After a tense six‐week trial in New York federal court, music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was found guilty on two of five charges relating to sex trafficking and prostitution racketeering, with the jury acquitting him on the remaining three counts. The verdict, announced Wednesday afternoon, marks a dramatic turn in a case that has captivated media outlets and fans alike.
According to Reuters, the jury delivered its mixed decision after less than four hours of deliberation. Combs was convicted on one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor and one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion. He was acquitted of one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of an adult and two counts of prostitution and money laundering.
@Reuters “Jury convicts Diddy on two counts, acquits on three—verdict sends shockwaves through music industry.” Read more
Prosecutors, led by U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, urged a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, arguing that Combs leveraged his fame to lure vulnerable women into an illicit sex operation that generated millions in illicit profits. “No celebrity should be above the law,” Williams told reporters outside the courthouse, as reported by AP News. “This verdict shows our commitment to protecting survivors of human trafficking.”
The jury’s acquittal on three counts suggests they found reasonable doubt in the government’s broader allegations. Defense attorney John Morgan celebrated the outcome, telling CNN that “the jury affirmed that Mr. Combs never participated in any criminal prostitution enterprise.” Morgan added, “We will vigorously fight any attempt by prosecutors to retry these matters.”
@CNN “Defense hails partial acquittal—‘Diddy never ran a prostitution ring,’ says attorney.” See coverage
Combs, 55, maintained his composure as the verdict was read. His legal team immediately announced plans to file post‐trial motions for acquittal and a new trial on the two guilty counts, citing prosecutorial misconduct and insufficient evidence. “We respect the jury’s service,” Morgan said, “but we believe the evidence does not support these convictions.”
The charges stem from an indictment unsealed in February, which alleged that Combs and two associates operated a scheme from 2010 to 2016 in which women and girls were forced to provide sexual services in hotels across New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. Prosecutors presented testimony from six women who described travel arrangements paid for by Combs’s companies, coercive tactics to control them, and instructions to conceal the true nature of their activities.
One survivor, identified only as “Jane Doe #3,” delivered emotional testimony about being flown to a luxury suite in Manhattan, where she said she felt compelled to comply with traffickers’ demands. “I was terrified,” she told the court, according to The New York Times. “I didn’t know how to escape.”
@NYTimes “Survivor recalls horror in Manhattan suite—‘I was told to tell them I was over 18.’” Detailed report
Combs’s defense centered on lack of direct involvement. Witnesses for the defense included former employees and friends who testified that Combs was unaware of the women’s treatment and that travel arrangements were handled by third parties. Celebrity rapper Ludacris, called as a character witness, described Combs as “a champion for women’s empowerment” and “incapable of such cruelty” in a Billboard interview.
@Billboard “Ludacris defends Combs on stand—‘He’s a father, not a trafficker.’” Entertainment news
As news of the verdict spread, social media erupted. Under #DiddyVerdict, reactions were polarized. Music producer Timbaland tweeted, “Justice for the queens out there—thanks to survivors for speaking truth.” Meanwhile, user @HipHopSkeptic wrote, “Partial acquittal shows prosecutors overreached—Diddy’s empire isn’t a crime syndicate.”
@Timbaland “Salute to the survivors—may your courage inspire change.” Tribute tweet
Industry insiders warn the verdict could have lasting repercussions for Combs’s business interests. Island Records, which distributed Combs’s latest album, and mogul‐owned ventures including Revolt TV and the Bad Boy Entertainment label have remained publicly supportive, but analysts predict potential sponsorship withdrawals and renegotiations of brand partnerships.
Corporate governance expert Dr. Alicia Parsons of Harvard Business School told Forbes that “even partial convictions can trigger clauses in endorsement contracts, leading to freezes on payments and reputational damage.”
@Forbes “Legal cloud over Combs’s empire—sponsors weigh future amid criminal verdict.” Financial analysis
Meanwhile, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has indicated it may appeal sentencing guidelines to ensure a significant penalty. Sentencing is scheduled for October, where Combs faces up to 10 years on each conviction. His supporters are rallying, raising funds for his legal defense through the hashtag #StandWithCombs.
Survivor advocates are calling the convictions a watershed moment in the fight against trafficking. Gloria Richardson of the National Human Trafficking Hotline hailed the verdict as “a message that celebrity status does not exempt anyone from accountability.” In a post on the organization’s official site, she urged Congress to strengthen anti‐trafficking statutes and increase survivor support funding.
@TraffickingHotline “Two convictions won’t end trafficking—let’s push for better laws and resources.” Advocacy tweet
As Combs’s legal team prepares for the next phase, the music world watches closely. The jury’s split verdict underscores the complexity of prosecuting high-profile figures, balancing survivor testimony against questions of direct knowledge and intent. For the victims, however, the two guilty counts represent partial justice—and a reminder that their voices can prevail, even against the most powerful celebrities.
