Diddy trial verdict: Family of Sean Combs celebrates after being acquitted of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking charges
Share this @internewscast.com

NEW YORK CITY — The family of Sean “Diddy” Combs celebrated on the streets of New York City on Wednesday following a split verdict that cleared the music mogul of the most serious charges.

Combs was found guilty of transporting people across state lines for prostitution, but the jury acquitted him of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges linked to allegations of forcing girlfriends into numerous drug-fueled sex marathons with other men. His attorneys argued the women were consensual participants.

Outside the courthouse, Combs’ son Christian Combs said, “We’re so happy — Pops is coming home.”

As Sean Combs’ mother, Janice Combs, left the courtroom, she told ABC News her heart was fluttering as the verdict was read.

Anthony Carlo reports from Lower Manhattan.

Combs’ supporters cheered with delight when he was acquitted of sex trafficking related to his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.

Combs was notably happy when he was found not guilty of sex trafficking in connection with his ex-girlfriend who testified under the pseudonym “Jane,” lifting his fist and tightly gripping the hand of his attorney, Teny Geragos.

Darla Miles reports from Lower Manhattan.

When a prosecutor argued to the judge that Combs should stay in custody, Janice Combs wrapped her hand around her grandson Christian’s neck.

When the judge said he thought Combs didn’t want to return to the Metropolitan Detention Center, Combs comically shook his head no and put up prayer hands, prompting the gallery to break out in laughter.

To his seven children, Combs is known as dad. To the rest of the world, he’s a hip-hop mogul and multi-millionaire who now faces the possibility of spending years behind bars.

He’ll be sentenced at a later date, but a bail hearing on Wednesday evening will determine if Combs will be released from prison until then.

The attorney for Cassie Ventura said his client “paved the way” for Wednesday’s charges.

She testified for days, giving graphic details about bouts of violence and hotel “freak offs” involving sex with escorts at Combs’ direction, but after a seven-week trial, a jury of 12 men and women, found the Harlem-born rapper not guilty of the most serious charges against him.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office released a statement that reads in part: “Sex crimes deeply scar victims, and the disturbing reality is that sex crimes are all too present in many aspects of our society. Victims endure gut-wrenching physical and mental abuse, leading to lasting trauma. New Yorkers and all Americans want this scourge stopped and perpetrators brought to justice.”

Kemberly Richardson has more details on Combs’ reaction to the verdict and what’s next for the mogul.

ABC News contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2025 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Politician named Adolf Hitler becomes focal point of local election campaign

Local Election Campaign Spotlight Shines on Politician Named Adolf Hitler

Adolf Hitler Uunona, a local politician in Namibia, is anticipated to secure…
Middle East officials look toward second phase of Israel-Hamas ceasefire with two hostages left in Gaza

Middle East Leaders Strategize Next Phase of Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Amid Remaining Hostage Crisis

Officials from Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt convened in Cairo on Wednesday to…
'How could you do that to an elderly person': 73-year-old man with dementia attacked by hospital worker at HCA Orange Park, family demands answers

Shocking Hospital Incident: Family Seeks Justice After Dementia Patient, 73, Assaulted by Care Worker at HCA Orange Park

Anthony Diaz faces charges for allegedly assaulting Julian Cohen at Orange Park…
New prosecutor won't pursue charges against Trump and others in Georgia election interference case

Georgia Election Case Update: New Prosecutor Drops Charges Against Trump and Co-Defendants

The prosecutor identified several hurdles, notably the “complexity of the legal issues…
Price increases for foreign visitors to visit national parks in 2026

2026 National Park Entry Fees to Rise for International Tourists: What You Need to Know

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK — Foreign visitors planning trips to several U.S. National…
Federal judge says trial for Milwaukee, Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan accused of helping immigrant will go on next month

Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan’s Trial for Alleged Immigrant Assistance Set to Proceed in November, Rules Federal Judge

A federal judge announced on Wednesday that the trial of a Wisconsin…
'Slender Man' attack case: Wisconsin seeks to block Morgan Geyser's conditional release after escape from group home

Wisconsin Moves to Halt Morgan Geyser’s Release Following Group Home Escape in ‘Slender Man’ Case

In a dramatic turn of events, the state of Wisconsin is moving…
Bodycam shows Charlotte train murder suspect's interaction with police months before Iryna Zarutska stabbing

Shocking Bodycam Footage Reveals Pre-Murder Encounter with Charlotte Train Suspect

Recently unveiled bodycam footage reveals Decarlos Brown Jr., the suspect in a…
Chicago weather forecast: Wind Advisory in effect Wednesday | Several inches of snow possible Thanksgiving weekend

Brace for Windy Wednesday in Chicago: Snowstorm Looms for Thanksgiving Weekend

CHICAGO – On Wednesday, residents of Chicago found themselves bundled up against…
UFO documentary pulls back curtain on ‘psychological operation’ after decades of government cover-up: expert

Expert Reveals UFO Documentary Exposes Decades of Government Secrecy as a ‘Psychological Operation

The enigma of mysterious, unidentified objects observed in the skies has puzzled…
HCA Orange Park Hospital employee arrested, accused of assaulting 73-year-old patient

Employee Arrested at HCA Orange Park Hospital for Alleged Assault on Elderly Patient

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office reports that a hospital worker repeatedly hit…
Trump moves against Muslim Brotherhood as Islamist group spreads in West

Trump Takes Action Against Muslim Brotherhood Amid Western Expansion Concerns

Report: Muslim Brotherhood embedded in US agencies Dr. Qanta Ahmed from the…