Sean “Diddy” Combs was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. He faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced. Combs was acquitted of more serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking.
Here’s what Judge Subramanian said when denying Sean “Diddy” Combs’ bail request. He quoted Combs' own lawyer's closing argument.
"It is impossible for the defendant to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that he poses no danger to any other person or the community." pic.twitter.com/xqnGQ2MFJt
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) July 3, 2025
Those charges could have resulted in a life sentence. The charges stemmed from allegations that Combs coerced ex-girlfriends into drug-fueled sex acts. Prosecutors said these acts were part of a criminal enterprise involving threats, violence, and forced labor.
Brian Steel spoke yesterday after the verdict in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial.
He had many fans outside the courthouse.
So did Nicole Westmoreland, the other attorney you may know from the YSL trial in Georgia. pic.twitter.com/TNPKB1DdyZ
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) July 3, 2025
Combs and his lawyers argued that the sex acts were consensual. They said his accusers were seeking monetary gain. In the courtroom, Combs showed relief and subtle celebration as the verdict was read.
The feds took a big swing and had a big – and rare- miss. But Combs is still a disgusting monster with no redeeming qualities. His legacy should be the horrific video of him beating Cassie – not the "not guilty" proclamations from the jury. My latest. https://t.co/ZI79lqJh78
— Kirsten Fleming (@KirFlem) July 3, 2025
He was cleared of the most severe charges. His legal team and supporters exchanged hugs and applause. This trial was not the first time Combs faced serious allegations.
the reaction after the Diddy verdict proves that too many of us don’t know how to be real about patriarchal violence, &may never will. im tired@RollingStone https://t.co/zf2Q0wetWY
— 𝐚𝐣𝐠 (@andrejgee) July 3, 2025
Combs awaits sentencing on prostitution
In 1991, nine people died in a stampede at a charity basketball game he organized. The event was oversold and took place at the City College of New York.
Jason Swain lost his brother Dirk in the tragedy. He said his mother was shown Polaroid pictures of her dead son that night. Despite the outcry, no criminal charges were filed.
Combs paid about $750,000 of a $3.8 million settlement to the victims’ families in 1998. A judge ruled that Combs and the event’s co-promoter bore 50% of the blame for the deaths and injuries. Charrisse Miles survived the deadly stampede.
She said Combs and his associates ran past her without concern for the crowd. Miles questions whether Combs has shown true remorse in the years since. As Combs awaits sentencing, many remain unsettled by his actions both past and present.
They question whether justice will be fully served.
