Diddy trial verdict: Hip Hop mogul cleared of sex trafficking charges; guilty of soliciting prostitution - full judgement

In a mixed verdict, the court found Sean "Diddy" Combs not guilty of racketeering conspiracy and not guilty of sex trafficking allegations involving both Cassie Ventura and a woman referred to as "Jane.

" However, he was found guilty of transporting Ventura, Jane, and others across state lines for the purpose of prostitution. The outcome reflects a partial conviction, clearing him of the most severe trafficking charges while holding him accountable for facilitating illegal transport.The jury had earlier informed the court they were deadlocked on the racketeering count, but Judge Arun Subramanian had instructed them to continue deliberations.

Their eventual decision clears Combs of accusations that he led a criminal enterprise that spanned two decades and relied on employees and associates to carry out and conceal serious crimes.Combs, 55, had already faced a verdict on four other felony counts two related to sex trafficking and two involving the transport of individuals across state lines for prostitution. The outcomes of those charges, which remain sealed for now, could still carry lengthy prison terms.

However, the acquittal on the racketeering charge, which carried a maximum sentence of life in prison, marks a major legal and reputational reprieve for the music mogul.

Inside the case: What Diddy was accused of

At the heart of the federal trial were disturbing allegations that Combs used his wealth, power and influence to force women into sexually abusive situations. Prosecutors accused him of orchestrating drug-fuelled sex marathons involving male sex workers, using blackmail, violence and coercion to maintain control over victims.Central to the case was testimony from R&B singer Cassie Ventura, Combs’ former long-term partner, and another woman known only as Jane. Both described being trapped in abusive relationships where they were allegedly threatened, assaulted, and pressured into performing sexual acts at Combs’ direction.Prosecutors argued that Combs operated like a mob boss, using a network of employees, bodyguards and assistants to commit or cover up crimes including bribery, arson, kidnapping and witness tampering.

They pursued the racketeering charge under the federal RICO statute — a legal tool historically used to dismantle organised crime.Combs’ legal team rejected the charges as an overreach, describing the trial as an attempt to criminalise his consensual sexual lifestyle. They acknowledged elements of domestic violence but insisted there was no basis for federal sex trafficking charges.