After two months of gruelling testimony, the jury in the trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has reached a verdict. The music mogul has been found guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution, not guilty of sex trafficking and not guilty of racketeering.
Diddy was first arrested last September following a federal investigation which began with raids on his properties in Los Angeles, New York and Miami in March 2024. The investigation was launched following a slew of civil complaints and accusations alleging rape, sexual assault and abuse, kickstarted by the lawsuit of his ex-girlfriend of 10 years, Cassie Ventura.
Ventura first filed a lawsuit against Diddy in 2023 alleging that he subjected her to a pattern of control and abuse over a decade, which was settled out of court for $20m. However, she attended his trial in May while eight months pregnant to testify about her allegations in front of the judge. After hearing from 34 witnesses called forward by the prosecution, including Diddy's former assistants, hired escorts and his ex-girlfriends, and none in Diddy’s defence, the jury were able to reach their decision.
What is the verdict on Diddy’s sex trafficking trial?
There was a mixture of guilty and not guilty verdicts in Diddy's trial. Diddy was found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, relating to Cassie Ventura and to "Jane", but not guilty of sex trafficking and not guilty of racketeering.
How long is Diddy’s sentence?
For the charge he was found guilty for, two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, Diddy now faces up to 20 years in prison (10 years maximum for each count). However, he has not yet been sentenced. There will be a separate court date for his sentencing. Prosecutor Maurene Comey says she will push for the full 20 years, telling reporters, 'It is clear that the defendant does pose a danger.'
Diddy could be out of prison today if he's granted bail until his sentencing, with prosecutors arguing he should remain in prison until then. The date of his sentencing hearing has not yet been set.
What prison is Diddy in?
Prior to the verdict being read, Diddy was being held in the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn, New York. He was denied bail three times and the just repeatedly rejected his legal team's plea for total acquittal. At this stage, it's unclear whether he will remain there to serve out a sentence for two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, or will be moved to a different prison.
Nikki Peach is a writer at Grazia UK, working across entertainment, TV and news. She has also written for the i, i-D and the New Statesman Media Group and covers all things pop culture for Grazia (treating high and lowbrow with equal respect).