U.S. choose denied Sean “Diddy” Combs’ request to be launched from jail on Wednesday forward of his sentencing, after the music mogul was cleared of intercourse trafficking and racketeering prices that would have put him behind bars for all times however discovered responsible of lesser prostitution-related offenses.
At a listening to in Manhattan federal court docket hours after the decision was learn, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian stated Combs should stay in federal lockup in Brooklyn for now given the ample proof offered at trial of violent acts Combs had dedicated.
“It is impossible for the defendant to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that he poses no danger,” Subramanian stated.
The verdict was general a win for Combs, a former billionaire recognized for elevating hip-hop in American tradition.
The 12-member jury unanimously convicted him on two counts of transportation to interact in prostitution. It acquitted Combs of racketeering conspiracy and two counts of intercourse trafficking two of his former romantic companions: the rhythm and blues singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, and a lady recognized in court docket by the pseudonym Jane.
Prosecutors acknowledged in a court docket submitting that federal sentencing pointers appeared to advocate a most sentence of 5-1/4 years. Combs’ legal professionals argued that two years can be the outer restrict.
After the decision, Combs knelt earlier than his chair and appeared to hope. Combs then rose and confronted the courtroom gallery.
“I’m gonna be home soon,” he stated, smiling and clasping his arms. “I love you. Thank you, I love you.”
Combs’ household and supporters erupted into applause and cheers.
Combs, as soon as famed for internet hosting lavish events for the cultural elite in luxurious locales just like the Hamptons and Saint-Tropez, had pleaded not responsible to all 5 counts. He faces a most 10-year jail sentence on every of the 2 prostitution counts.
Combs’ legal professionals had urged Subramanian to launch Combs on $1 million bond, arguing in a court docket submitting the prostitution offenses have been “far less serious” than the intercourse trafficking and racketeering prices he confronted on the time he was ordered detained pending trial.
Prosecutors argued Combs ought to stay in jail as a result of he remained a hazard to the group, pointing to Jane’s testimony at trial that he assaulted her and coerced her into intercourse with a male prostitute in June 2024 whereas he was conscious he was below federal investigation.
The seven-week trial targeted on prosecutors’ allegations that Combs for twenty years used his enterprise empire to power Ventura and Jane to participate in drug-fueled, days-long sexual performances typically often called “Freak Offs” with male intercourse employees in resort rooms whereas Combs watched, masturbated and sometimes filmed.
Prosecutors unsuccessfully argued that Combs’ conduct towards each ladies amounted to intercourse trafficking as a result of he compelled Ventura and Jane to participate within the performances utilizing bodily violence and threats to withhold monetary assist or leak sexually specific pictures of them.
“The defendant used power, violence and fear to get what he wanted,” prosecutor Christy Slavik stated in her closing argument on June 26.
ACQUITTAL ON THREE CHARGES
The jury’s acquittal on probably the most critical prices signaled that the prosecution failed to attract a direct line between Combs’ abuse of Ventura and Jane and their participation within the sexual performances.
The protection acknowledged that Combs engaged in home violence, however argued that Ventura and Jane have been robust, unbiased ladies who consensually took half within the sexual performances as a result of they wished to please Combs.
Sarah Krissoff, a former federal prosecutor in Manhattan, stated the jury might have considered Combs’ conduct as proof of poisonous romantic relationships, however not intercourse trafficking.
“It doesn’t fit what they would expect to be sex trafficking,” stated Krissoff, now a associate at legislation agency Cozen O’Connor.
The Bad Boy Records founder might have confronted life in jail if he have been convicted on intercourse trafficking or racketeering conspiracy.
After the decision, Combs’ household left the courthouse to chants of “love, love, love,” from Combs’ supporters. During his profession, Combs’ stage monikers included Love, Puff Daddy and P. Diddy.
In an announcement after the decision, Manhattan U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Ricky Patel stated intercourse crimes have been “all too present” throughout society and that Americans wished it to cease.
Combs nonetheless faces dozens of civil lawsuits accusing him of abuse. Ventura sued him in November 2023 for intercourse trafficking, they usually settled a day later for $20 million.
Combs, as soon as feted for turning artists like Notorious B.I.G. and Usher into stars, has denied all wrongdoing.
After the decision, Ventura’s lawyer Douglas Wigdor stated in an announcement that she had “paved the way” for Combs’ conviction.
© Thomson Reuters 2025.