Diddy: Music mogul acquitted of trafficking and racketeering, convicted in prostitution case, denied bail
A U.S. federal judge has denied bail to Sean “Diddy” Combs following his conviction for transporting individuals to engage in prostitution. The verdict was delivered on Wednesday, July 2, after a nearly two-month trial in New York City.
Although the jury acquitted the hip-hop mogul of the more severe charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, Judge Arun Subramanian ruled that Combs must remain in custody until sentencing.
Prosecutors accused Combs of using his celebrity status and business empire to operate a criminal enterprise involving the sex trafficking of women. Despite being cleared of three out of five counts, the jury found Combs guilty of one charge—transportation to engage in prostitution—after 13 hours of deliberation.
Combs’ attorneys argued that he was not a flight risk and noted that his private jet was currently chartered in Hawaii. They also highlighted that Combs had voluntarily attended a domestic violence reform program before his arrest and had no record of violence since 2018.
“This is someone who has tried to change,” said defense attorney Marc Agnifilo. “We should trust him.”
However, Judge Subramanian denied bail, citing Combs’ history of violence, including his admission of domestic abuse. He referenced a letter from Combs’ former partner, musician Casandra Ventura, who warned that he remained a threat if released.
“The defense conceded violence in his personal relationship,” the judge noted.
The courtroom was tense as the verdict was read. Witnesses described Combs falling to his knees, trembling, and appearing to pray after learning of the partial acquittal. He will remain at a federal jail in Brooklyn, where he has been held since September 2024.
Sentencing is scheduled for Thursday, October 3, and Combs faces up to 20 years in prison.
Prosecutors had attempted to prove that Combs led a criminal enterprise under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), using employees to facilitate a pattern of coercion, sexual abuse, and obstruction of justice. Their case included testimony from more than 30 witnesses, including Ventura—who was eight months pregnant during her appearance—rapper Kid Cudi, former staff, and hotel security workers.
Key to the prosecution’s case was a 2016 surveillance video showing Combs beating and dragging Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel. Security staff testified that Combs offered bribes to destroy the footage.
Despite the racketeering and sex trafficking acquittals, Combs still faces numerous civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault and violence. His legal troubles mark a dramatic fall for the Harlem-born entrepreneur who founded Bad Boy Records in 1993 and built a multi-million-dollar empire including fashion, alcohol brands, and media ventures.
