NEW YORK – Sean “Diddy” Combs has been cleared of the most serious criminal charges against him but was found guilty on two federal counts of transporting women for prostitution, carrying a maximum combined sentence of 20 years in prison.
The 55-year-old music mogul, who once held a near-mythic status in the hip-hop industry, was on trial for five charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking. A federal jury found him not guilty of racketeering conspiracy and both sex trafficking charges, which carried potential life sentences.
As the verdict was read on Monday, Combs bowed his head, appearing to pray, then stood, turned to the courtroom gallery, and clapped. Supporters in the gallery responded with applause and cheers as his legal team embraced one another.
Defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo said Combs had narrowly escaped a life behind bars. “Mr. Combs has been given his life by this jury,” he told Judge Arun Subramanian. He pleaded for Combs’ immediate release, saying he posed no flight risk, had no access to his private jet, and had strong family support ready to sign a bond.
The court has yet to decide on Combs’ release. Both prosecution and defense teams have been asked to submit written arguments by 1 p.m. Eastern Time, after which Judge Subramanian will make a ruling.
Federal prosecutors oppose his release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey argued that the trial exposed a pattern of abuse and heavy drug use. She claimed Combs continued criminal activity even after learning he was under investigation and warned that he remained a public threat.
The judge thanked the jury for what he called a “tremendous sacrifice,” acknowledging their role in delivering a partial verdict in a case that has drawn global attention.
Combs now awaits sentencing on the two counts he was convicted of—both related to the transportation of women for prostitution involving alleged victims Cassie Ventura and a woman identified only as “Jane.” Each count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.
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