Diddy Cleared Of Major Charges But Faces Jail Time For Lesser Convictions
Sean “Diddy” Combs walked into court facing a towering racketeering charge and serious sex trafficking accusations. But after a tense two-month trial, the jury cleared him of all the major charges but also returned with a conviction on two lesser counts tied to transporting women for prostitution.
At 55, Diddy now faces up to 20 years in prison for allegedly forcing ex-girlfriends Cassie Ventura and a woman known as “Jane” to travel for sex work. Still, his family cheered in court and the rapper even mouthed “I’m going home” when those major charges were dismissed.
The trial started in May, with 34 witnesses testifying including Cassie, who shared painful details of her decade-long relationship with Diddy. She spoke of so-called “freak offs,” where she and male escorts were covered in baby oil while he watched and directed them. She described emotional and physical abuse, including threats, beatings, and coerced sex.
Legal teams dug into everything from explicit CCTV footage in a hotel to Diddy’s hotel rooms, allegedly stocked with baby oil, lubricants, drugs, stiletto heels, and even rifle parts. Prosecutors described Diddy as a mob-like figure controlling victims through force and intimidation.
But defense attorneys painted a different picture. They admitted Diddy could be controlling or jealous, but insisted his behavior didn’t amount to sex trafficking or running a criminal enterprise. They framed him as a flawed man not a violent criminal.
Defense lawyer Teny Geragos said: “He had a bit of a different sex life…You may know of his love of baby oil. Is that a federal crime? No.”
“You are here to evaluate whether the government can prove beyond a reasonable doubt what they actually charged him with,” Teny added.
In closing arguments, prosecutors emphasized Diddy’s “methodical pattern of violence,” grooming, and coercion. According to prosecutor Christy Slavik, the rapper, a man who “doesn’t take no for an answer,” forced women into freak-offs using a “methodical pattern of violence and coercion.”
When the verdict came, jurors acquitted Diddy of racketeering and sex trafficking then quickly convicted him on the two transportation-for-prostitution charges. Diddy showed relief, supporters cheered, and cameras caught his subtle fist pump as he left the courtroom smiling.
Now, prosecutors are aiming for the full 20-year sentence, while Diddy’s team plans to fight for leniency and allow him to remain free on $1 million bond until sentencing.
