Sean Combs trial reaches an end with mixed verdict
The highly anticipated trial of hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has reached an end.
The jury found Sean Combs not guilty of racketeering conspiracy, the most serious charge.
The jury found Combs guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution (in connection with his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura) and guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution (in connection with his ex-girlfriend who testified under the pseudonym “Jane”).
He was found not guilty of both charges of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion in connection with Ventura and “Jane.”
Combs was accused of being the ringleader of an alleged enterprise that “abused, threatened and coerced women” into prolonged, drug-fueled sexual orgies with male prostitutes, which he called “freak-offs,” and then threatened them into silence. Combs has said that all of the sex was consensual and that while his relationships sometimes involved domestic violence, he wasn’t engaged in trafficking.
Combs’ lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, said Combs was simply part of the swinger lifestyle and that he “vehemently denies the accusations made by the SDNY.”
30 minutes ago
Prosecutors, defense debate sentence
Hours after Sean Combs’ conviction, prosecutors and defense attorneys already disagree about how long a prison sentence the rap mogul deserves.
Citing the federal sentencing guidelines – a set of rules published by the government annually to give judges a framework to determine fair sentences – prosecutors argued that Combs’ guideline range is 51 to 63 months’ imprisonment, about four to five years.
Prosecutors wrote that the estimate is “preliminary” and could increase.
Sean “Diddy” Combs reacts after he was convicted of prostitution-related offenses but acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put him behind bars for life, July 2, 2025, in Manhattan federal court in New York.
Elizabeth Williams/AP
Defense attorneys argue the guidelines point toward a 21- to 27-month sentence – approximately two years.
While judges are not bound by the guidelines, they generally offer a reasonable estimate for a defendant’s sentence.
The time Combs spent incarcerated awaiting trial – about nine months – will be subtracted from whatever sentence he might receive.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian has not set a sentencing date.
Later today, he will hold a hearing about whether to release Combs from federal detention ahead of his future sentencing date.
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31 minutes ago
Combs is a ‘danger to the victims who testified,’ Cassie Ventura’s lawyer tells judge
Casandra “Cassie” Ventura cries on the stand during redirect during Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking trial in New York City, May 16, 2025 in this courtroom sketch.
Jane Rosenberg/Reuters
Cassie Ventura is urging the judge overseeing Sean Combs’ criminal case to keep the rap mogul detained ahead of his sentencing, according to a letter from her attorney.
“Ms. Ventura believes that Mr. Combs is likely to pose a danger to the victims who testified in this case, including herself, as well as to the community,” her attorney, Douglas Wigdor, wrote in a one-page letter to the court.
Urging the judge to deny Combs’ request to be released ahead of his sentencing, Wigdor argued that Combs’ continued detention is “mandatory” based on his conviction.
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55 minutes ago
Prosecutors cite hotel footage in arguing against Combs’ immediate release
Hotel security camera footage depicting Sean Combs assaulting Cassie Ventura is sufficient evidence that Combs should be denied release on bail prior to sentencing, federal prosecutors wrote in a letter to the judge.
“This was far from the only assault the defendant perpetrated on Ms. Ventura: trial testimony from multiple witnesses recounted numerous other instances of abuse, in which the defendant slapped, hit, kicked, and dragged Ms. Ventura by the hair,” the letter said. “The defendant embraced the fact that he was a habitual drug user who regularly engaged in domestic abuse.”
Prosecutors also argued detention is mandatory following a conviction for transportation for the purposes of prostitution.
“Offenses of conviction constitute crimes of violence and mandate detention following the defendant’s conviction,” prosecutors said.
Sean “Diddy” Combs reacts after verdicts are read of the five counts against him, during Combs’ sex trafficking trial in New York City, July 2, 2025 in this courtroom sketch.
Jane Rosenberg/Reuters
Additionally, they argue Combs is a flight risk and a danger, despite the defense’s assertions otherwise.
“The overwhelming evidence established at trial – which the defendant did not dispute – shows that the defendant has engaged in a yearslong pattern of abuse and violence, including as recently as in June 2024, approximately three months before his arrest in this case,” the government letter said.
Prosecutors attached a letter from Deonte Nash, a stylist who testified he was subjected to physical violence by Combs, imploring the judge not to release him before sentencing.
“To release Mr. Combs without substantial consequence would undermine the integrity of this process and send a dangerous message: that wealth and influence can shield someone indefinitely from accountability. It will also endanger those who cooperated with this investigation under subpoena, who are already living in fear of retaliation,” Nash said.
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1 hour and 8 minutes ago
Defense says Combs wants to be reunited with family while arguing for $1M bond
Continuing to detain Sean Combs after his acquittal on sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges would be “inappropriate,” his defense lawyers argued in a letter to the judge overseeing his case this afternoon.
Defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro argued that Combs should not be considered a flight risk and should be allowed to reunite with his family ahead of sentencing.
“Throughout these proceedings, Mr. Combs’s family has been seated by his side, demonstrating the same respect for these proceedings and support for Mr. Combs that they will pay going forward. They were here and are here to support him, and he is obviously committed to reuniting with this family to continue to support them, not to flee or put them at further risk,” she wrote. “He needs and wants to be with – and remain with – his family.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs listens as the jury foreperson and courtroom deputy read verdicts before U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian of the five counts against him, during Combs’ sex trafficking trial in New York City, July 2, 2025.
Jane Rosenberg/Reuters
Shapiro proposed that Combs be released with a $1 million bond cosigned by three family members with travel restricted to parts of Florida, California and New York, his passport surrendered and consent for regular drug testing.
“Mr. Combs presents no risk of flight or danger, and the release conditions proposed herein are more than sufficient to assure Mr. Combs’s appearance as required, and the safety of any person,” Shapiro wrote.
Shapiro also tried to cast doubt on the prosecutor’s claim that Combs poses a “danger,” calling the allegation “unsupported” by the evidence. She noted that the terms of release would “ensure that Mr. Combs would not have the ability to arrange meetings with escorts.”
According to the defense lawyers, the federal sentencing guidelines suggest Combs would get a 21– to 27-month sentence. Combs has spent more than nine months in federal custody awaiting trial.
“His sentencing exposure – which we fully respect and do not seek to minimize in any way – is in fact low, and so is any corresponding risk of flight,” she wrote.
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1 hour and 19 minutes ago
Bail hearing set
Sean Combs’ bail hearing is set to occur at 5 p.m. Wednesday. His attorneys are arguing for $1 million bond, while prosecutors claim he poses a “danger” if released.
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