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
Jewelry store theft: Dramatic video shows nearly 25 suspects ransacking San Ramon, California jewelry store in $1 million heist

Dramatic Footage Captures Group of Nearly 25 Thieves Looting San Ramon, California Jewelry Shop in $1 Million Robbery

In San Ramon, California, police announced on Wednesday that they apprehended at…
Trump stakes Gaza peace hopes on 21-point plan as Israel, Houthis continue deadly fighting

Trump Unveils 21-Point Plan for Gaza Peace Amid Ongoing Israel-Houthi Conflict

New York, NY – Amid the circulation of President Donald Trump’s latest…
Walmart warns of listeria in pre-cooked pasta meals

Walmart Issues Alert for Listeria Risk in Ready-to-Eat Pasta Dishes

Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce meals were distributed to…
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy sentenced to five years in Libya corruption case

Ex-French President Nicolas Sarkozy Receives Five-Year Sentence in Libya Bribery Scandal

Nicolas Sarkozy, the former President of France, has been sentenced to five…
Brazen blue state jewelry store heist caught on camera as armed mob makes off with $1M in merchandise: police

Daring Jewelry Store Robbery in Blue State: Armed Group Steals $1 Million in Goods, Captured on Video

Close to 24 suspects, some wielding weapons, audaciously raided a jewelry store…
George Clooney, Rami Malek, Sydney Sweeney films announced as a part of AFI Fest's Red Carpet Gala line up

George Clooney, Rami Malek, and Sydney Sweeney’s movies set to feature in Red Carpet Gala at AFI Fest

The American Film Institute (AFI) has revealed the last films to round…
Florida enforces tougher penalties for excessive speeding

Florida Implements Stricter Consequences for Speeding Violations

In St. Johns, deputies recently pulled over a driver clocked at 115…
Police-involved shooting: Off-duty NYPD officer shoots man during attempted robbery at New York Penn Station

Off-Duty NYPD Officer Shoots Man in Self-Defense During Robbery Attempt at Penn Station

NEW YORK — An off-duty officer shot a suspect during an attempted…
Texas man charged with terroristic threat against Charlie Kirk vigil

Texas Resident Accused of Making Terrorist Threat Against Charlie Kirk Vigil

A man has been taken into custody following allegations that he issued…
UN gives long round of applause after Palestinian Authority president accuses Israel of 'genocide'

Palestinian Authority President Receives Extended Applause from UN After Accusing Israel of ‘Genocide’

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas was warmly applauded by global leaders at…
Daredevil mountaineer makes history skiing down Mount Everest through death zone without oxygen

Intrepid Mountaineer Sets Record by Skiing Down Mount Everest’s Death Zone Without Oxygen

Fox News senior correspondent Mike Tobin reveals his rigorous training and the…
Charlie Kirk’s assassination leaves unanswered questions as investigators piece together gaps in case

Unresolved Questions Linger as Authorities Investigate the Assassination of Charlie Kirk

As investigators work to unravel the case against Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer,…