Sean “Diddy” Combs could be released from custody as early as today after a Manhattan federal jury found him not guilty of the most serious charges in his sex trafficking trial. The music mogul was convicted on two lesser counts—transportation for the purpose of prostitution—but acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking, including those involving Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura and another woman identified as “Jane.”
The racketeering conspiracy charge alone carried a potential life sentence. The two counts he was convicted of carry a maximum of 10 years each but no mandatory minimum, opening the door for immediate release.
After the verdict was read, Combs celebrated by pumping his fist, embracing his legal team and family, and mouthing “Thank you” to the jury. His mother, Janice Combs, gave a thumbs-up as she left the courthouse, joined by a smiling Christian “King” Combs, Sean’s son.
His lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo, petitioned Judge Arun Subramanian for Combs’ immediate release, offering a $1 million bond and proposing house arrest in Miami with strict conditions. “Mr. Combs has been given his life by this jury,” Agnifilo said. “He would be nothing short of a fool to violate any bail terms.”
However, U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey strongly opposed the motion, arguing that federal law requires detention after conviction unless the judge is convinced the defendant is neither a flight risk nor a danger.
The judge is expected to issue a decision at 1 p.m. today.
As U.S. Marshals escorted Combs out of the courtroom following the verdict, he told his family, “I’ll be home soon” and “I love you,” before turning to his attorneys and shouting “Dream Team!”
Outside the courthouse, a group of Combs’ supporters celebrated in bizarre fashion—pouring baby oil on each other and waving travel-size bottles of lubricant in reference to details revealed during the trial.
Verdict Summary
- Count 1: Racketeering Conspiracy – Not Guilty
- Count 2: Sex Trafficking of Cassandra Ventura – Not Guilty
- Count 3: Sex Trafficking of “Jane” – Not Guilty
- Count 4: Transportation for Prostitution (Ventura) – Guilty
- Count 5: Transportation for Prostitution (“Jane”) – Guilty
The verdict brings an unexpected turn to a high-profile federal case that had been closely watched nationwide.
