Here’s what you’ll learn when you read this article:
- How the sexual assault scandal and federal criminal case against Sean “Diddy” Combs has unfolded
- Major highlights from Combs’ trial
- What happens now that verdicts have been reached
As recently as 2022, Sean “Diddy” Combs was considered only the third billionaire in hip-hop, his empire spanning the Bad Boy Records music label, Sean John clothing line, Revolt cable network, and more. But after three years, dozens of civil lawsuits, and a host of federal charges including racketeering and sex trafficking, Combs’ rapid fall from grace has reached another stunning moment.
Combs’ highly publicized federal trial ended Wednesday after three days of jury deliberations. The 55-year-old music mogul was found not guilty of the three most serious charges against him—one for racketeering conspiracy and two for sex trafficking his ex-girlfriends—meaning he will not serve a life prison sentence.
However, the former Grammy winner was convicted of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Specifically, the jury found Combs violated the Mann Act, a federal law that prohibits the interstate or foreign commerce transport of individuals for “any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense.”
Although Combs seemingly celebrated the verdict—clapping toward the courtroom gallery following the verdicts, according to CNN—he still faces up to 20 years in prison for his convictions. He has been denied bail prior to his sentencing.
The trial was the culmination of Combs’ ongoing legal spiral, which began in November 2023 with multiple civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault. He has vehemently denied all of the allegations against him, including that he used kidnapping, bribery, and other unscrupulous methods to maintain a sprawling criminal enterprise.
While Wednesday’s outcome began forming a clearer picture of Combs’ future, his legal saga is far from over. Here’s a look at how the jury arrived at its conclusion and what could happen next.
Dozens of women accused Diddy of sexual misconduct
In addition to his music acumen, Combs built fame by throwing lavish celebrations, such as his annual Labor Day White Parties that attracted A-list stars including Leonardo DiCaprio, Mariah Carey, and Jay-Z during the 1990s and 2000s.
However, his lifestyle behind closed doors came under fire in November 2023, when his former girlfriend Casandra Ventura, known professionally as Cassie, filed a civil lawsuit accusing Combs of sex trafficking and sexual assault. The two sides quickly reached a settlement, later revealed to be worth $20 million, but Ventura’s complaint sparked a deluge of allegations against Combs. At least 70 additional civil lawsuits accuse him of sexual misconduct.
The controversy around Combs only intensified when security footage from 2016 emerged that appeared to show him assaulting Ventura at a California hotel. Combs, who can’t be prosecuted for the attack because of the statue of limitations, released a statement about the incident.
“My behavior on that video is inexcusable,” he said in a since-deleted Instagram video. “I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now. I went and I sought out professional help. I got into going to therapy, going to rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry.”
In the meantime, federal prosecutors were building a case against Combs after authorities raided two of his homes in March 2024. He was arrested at a Manhattan hotel on September 16, 2024, and the severity of his alleged crimes was made public the following day. A grand jury indictment accused Combs of having “engaged in a persistent and pervasive pattern of abuse toward women and other individuals” as he sought to protect his reputation and conceal his illicit conduct.
Diddy has been held in prison without bail
Combs, considered a flight risk if granted bail, was taken into custody at the Special Housing Unit of the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where he has remained during his trial. The facility has developed a notorious reputation, with video footage reportedly showing cockroaches in the food and mold in the showers.
An April 2025 report by The New York Times offered details of Combs’ life inside the prison. The rapper was placed in the 4 North unit, which he shared for a time with disgraced tech entrepreneur Sam Bankman-Fried. He has access to a community area and small exercise room. Combs is also allowed visitors on Tuesdays and phone calls capped at 15 minutes.
“I’ve only seen one piece of him, which is Diddy in prison, and he’s been kind to people in the unit; he’s been kind to me,” Bankman-Fried told Tucker Carlson. “It’s a position no one wants to be in.”
Combs has said little publicly about his incarceration but appeared in good spirits as his seven children celebrated his birthday on November 4. “I got the best family in the world. My birthday, I’m happy, thanks to y’all giving me this call. Thank you very much, I love ya’ll,” Combs said via phone in a video posted by his family.
His trial included star witnesses and explosive testimony
Combs’ trial began on May 12 at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan U.S. Courthouse in Lower Manhattan. It included six weeks of testimony.
One of the most anticipated witnesses was his ex-girlfriend Ventura, who took the stand on the second day. She testified that Combs abused her and forced her to have sex with strangers during drug-fueled encounters called “freak-offs” starting when she was 22. “I just didn’t want to make him upset,” Ventura, now 38, said of the incidents. “I just didn’t want to make him angry and regret telling me about this experience that was so personal.” Combs’ legal team countered with text messages they claim showed Ventura as an willing participant in the freak-offs.
Other witness testimony highlighted the mogul’s allegedly controlling and manipulative nature. Rapper Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, revealed he suspected Combs of breaking into his house and attempting to firebomb his car in response to Cudi’s relationship with Ventura.
Multiple federal agents offered details of materials found during the raid of Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami, including bulk amounts of lubricant, multiple firearms, and drugs such as ketamine and MDMA. Prosecutors have alleged the substances were used to make women compliant during the freak-offs.
After six weeks, prosecutors rested their case on June 24. Combs subsequently told Judge Arun Subramanian that he wouldn’t take the stand to testify in his own defense. “That is my decision, your honor. That is solely my decision,” he said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “I mean, it’s my decision with my lawyers… My decision to make. I’m making it.”
As the trial wound down, a court filing showed prosecutors withdrew some of their criminal allegations against Combs. This included his alleged engagement in racketeering by attempting kidnapping in California and New York, attempted arson in California, and aiding and abetting sex trafficking. The filing indicated the decision was motivated by the judge’s request to streamline jury instructions.
Given his conviction, Combs will remain behind bars for some time
Closing arguments in the case took place June 26 and 27. In the end, the jury needed 13 hours across three days to reach its split verdict Wednesday.
Immediately after the verdict was returned, defense attorney Marc Agnifilo requested that Judge Arun Subramanian allow Combs to “be released on appropriate conditions” the same day on a $1 million bond as he awaits sentencing. Prosecutors objected, arguing the trial showed evidence of extensive abuse and prolific drug use by Combs and that he would likely commit more crimes if released. Subramanian ultimately denied Combs bail partially due to applicable law that prohibits such a release.
A date for Combs’ sentencing hasn’t been set, though Subramanian proposed a time in October. The two convictions of transportation to engage in prostitution carry a combined prison sentence of up to 20 years, and prosecutor Maurene Comey confirmed the government intends to seek incarceration for Combs.
No matter Combs’ fate, the financial fallout from his civil and federal allegations is already staggering. Combs has potentially lost more than half of his fortune—his 2024 net worth was estimated at $400 million—and his professional reputation might be irreparably damaged. According to NBC News, at least 18 brands and organizations have already severed ties with Combs.
More accusations against Combs continue to emerge. Just hours before the federal verdict, a former actor and model filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court accusing the rapper of assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and sexual battery as well as civil conspiracy and aiding and abetting. According to Variety, the plaintiff, seeking $10 million in damages, alleges he was drugged and raped by Combs and a mystery woman sometime during the late 2000s.
The future of Combs and his record label still remains largely uncertain.
Tyler Piccotti joined the Biography.com staff as an Associate News Editor and is now the News and Culture Editor. He previously worked as a reporter and copy editor for a daily newspaper recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors. In his current role, he shares the true stories behind your favorite movies and TV shows and profiles rising musicians, actors, and athletes. When he's not working, you can find him at the nearest amusement park or movie theater and cheering on his favorite teams.
