Diddy has been found guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution but was acquitted on the more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.
After dominating headlines for weeks, the federal trial against the Bad Boy Records mogul came to a close on Wednesday, July 2, with the jury delivering a split verdict.
There’s a possibility Diddy could be released on bond as early as today.
This mixed verdict dealt a significant blow to prosecutors, who had hoped for convictions on the more serious charges. Prior to the jury’s decision on Wednesday, reports surfaced that jurors were struggling to reach a consensus on the racketeering count.
Since his arrest in New York last September, Diddy—born Sean Combs—has remained in custody. His legal team pushed for a mistrial multiple times during the trial, which featured high-profile testimony from former partner Cassie Ventura—who previously sued Diddy—and rapper Kid Cudi, who spoke about his car allegedly being targeted with a Molotov cocktail.
As covered in detailed reporting by Complex’s Shawn Setaro, the courtroom drama unfolded as a battle of narratives. Prosecutors and Diddy’s defense painted starkly different portraits of the music mogul. After the government rested its case on June 24, Diddy’s defense declined to call any witnesses—including Diddy himself.
“I want to tell you thank you,” Diddy said to Judge Arun Subramanian when confirming his decision not to testify. “You’re doing an excellent job.”
While the courtroom remained the center of attention, the media frenzy outside couldn’t be ignored. Kanye West showed up in support, while 50 Cent continuously mocked Diddy and hyped his upcoming documentary centered on the scandal. Elsewhere, Diddy’s son Justin Combs was reportedly approached with a bizarre urination-related request outside the courthouse.
During closing arguments, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik told jurors, “Through the entire context of the relationship, Cassie did not have the freedom to make voluntary adult choices.” She detailed how Cassie described being stripped of autonomy and self-worth, adding that Diddy’s money and influence had long shielded him from consequences. “It’s time for justice,” Slavik urged. “It’s time to find the defendant guilty.”
Diddy’s lead defense attorney Marc Agnifilo countered that the prosecution had created “a tale of two trials,” arguing that Diddy’s business empire was legitimate and not a criminal enterprise. He specifically attacked the racketeering charge as a misrepresentation of Diddy’s career and success.
Jury deliberations began on June 30. Diddy reportedly brought books with him to court, including The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale and The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor.
While the racketeering and sex trafficking charges carried the potential for a life sentence, Diddy turned down a plea deal prior to trial. He now faces sentencing for the transportation charge, which the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York previously confirmed carries a maximum of 10 years in prison.
