A jury has found Sean ‘P Diddy‘ Combs not guilty of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking on Wednesday July 2. The media mogul was, however, convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution in relation to two of his ex-partners – Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, and “Jane”, another main witness who appeared under a pseudonym during the trial to protect her anonymity.
- Final verdict: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, but not guilty on the more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.
- Combs denied bail: A scheduling hearing has been set for next week to determine when Combs’ sentencing will take place. The judge has denied Combs’ request for bail while he awaits sentencing, likely to be in October, citing his history of violence and past illegal conduct.
Where The Combs Trial Stands
- Sentencing outlook: While Combs has been acquitted of the more serious charges, he still faces a maximum of 20 years behind bars in relation to the two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution he was found guilty of.
Across a combined 10 days on the witness stand, Cassie Ventura and Jane recounted harrowing details of physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Their significant trauma was placed on full display as prosecutors alleged that Combs used his undeniable influence and power, as well as threats of violence and blackmail, to coerce women into participating in relentless “freak-offs” with male escorts.
Importantly, they argued that Combs was a “leader of a criminal enterprise” who used his unfettered “power, violence and fear to get what he wanted.” A pattern of behaviour, prosecutors alleged, that allowed Combs to become “more powerful and more dangerous because of the support of his inner circle and his businesses.”
Combs’ lawyers rejected the government’s notion that Cassie and Jane were victims of Diddy, instead arguing that they engaged in the “freak offs” as willing participants, denying the sex-trafficking parallels.
Cassie’s Lawyer Responds To Diddy Trial Verdict
As the verdict was handed down, Combs’ supporters cheered and celebrated, while Doug Wigdor, a lawyer for Cassie Ventura, responded to the Diddy trial outcome.
“This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023. Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution,” said Wigdor in a statement.
“By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice. We must repeat – with no reservation – that we believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial,” he continued.
The statement went on to commend Ventura’s “unquestionable strength,” adding that she “brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion. This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors.”
Combs’ Guilty Conviction: What The Prostitution Counts Alleged
While the jury has acquitted Combs of the more serious charges, he was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, with each count carrying a maximum of 10 years behind bars.
The two transportation charges relate to the prosecution’s argument that Combs transported his then-girlfriends, Cassie Ventura and “Jane”, along with various male escorts, across state lines for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts – or prostitution. The charges were split between the two witnesses.
But what exactly do the guilty charges mean and how did Cassie’s testimony shape the jury’s decision? Below, a breakdown of what those two counts alleged.
Count One: Jane’s Testimony
During the Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial, “Jane” testified about accompanying Combs, whom she dated from 2021 to 2024, to events she labelled “hotel nights.” She claimed that it was during these nights that she was made to engage in sexual encounters with male “entertainers” while Combs watched.
She also testified that these “hotel nights” took place across myriad locations including Los Angeles, Miami, New York and Turks and Caicos during May 2021 and October 2023.
Count Two: Cassie’s Testimony
During the Diddy trial, Cassie testified that she participated in “freak offs” in various locations. The court heard how tasked her with finding escorts who would be paid between $1500 and $6000 (US) to take part in the “freak-offs”, and supplied with drugs and alcohol by Combs.
She stated that the male escorts would be flown in from various locations, and that the “freak-offs” themselves were carried out across multiple cities around the world, including Los Angeles, New York, Ibiza, and Las Vegas. The details of which remained central to proving the prosecutors’ transportation to engage in prostitution charges.
Throughout the Diddy trial, Cassie also supplied evidence to support the claims, including flight records and hotel invoices – a line of argument that legal analyst Misty Marris told CNN provided proof in “leaps and bounds.”
“It’s truly very simple: Did individuals cross state lines with the intent to engage in prostitution?” she explained further.
The jury was also provided with videos that depicted sexually explicit footage of Ventura and “Jane” engaging in such acts. Each of the videos aligned with the dates and flight records supplied as evidence.
What Did Cassie’s Letter Say?
Before the decision was finalised by Judge Arun Subramanian, Cassie’s lawyer filed a letter requesting that his bail be denied. It’s thought that its contents impacted the judge’s decision to keep Combs in detention as he awaits sentencing.
Accompanying the legal letter was a personal note from Ventura’s close friend, Deonte Nash that read: “While I appreciate the fairness you have shown throughout this proceeding. I feel compelled to be unequivocal about the danger he poses to the public and to the individuals who have risked everything by coming forward.
“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,” he continued.
Related articles:
- Will Diddy Face Jail Time? Why His Sentencing Isn’t Coming Anytime Soon
- Was Diddy Found Guilty Or Not Guilty? It’s Both, Actually
- Cassie Ventura Reveals Harrowing Details In Brave Testimony Against Combs
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