Sean “Diddy” Combs will remain in jail following a partial verdict in his high-profile federal trial, where a New York jury acquitted him of the most serious charges—including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy—but convicted him on two counts of prostitution-related offenses.
The 12-member jury delivered its decision on Tuesday, clearing Combs of life-sentence-eligible charges but finding him guilty of transporting individuals for prostitution. The Bad Boy Records founder now faces up to 10 years in prison on each count, though federal sentencing guidelines suggest a total sentence closer to five years.
At a hearing following the verdict, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian denied Combs’ request for bail, citing violent behavior and witness testimony that painted him as a danger to the public. “It is impossible for the defendant to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that he poses no danger,” the judge said.
The ruling came after a seven-week trial that featured disturbing allegations from two women: singer Cassie Ventura and another woman referred to as “Jane.” Both testified that Combs forced them into drug-fueled group sex acts in hotel rooms—so-called “Freak Offs”—and used financial leverage and threats to manipulate their participation. They also testified that Combs physically assaulted them.
Combs denied all charges and pleaded not guilty. His defense acknowledged instances of domestic violence but argued the women were consenting adults in toxic relationships, not victims of sex trafficking.
After the verdict, Combs remained stoic in court while family members watched in silence. Just hours earlier, he had told supporters, “I’m gonna be home soon,” drawing cheers. His legal team framed the verdict as a victory.
“It’s a great victory for Sean Combs, it’s a great victory for the jury system,” said attorney Marc Agnifilo.
But prosecutors pushed back. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey called Combs “an extremely violent man” and argued he had shown no remorse, pointing to new testimony that he assaulted one of the victims in June 2024—while already under federal investigation.
Although cleared of the most severe charges, Combs is not out of legal jeopardy. He still faces numerous civil lawsuits tied to alleged abuse. Cassie Ventura, whose testimony played a central role in the trial, had filed a civil suit in late 2023, which was settled for $20 million just one day later.
Prosecutors and federal investigators issued a joint statement after the verdict, stating that sex crimes remain “all too present” and that the public demands accountability.
Combs’ sentencing is tentatively scheduled for October 3, though his legal team may request an earlier date. His lawyers are expected to push for a shorter sentence—potentially around two years—while prosecutors may argue for closer to the federal guideline maximum.
The verdict underscores the legal system’s limits in prosecuting high-profile sex abuse cases involving celebrities. According to legal experts, the jury may have viewed Combs’ behavior as disturbing and abusive, but not rising to the legal standard for trafficking.
