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
Trump says Putin could agree to temporary cease-fire in Ukraine

Trump Claims Putin Open to Temporary Ceasefire in Ukraine: What It Means for Global Peace Efforts

President Trump has indicated that a potential ceasefire in Ukraine could be…
Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow purges X account following The Post's report on her social media history

Michigan’s Senate Hopeful Mallory McMorrow Cleanses Social Media Amid Controversy: What You Need to Know

Democratic Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow from Michigan has recently removed thousands of…
Anti-ICE rioters plead guilty to attacking police with rocks and fireworks in LA

LA Unrest: Protesters Admit Guilt in Violent Anti-ICE Demonstrations

In a recent development, six men from California have admitted to launching…
DNA cracks 35-year cold case mystery as accused killer’s new name melts under cops’ heat

35-Year Cold Case Solved: DNA Unveils True Identity of Elusive Killer

In a significant breakthrough, California authorities have apprehended a suspect in a…
'Mission Impossible' Star Ving Rhames Hospitalized After Collapse at Los Angeles Restaurant

Ving Rhames Hospitalized Following Sudden Collapse at Los Angeles Restaurant: ‘Mission Impossible’ Star’s Health Scare Shocks Fans

Renowned actor Ving Rhames was rushed to the hospital after collapsing in…
LAPD chief warns Los Angeles not prepared to secure 2028 Olympics due to staffing shortages

LAPD Staffing Crisis Sparks Concerns Over 2028 Olympics Security Readiness

Los Angeles’ top police official has raised concerns about the city’s readiness…
Suspect arrested after mom, pregnant teen, 12-year-old found bound and murdered

Tragic Triple Homicide: Suspect Apprehended in Shocking Murders of Mother, Pregnant Teen, and 12-Year-Old

Law enforcement officials have apprehended a suspect in connection with the horrific…
California Democrats freak out after bombshell Supreme Court ruling on Louisiana redistricting

California Democrats Rally Amidst Groundbreaking Supreme Court Decision on Louisiana Redistricting

California’s leading Democrats are deeply unsettled by a significant Supreme Court decision…
Louisiana sheriff charged after toilet jailbreak let 10 inmates escape in lockup fiasco

Louisiana Sheriff’s Arrest Following Jailbreak: 10 Inmates Escape Through Toilet in Unprecedented Security Breach

A Louisiana sheriff finds herself entangled in a web of charges related…
Romanian national learns fate for swatting US officials, including members of Congress, judges

Romanian National Sentenced for Swatting US Officials: Congress Members and Judges Targeted in Cyber Hoax

A Romanian man who confessed to his role in orchestrating numerous swatting…
From Paychecks to Slush Fund: How Teachers’ Unions Moved $1B Into Democrat Politics

Teachers’ Unions Redirect $1 Billion From Salaries to Democratic Political Campaigns

The evidence is clear. Teachers who have dutifully paid their dues, believing…
Disney and 20th Century Studios host 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'Camp Rock 3' stars for early screening of 'The Devil Wears Prada 2'

Celebrities from ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Camp Rock 3’ Join Exclusive Preview of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ Hosted by Disney and 20th Century Studios

LOS ANGELES — Get ready to dive back into the world of…