Defense asked the court to be released from prison to the sentence, claiming that this is his first conviction; Upon receiving the verdict, Rapper made a prayer gesture toward the jury
Rapper and music producer Sean “Diddy” Combs was considered guilty for transportation for prostitution on trial completed on Wednesday (2) in New York, United States. However, he was acquitted of the most serious accusations of sex trafficking and conspiracy for extortion, which could give him more severe penalties.
Arrested since September 2024, Diddy denies all charges. His lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, has already asked the court to be released from prison to the sentence, claiming that this is his first conviction and that the crimes for which he was held responsible are distinct from the original complaints. The prosecution, in turn, opposes release and says it will ask for a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Diddy, 54, is one of the most influential names in American music industry. Founder of Bad Boy Records label, he launched artists such as Usher, Mary J. Blige and Notorious Big, and was described by the magazine Time as “the most ubiquitous man of hip hop.” Her reputation began to crumble at the end of 2023, after accusations made by her ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura. She said she was coerced, drug addict and raped during the relationship, at events described as “Freak Offs” – sexual parties organized by the rapper. Cassie removed the complaint after a financial agreement, but the case motivated other victims to speak up.
In March 2024, two Diddy mansions were searched by federal agents. In May, a 2016 video came out in which he appears assaulting Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel. A few months later, he was arrested and formally accused of sexual trafficking, criminal association and transportation for prostitution.
Judgment
The trial, which began in May 2025, lasted almost two months. The jury, consisting of 12 people, listened to dozens of testimonies and watched videos and images presented by the accusation. The prosecution argued that Diddy used his position of power to manipulate and coerce women, including Cassie and a second ex-girlfriend identified as “Jane Doe” (name used in the United States to protect victims and witnesses). Both reported physical and psychological abuse, and said they were forced to have sex with companions at the request of the musician.
Cassie stated that during the relationship, the artist completely controlled his life and described episodes of violence such as cuts, kicks and rapes. Crying in her statement, she said she even thought of suicide two years ago. Diddy’s defense denied the accusations and claimed that the reports were exaggerated or distorted. The lawyers said the rapper carried an “alternative lifestyle” with recreational drug use and consensual involvement in sexual practices. “This is not a crime, it is money,” said lawyer Marc Agnifilo, suggesting that the complainants acted for financial interests. Diddy did not depose during the trial. Upon receiving the verdict, he made a prayer gesture toward the jury.
Next Steps
The sentence is not yet defined. Combs can take up to 10 years in prison for the two accusations of which he was considered guilty. Experts evaluate that, as a primary defendant, it is unlikely to receive the maximum penalty.
Outside the court, protesters and journalists followed the dissemination of the verdict. Prosecutor Maurene Comey said the federal government will work to ensure the most severe punishment possible. Meanwhile, Diddy’s defense team said it was “satisfied” with acquittal on the most serious accusations.
*Report produced with the aid of AI
