Diddy cleared of major charges but guilty of transporting women for prostitution

Sean “Diddy” Combs Convicted of Transporting Women for Prostitution, Cleared of Sex Trafficking Charges

Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been found guilty of transporting women for prostitution but acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking charges tied to ex-partner Cassie Ventura and another woman identified only as “Jane.”

The verdict followed a nearly two-month federal trial in which 34 witnesses — including former girlfriends, staff members, male escorts, and federal agents — took the stand.

Combs, who has been held in custody since September, now faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Legal experts, however, expect the punishment to fall between five and ten years, with credit likely for time already served.

As the verdict was read, reporters described Combs’s demeanor as “hard to read.” He had earlier been seen praying with his children. Ventura’s attorney said he was “pleased” that Combs still faces “substantial jail time,” even after being cleared of the most serious charges.

There is a “high likelihood” the judge will permit Combs to be released on bail, according to legal analyst Kristen Gibbons Feden, who noted that his private jet has been seized, he can be closely monitored, and he was acquitted of violent offenses.

Sentencing is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Sean “Diddy” Combs will remain in custody after a federal judge denied his request for bail on Wednesday, days after his conviction on two counts of transporting women for prostitution.

Combs was acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking charges, avoiding a potential life sentence. But Judge Arun Subramanian ordered him to stay at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center until his October 3 sentencing, where he faces up to 20 years in prison.

The ruling drew mixed reactions inside the courtroom. Combs’ family welcomed the acquittals, while supporters who expected his release were left visibly shaken.

Over the course of the eight-week trial, 34 witnesses — including Cassie Ventura, another accuser identified as “Jane,” and artists Kid Cudi and Dawn Richard — testified about a pattern of alleged abuse, describing drug-fueled parties and manipulative behavior.

While jurors rejected the most serious allegations, prosecutors maintained that Combs used his wealth and influence to pressure women into exploitative situations. His defense team argued the encounters were consensual and that civil lawsuits filed against him are financially motivated.

Even as the criminal case nears its conclusion, Combs continues to face dozens of pending civil suits tied to similar allegations.