present in court when the partial verdict was announced Tuesday.
The verdict represents a significant but incomplete victory for federal prosecutors in the high-profile case.
Combs still faces potential decades in prison on the prostitution convictions when sentenced.
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