The jury found Sean “Diddy” Combs not guilty of racketeering conspiracy, not guilty of sex trafficking Casandra Ventura, and not guilty of sex trafficking another accuser referred to as “Jane.” However, he was found guilty of transporting both Ventura and “Jane” across state lines to engage in prostitution.
Combs, 55, had been in federal custody without bail since his arrest last September. He had pleaded not guilty to all five federal counts: one of racketeering conspiracy, two of sex trafficking, and two of transportation to engage in prostitution.
On Tuesday evening, the jury announced they had reached a partial verdict covering four of the five charges but remained deadlocked on the racketeering charge. They returned Wednesday morning with a final verdict on that count, ultimately acquitting Combs of the broader conspiracy charge.
The verdict marks a pivotal moment in a case that has drawn nationwide attention, linking Combs to serious allegations involving two women — including Ventura, who had previously settled a high-profile civil suit against the music mogul.
Sentencing is expected in the coming weeks.
Who is Sean Combs?
Combs is a hip-hop mogul who rose to fame in the 1990s through his label, Bad Boy Records, launching stars like The Notorious B.I.G., Usher and Mary J. Blige.
Born in Harlem in 1969, he briefly attended Howard University before breaking into the music industry. His debut album No Way Out followed B.I.G.’s death and earned Grammy wins. Over the years, he’s gone by Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, and Diddy, collaborating with top artists.
Beyond music, Combs built a billion-dollar empire with ventures in fashion, vodka, and TV, earning him a Forbes valuation of $1 billion in 2022.
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