Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was found guilty on two federal charges but cleared of the most serious accusations in his high-profile sex trafficking and racketeering trial in New York. The verdict, delivered on July 2, 2025, concludes a months-long legal saga that has seen Combs fall from one of music’s most influential figures to a disgraced industry heavyweight facing prison time. The case stems from explosive allegations made in 2023 and 2024 involving forced sexual encounters, drug use, and abuse of power.

Diddy found guilty of violating the Mann Act for transporting individuals for sex work

The jury convicted Combs on two counts of violating the Mann Act, a federal law that prohibits transporting individuals across state lines for purposes of prostitution. These charges focused on incidents where Combs allegedly arranged for both women and male sex workers to travel to private parties and studio gatherings under false pretences.

Prosecutors claimed the “freak-offs”, as Combs reportedly called them, involved coercion, drug use, and manipulation through financial dependency. Although these are not trafficking charges per se, they carry weighty penalties, with each count punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Sentencing guidelines suggest Combs could face at least 4–5 years unless the judge imposes consecutive terms.

Acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking charges

Despite the convictions, the jury found Combs not guilty on three of the five original charges, including the most serious ones. These include racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, which could have resulted in a life sentence. The prosecution’s attempt to prove Combs operated a criminal enterprise using his music empire as a front for sexual exploitation was ultimately rejected by jurors.

Notably, Combs was acquitted of sex trafficking charges specifically tied to his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and a pseudonymous accuser referred to as “Jane”. The verdict reflected the jury’s decision that while misconduct may have occurred, it did not rise to the level of organised trafficking.

Cassie, Jane, and others: Multiple women have accused Combs of sexual abuse and violence

The trial brought renewed attention to a long list of allegations against Combs, many of which predate his arrest. Cassie Ventura, who filed a bombshell lawsuit in late 2023 accusing Combs of rape, abuse, and forced sexual acts, was among the most prominent figures to testify. She alleged she was groomed and exploited during their relationship.

 Cassie testified against Diddy in explosive court appearance| Credit: X (@kina_kaye)

Another woman, known in court as “Jane”, shared a similar story, alleging she was trafficked and filmed without consent. Over a dozen individuals, many of whom remain anonymous, have accused Combs of sexual assault, drugging, or coercion over the last two decades. Though not all testimonies resulted in charges, prosecutors used their stories to show a pattern of behaviour.

From Beyoncé and Jay-Z to Jennifer Lopez, Diddy’s high-profile celeb ties

Since his legal troubles began, many of Combs’s high-profile connections have remained quiet, while a few have defended him. His legal team, including Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, maintained throughout the trial that Combs was the victim of a smear campaign.

Justin Bieber

 Diddy & Bieber’s complicated connection under the spotlight| Credit: X (PopFactions)

Diddy played a mentor-like role early in Justin Bieber’s career, reportedly gifting him his first Lamborghini and introducing him to elite industry circles. While they were once close, Bieber has remained silent amid Diddy’s legal troubles.

Jay-Z and Beyoncé

 Jay-Z and Beyoncé reportedly attended Diddy’s infamous “freak-offs”| Credit: X(PopBase)

Jay-Z and Diddy long presented a united front as two of hip-hop’s most powerful moguls, often appearing together at Roc Nation events. Beyoncé, who has attended several Diddy-hosted galas, has not publicly addressed the case. Although Jay-Z was dragged into a lawsuit against Diddy last December, the charges were dropped later, and since then, both Jay-Z and Bey have kept their distance in recent months.

Jennifer Lopez

 Diddy and JLo were once an iconic couple| Credit: X (@ArmaLite15OU812)

J.Lo and Diddy were a power couple in the late ’90s before their relationship ended following a nightclub shooting scandal in 1999. She has never publicly revisited the relationship in detail, and since the recent allegations, she’s made no comment and appears to be fully removed from any association.

Ashton Kutcher

 Ashton Kutcher was reportedly another A-lister who regularly attended Diddy’s parties| Credit: X (@Prolotario1)

Kutcher and Diddy shared mutual circles during the early 2000s, especially around the Hollywood club scene and high-profile parties. Once considered close friends, Kutcher has previously praised Diddy’s business acumen in interviews but has had no visible association with him in over a decade.

Leonardo DiCaprio

 Leonardo DiCaprio was once spotted at Diddy’s “white parties”| Credit: X (LeoDiCaprio)

Diddy and DiCaprio were frequently spotted at the same elite parties, including Cannes and Miami Art Basel events, often surrounded by models and industry insiders. While their connection was more social than personal, DiCaprio has denied his connection to the music mogul after allegations against the Bad Boy Records founder sent shockwaves through Hollywood.

Diddy was denied bail following the trial verdict

Diddy has been in federal custody since September 2024, when he was arrested by U.S. Marshals following raids on his homes in Los Angeles and Miami. He has remained behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn throughout the trial.

 Diddy was arrested in September 2024 on multiple federal charges| Credit: X)@PopFactions)

Following the July 2 guilty verdict, Combs’s legal team requested a $1 million bail package, citing his ties to the community and lack of prior convictions. However, Judge Ellen Landry denied the request, arguing that the nature of the crimes and risk of witness intimidation justified continued detention. Sentencing is scheduled for early October 2025. If given consecutive terms, Combs could remain incarcerated until the mid-2030s.