Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was found guilty on two federal counts of transporting individuals for prostitution under the Mann Act, but was cleared of more severe allegations of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking following a high-profile trial in Manhattan federal court.
The verdict was delivered late Monday afternoon after a jury deliberated for more than 13 hours across three days. The split decision comes after weeks of emotional testimony from 34 prosecution witnesses, including several former associates and accusers among them singer Cassie Ventura and another woman who testified anonymously as “Jane Doe.
”Despite the weight of the accusations against him, Diddy avoided convictions on charges that could have landed him life in prison. The racketeering and sex trafficking allegations, which formed the core of a broader conspiracy case brought by federal prosecutors, were dismissed by the jury after finding insufficient evidence of an organized criminal enterprise.However, the court did find Diddy guilty of violating the Mann Act, a federal law prohibiting the transport of individuals across state lines for “immoral purposes.” He now faces a maximum of 20 years in prison 10 years for each count when sentencing is handed down later this year.
Federal Judge Maria DeVito, who presided over the case, is expected to consider the severity of the charges and the nature of the evidence presented during sentencing. Diddy’s legal team has requested bail pending sentencing and is reportedly preparing an appeal.Outside the courtroom, reactions were swift and divided. While supporters chanted “Free Puff” as the verdict was read, the music industry watched closely to gauge the fallout for one of its most influential figures.Among those who chimed in was longtime rival Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, who took to Instagram with a provocative reaction.
“Diddy beat the Feds that boy a bad man!” 50 Cent wrote, accompanied by clapping hands emojis. “Beat the Rico, he the Gay John Gotti.”
The comment, a blend of sarcasm and cultural commentary, references the late mob boss John Gotti once dubbed the “Teflon Don” for repeatedly evading racketeering convictions. While some interpreted 50 Cent’s post as mockery, others saw it as begrudging acknowledgment of Diddy’s courtroom survival.
The trial is the latest chapter in a saga that has rocked Combs’ business empire. In the months leading up to the case, Diddy faced a series of lawsuits and public accusations, including a $20 million settlement with Cassie Ventura. He has since stepped down from leadership roles at Revolt TV, lost partnerships with major brands, and shuttered his Sean John clothing label. Nevertheless, his music label, Bad Boy Records, remains operational.
Legal experts say the acquittal on the most serious charges represents a partial victory for Diddy, but his reputation and business legacy remain under fire. He still faces multiple civil lawsuits, and prosecutors have not ruled out further investigations.
As the dust settles from one of hip-hop’s most closely watched court battles in years, the world now waits to see what sentence the judge will impose and whether Diddy’s empire will recover from the blow.
