Diddy Combs convicted under Mann Act law. Here's what that means
Share this @internewscast.com

The law has been invoked in significant convictions, impacting individuals like R&B icon R. Kelly, British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, and musician Chuck Berry, among others.

NEW YORK — Sean “Diddy” Combs was found guilty Wednesday of offenses related to prostitution under the federal Mann Act, a historic law aimed at combating sex trafficking.

While he was cleared of more severe allegations, Combs was nonetheless convicted of transporting individuals across the country, including his girlfriends and male sex workers, for the purpose of participating in paid sexual activities.

Over the years, the law has been applied to prominent convictions, including R&B superstar R. Kelly, British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, musician Chuck Berry and more than a century ago, boxer Jack Johnson.

Its broad wording and a subsequent Supreme Court interpretation once allowed prosecutors to bring cases against interracial couples, and eventually many others in consensual relationships, according to Cornell Law School’s Legal Information Institute.

The law was amended in the 1980s and today it is primarily used for prosecuting interstate prostitution crimes or people accused of taking underage children across state lines for sexual purposes.

Here’s what to know about the law.

Why is it called the Mann Act?

In 1910, Congress passed the bill, which was named after Republican U.S. Rep. James Robert Mann of Illinois.

It’s also known as the “White-Slave Traffic Act” of 1910.

How does it apply to Combs’ case?

Combs was convicted of counts involving two former girlfriends: the R&B singer Cassie and a woman who testified under the pseudonym Jane.

Both women said at trial that Combs had pressured them into degrading sex marathons with strangers, who were paid for the sexual performances. Jane said she was once beaten by Combs for declining to participate. Cassie said that when she tried to walk out of one such event, Combs beat her and dragged her down a hotel hallway.

Combs was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges but convicted of transporting people to engage in prostitution.

What’s the history behind it?

The 1910 law originally prohibited the interstate or foreign commerce transport of “any woman or girl for the purpose of prostitution or debauchery, or for any other immoral purpose.” It followed a 1907 congressionally appointed commission to look into the issue of immigrant sex workers, with the view that a girl would only enter prostitution if drugged or held captive, according to Cornell’s Legal Information Institute.

The law was used to secure a conviction against Jack Johnson, who became the first Black boxer to win a world heavyweight title in 1910. Johnson was convicted in 1913 by an all-white jury for traveling with his white girlfriend, who worked as a sex worker, in violation of the Mann Act.

(President Donald Trump posthumously pardoned Johnson in 2018, saying Johnson had served 10 months in prison “for what many view as a racially motivated injustice.”)

How has the law changed since 1910?

In a 1917 Supreme Court case, the justices ruled that “illicit fornication,” even when consensual, amounted to an “immoral purpose,” according to Cornell’s Legal Information Institute.

A 1986 update made the law gender-neutral and effectively ended the act’s role in trying to legislate morality by changing “debauchery” and “immoral purpose” to “any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense.”

The act received additional amendments in 1978 and 1994 to address issues of sexual exploitation of children.

Nevertheless, Combs ‘ legal team made a motion last February to dismiss a Mann Act charge, writing that the law “has a long and troubling history as a statute with racist origins.”

Prosecutors said there was nothing racist about pursuing charges under the act. Most of Combs’ accusers are people of color.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.     

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Federal government could resume taking DACA applications for permits to live and work in U.S.

U.S. Government May Start Accepting New DACA Applications for Work and Residency Permits

The federal government is expected to start accepting new applications for a…
Harvard faculty expressed support for potential left-wing political violence during 2018 panel

Harvard Professors Backed Possible Progressive Political Protests at 2018 Discussion

The city of Charlottesville took legal action against the group, alleging it…
Florida man cites barber appointment after getting clocked going more than 100 mph

Florida Man Caught Speeding Over 100 mph Claims He Was Rushing to Barber Appointment

A Florida man who was clocked going more than 100 miles per…
Indonesia school collapse: Dozens of students missing in rubble after at least 6 killed, about 100 injured in Sidoarjo, East Java

Dozens of Students Missing in Indonesia School Collapse After East Java Incident Leaves Over 6 Dead, Nearly 100 Injured

SIDOARJO, Indonesia — On Wednesday, rescuers kept up their efforts to locate…
RECAP: 'Golden Bachelor' women roast Mel for ageist comments during group date, Debbie gets 1-on-1 date

Summary: ‘Golden Bachelor’ women criticize Mel for ageist remarks on group date; Debbie receives a solo date

NEW YORK — The week kicked off at “Bachelor Mansion” where the…
BMW recalls over 145,000 vehicles for fire risk

BMW Issues Recall for Over 145,000 Vehicles Due to Fire Hazard

BMW is recalling more than 145,000 vehicles due to starter motor overheating…
Des Moines Public School Board accepts superintendent's resignation after ICE arrest

Des Moines School Board Approves Superintendent’s Resignation Following ICE Detention

The Des Moines Public Schools board has accepted the resignation of a…
Former University of Kentucky athlete competed months before police allegedly found dead infant in closet

Former Kentucky student-athlete faces charges in infant’s death after reportedly hearing ‘whimper’ before concealing him in closet: authorities

The former University of Kentucky student-athlete accused of concealing her deceased newborn…
Two Delta regional jets collide on taxiway at LaGuardia Airport; 1 injured

Two Delta Regional Jets Collide on LaGuardia Airport Taxiway; One Person Injured

Two Canadair jets operated by Endeavor Air, a subsidiary of Delta Air…
Livestock landscaping: Vermont ski areas employ goats and sheep to clear the slopes

Grazing Livestock: Vermont Ski Resorts Use Goats and Sheep for Slope Maintenance

JAY, Vt. (AP) — Months before the first snow beckons skiers, sheep…
MTG Demands Influencers Register Under FARA

MTG Calls for Influencers to Sign Up Under FARA Regulations

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (MTG) called for all social media influencers paid…
Mother charged with murder after son dies from getting head stuck in car window

Mother Faces Murder Charges After Son Tragically Dies in Car Window Accident

Kandice Grace was arrested after toxicology results show she was high when…