On July 2, 2025, the high-profile federal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs came to a dramatic close in a Manhattan courtroom, ending with the music mogul acquitted of the most serious criminal charges he faced. After more than six weeks of intense testimony and 13 hours of jury deliberation, Combs was found not guilty of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking involving two former girlfriends. However, the jury did convict him on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution—felonies that carry a maximum prison sentence of 10 years each.
The verdict was met with a wave of emotion inside the courtroom. Combs, visibly moved, dropped to his knees, clasped his hands together, and bowed his head in gratitude toward the jury. Supporters—including his mother, sister, and six adult children—erupted into applause as he was led out of the federal courthouse on the 26th floor in lower Manhattan. The jury’s decision rejected the prosecution’s portrayal of Combs as the mastermind of a corrupt criminal enterprise that allegedly involved drugging women, physical abuse, and forced sex with male prostitutes.
The trial was a complex and often tense exploration of relationships, consent, and coercion. It featured hundreds of text messages, nearly an hour of sexually explicit videos, and emotional testimony from witnesses. Among them was Cassie Ventura, one of the women central to the sex trafficking allegations, who testified under the intense scrutiny of the courtroom. The jury, composed of eight men and four women, listened intently, sometimes nodding along and at other moments resting as evidence was reintroduced.
Adding a layer of celebrity intrigue, rapper Kid Cudi testified about his past relationship with Ventura and a chilling incident involving a Molotov cocktail thrown through the roof of his Porsche. He described a meeting with Combs, whom he referred to as a “Marvel super villain.” Meanwhile, Kanye West stirred commotion when he attempted to attend the trial but was denied entry to the courtroom, ultimately watching from an overflow room before leaving.
Despite the lengthy proceedings, Combs chose not to testify in his own defense, a decision he communicated directly to the judge, even complimenting the judge’s handling of the trial. Instead, he played an active role behind the scenes, passing notes to his attorneys and collaborating closely on key decisions. His defense team was robust, featuring seasoned criminal lawyers from New York and Atlanta, including Marc Agnifilio and Teny Geragos, who led the defense strategy. The team also included appellate specialists Alexandra Shapiro and Jason Driscoll, as well as Anna Estevao, who cross-examined Ventura. Weeks before the trial, Combs bolstered his legal ranks with Xavier Donaldson and two Atlanta-based attorneys, Brian Steel and Nicole Westmoreland, who recently defended rapper Young Thug in a similar racketeering case.
On the other side, the prosecution was a tightly knit, all-female team of six led by Maurene Comey, daughter of former FBI director James Comey. Known for their methodical approach, they meticulously pieced together text messages, hotel invoices, and witness testimony to build their case. Yet, in the closing argument, defense attorney Agnifilio took a lighter tone, mocking the prosecution’s focus on seized baby oil and Astroglide lubricants, eliciting laughter from the courtroom and even some jurors.
While the acquittal on the most severe charges was a significant legal victory for Combs, the story does not end there. He remains in jail awaiting sentencing for the prostitution transportation convictions. Moreover, Combs faces a daunting legal landscape outside the criminal case. More than 50 civil lawsuits accuse him of sexual abuse, with allegations dating back to the 1990s. These suits, primarily filed in New York, include claims of druggings and rapes, often at parties, and involve both men and women. Notably, at least a dozen plaintiffs allege sexual assault when they were minors. Many of these suits have been filed anonymously, adding layers of complexity and sensitivity to the ongoing legal battles.
Erica Wolff, a civil lawyer representing Combs, issued a statement following the verdict, asserting that the criminal trial’s outcome supports their view that the civil lawsuits are baseless attempts to extract large settlements. “Mr. Combs never sexually assaulted or trafficked anyone,” she said. “From the beginning, we have vigorously defended against the civil plaintiffs’ made-up claims with full confidence that Mr. Combs would prevail in the criminal case, and he did.”
However, legal experts note that evidence presented in the criminal trial could influence the civil cases, potentially affecting their outcomes. While Combs was acquitted of the racketeering and sex trafficking charges, the trial revealed testimony describing instances of repeated violence toward a former girlfriend and drug use in sexual encounters. These revelations could complicate the civil proceedings, which remain active and unresolved.
The trial itself was a high-profile event that drew significant public and media attention. Each day, Combs appeared in the courtroom dressed in crew neck sweaters in shades of blue, gray, and cream, often acknowledging his family with smiles and gestures of affection. The courtroom was tightly managed by Judge Arun Subramanian, who maintained a strict schedule, typically starting sessions at 9 a.m. and concluding by 3 p.m., with only a brief lunch break despite requests for more time.
Members of the public and media queued outside the courthouse daily, braving heavy rain, cold winds, and sweltering heat for a chance to witness the proceedings. Combs’ family arrived in black sprinter vans and sat together in the family section, showing their support throughout the trial. Security officers enforced courtroom rules strictly, ensuring silence and order during sessions.
As the trial concluded, the atmosphere outside the courthouse was charged with emotion and symbolism. Supporters celebrated the partial victory by spraying baby oil on each other and wearing T-shirts emblazoned with slogans like “A freako is not a R.I.C.O.,” a nod to the charges and the defense’s rhetoric. Inside, Combs’ legal team embraced, chanting “Dream Team” in recognition of their hard-fought success.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial was a complex saga of celebrity, law, and allegations that captivated the nation. While he has secured a reprieve from the most devastating charges, the road ahead remains uncertain as he faces sentencing and a slew of civil lawsuits. The case underscores the challenges of navigating the intersection of fame, justice, and accountability in today’s legal landscape.
