Sean “Diddy” Combs was acquitted of human trafficking charges in a U.S. federal trial but convicted on two counts of promoting prostitution. Renewz.de reports factually and in detail.
The jury cleared him of three out of five charges, including the serious allegations of organized crime and human trafficking. However, Combs was found guilty on two counts of promoting prostitution under the U.S. Mann Act. Each conviction carries a potential sentence of up to ten years in prison. This was reported by G.Business, citing NUME.ch and New York Times.
Allegations and course of the trial
The 55-year-old Combs was accused of having forced his former partners, Casandra Ventura (better known as “Cassie”) and another woman identified only as “Jane,” into sexual acts with male prostitutes over a period of years. The prosecution spoke of a system of abuse operated through violence, threats, and financial control. According to witness statements, Combs allegedly organized, filmed, and controlled so-called “freak-offs” — group sex events involving male escorts.
The jury, composed of eight men and four women, deliberated over eight weeks. They found that the evidence was insufficient to support charges of human trafficking or violations under the RICO Act (organized crime). Text messages suggesting consent were a key factor in his acquittal.
Defense and criticism
Combs’ defense team argued that the relationships were consensual and should be interpreted as “modern love stories.” However, women’s rights organizations such as UltraViolet and RAINN sharply criticized the verdict, calling it “disheartening” and a “sign of a culture that doesn’t believe women.”
Table: Overview of charges
| Charge | Verdict | Possible Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Organized crime (RICO) | Acquitted | Up to life imprisonment |
| Human trafficking – Ventura case | Acquitted | 15 years to life |
| Human trafficking – “Jane” case | Acquitted | 15 years to life |
| Promotion of prostitution (1) | Convicted | Up to 10 years |
| Promotion of prostitution (2) | Convicted | Up to 10 years |
What Sean Combs now faces
Although Sean Combs was acquitted of the most serious charges, the case is not yet closed. The two convictions for promoting prostitution under the US Mann Act are classified as serious federal offenses. Each count carries a maximum sentence of up to ten years in prison.
The prosecution has announced it will seek immediate detention, citing the severity of the crimes and the need to send a strong signal against sexual exploitation. The defense, on the other hand, is requesting bail. They argue that Combs poses no flight risk, has cooperated throughout, and maintains strong family ties in the United States.
The presiding judge is expected to decide on the next steps in the coming days — including whether Combs will remain in custody pending sentencing. In the US, it is common for several weeks to pass between a conviction and final sentencing. During this time, both sides may submit written statements that influence the final sentence.
Background: Why the Sean Combs case goes beyond a celebrity trial
The Sean Combs case has sparked public debate far beyond legal questions. The original civil lawsuit filed by Cassie Ventura in 2023 was a rare move: instead of a quiet settlement, she chose to go public — with consequences. Her statements led to the opening of a criminal investigation and encouraged further alleged victims to come forward.
Women’s rights groups such as UltraViolet and RAINN view the trial as a litmus test for how society handles abuse of power and sexual violence. Even though no trafficking conviction was issued, observers regard the proceedings as a sign of cultural change: acts committed by powerful individuals are increasingly being brought to justice — even when the evidence is complex.
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