In Split Verdict, Sean “Diddy” Combs Found Guilty on 2 Counts, Not Guilty of Sex Trafficking, Racketeering

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In the mid-1990s, Sean Combs, a well-known rapper and business magnate, popularly known as “Puff Daddy” later “Diddy,” who significantly influenced hip hop culture, was accused of facilitating prostitution but was cleared of charges related to sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, which were the more severe allegations in the case. Despite federal prosecutors spending six weeks trying to convince the jury, they ultimately failed to prove these latter charges.

On Wednesday, the jury foreman announced their verdict following 12 hours of deliberation, finding that the government’s claim that the individual had been operating a criminal enterprise through the company he established and served as CEO (now rebranded as Combs Enterprises) was not supported by evidence suggesting it was used for illegal activities such as trafficking multiple women.

After the shocking court decision, Combs was escorted out by guards. Before leaving, the once-popular hip-hop artist kneeled in front of his seat, bowed his head in prayer, and then turned towards the spectators, clapping. This action sparked a wave of applause and cheers from the onlookers.

Following the unexpected court ruling, Combs was escorted out by guards. Prior to leaving, the former high-flying hip-hop star knelt down in front of his chair and prayed silently. He then turned towards the audience and clapped, which prompted a burst of applause and cheers from the spectators.

Mark Agnifilo, the lead attorney for Mr. Combs, stated on Wednesday that the jury has granted Mr. Combs a second chance at life. You can be sure that he deeply values this opportunity and will make every effort to comply with any rules this court sets for him.

Once the verdict had been announced, Judge Arun Subramanian paused to express his gratitude towards the jury members for dedicating almost two months of their time to the case.

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After the judgment was declared, Judge Arun Subramanian briefly acknowledged and thanked the jurors for spending close to two months serving in the trial.

I want you to understand how inspiring your actions have been for everyone involved. You took the time to listen, collaborate, and show up day after day, regardless of the weather. You did this not for personal gain, but out of a sense of duty to public service. This act of selflessness should fill us all with hope,” he expressed, noting that it’s entirely up to each juror whether they choose to speak publicly about the trial.

In court, Agnifilo proposed that Combs be freed under suitable conditions today, considering he was cleared of the most severe charges against him. However, Prosecutor Maurene Comey firmly opposed this suggestion, arguing that the government intends to pursue imprisonment for Combs, which could amount to as many as 20 years, based on the two counts for which the jury found him guilty. She informed the judge that Combs disregards the law and is likely to commit additional offenses if released.

Judge Subramanian indicated that he will decide on Combs’ release from a Brooklyn jail following his examination of the letters provided by both the prosecution and defense, all of which are due at 1 p.m. Eastern Time today.

Over a span of six weeks at the federal courthouse on Pearl Street in downtown Manhattan, an all-female team of prosecutors presented numerous witnesses and offered evidence that didn’t persuade the jury to believe that Combs was guilty of turning his company into a criminal organization and colluding with his companions and staff to traffic and mistreat women; two of these women who were romantically involved with Combs, it is claimed, were trapped in a cycle of abuse and reward for extended periods. Both R&B artist Cassandra Ventura, known professionally as Cassie, and a woman identified as “Jane,” testified extensively about the mistreatment they endured at the hands of Combs.

In the more serious case of alleged racketeering, the jury was assigned the responsibility of determining whether the influential tycoon collaborated with at least one of his employees or another person in committing a criminal act alongside the rapper.

Over the past six weeks, prosecutors have detailed a series of alleged crimes committed by Combs, which include:

1. Sex Trafficking: The federal authorities claim that Combs and his associates enticed women victims into engaging in sexual acts, some of whom were commercial sex workers.
2. Forced Labor: These women were allegedly forced to work within the enterprise as part of “freak-offs” lasting multiple days.
3. Kidnapping: Combs’ assistant, Capricorn Clark, testified that she was forcibly taken from her home in the early hours and driven to rapper Kid Cudi’s Hollywood Hills residence, where an enraged Combs broke in during a fit of romantic rage.
4. Arson: After this incident, Kid Cudi’s Porsche was reportedly attacked with a Molotov cocktail.
5. Bribery: Staff members from an L.A. hotel claimed that Combs and his Chief of Staff paid $100,000 to obtain security footage showing Combs assaulting Ventura in a hallway.
6. Obstruction of Justice: Prosecutors assert that the enterprise tried to cover up its activities to avoid legal consequences.
7. Narcotics Offenses: It is alleged that staffers procured drugs for Combs’ “freak-off” sex parties.

Combs’ exceptional legal team vigorously defended him, interrogating witnesses so intensely that the judge cautioned them against intimidation, suspected to be bullying. In his closing remarks, Marc Agnifilo, Combs’ lead attorney, addressed the jury, stating that the claim that the defendant utilized his business for racketeering is a fabricated allegation and that federal authorities are misrepresenting consensual, unconventional sexual activities as criminal offenses.

On the final day of last week, the defense chose not to summon any witnesses following the prosecution’s presentation of their case. Instead, they declared their intention to present fresh evidence. Similarly, on that same day, Combs informed Judge Subramanian that he would forgo testifying in his own defense.

In simple terms, Agnifilo described the events on the 23rd floor of the federal courthouse on Pearl Street in lower Manhattan over the past six weeks as a “story of two trials.” One trial portrayed federal prosecutors manipulating Combs’ unconventional but consensual sexual life into a series of alleged criminal acts, according to him. On the other hand, he told the court about a different trial where witnesses testified about a successful Black businessman who is well-respected in his community. Out of these two trials, one was based on the words of prosecutors and the other was based on evidence, which he explained to the jurors.

In the upcoming weeks, sentencing for Combs (who may face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment) is scheduled to occur.

Surrounding the courtroom on Pearl Street, a multitude of content creators, admirers of Diddy, personalities from the rap world, and even some representatives from mainstream media – who had been present at the courthouse daily throughout Combs’ trial – burst into excitement upon hearing the verdict.

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2025-07-02 17:54