Sean “Diddy” Combs Acquitted on Top Charges — Still Faces Prison for Mann Act Violations

In a verdict that shocked Tinseltown and the nation, hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was acquitted today of the most serious charges—racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking—but was convicted on two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution, in violation of the federal Mann Act.

The mixed outcome sends both waves of relief and condemnation through entertainment and legal circles. Diddy Combs had been inducted in September 2024 on five federal charges. There are alleged coercive “freak-off” sexual marathons with his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, and another suspect known as Jane. The prosecution painted the narrative of a powerful figure wielding dominant drugs and emotional control over these women.

After a tense six-week trial, the jury returned a split decision. He was cleared of the top three charges but guilty on both counts involving the transportation of women across state lines for prostitution, each carrying up to 10 years in prison. The defence has argued that while Combs admitted some disturbing behavior, it did not amount to sex trafficking. They attributed his relationships to a consensual dynamic and a swinger lifestyle.

After a tense six-week trial with 34 prosecution witnesses, the jury returned a split decision. He was cleared of the top three charges but guilty on both counts involving the transport of women across state lines for prostitution, each carrying up to 10 years in prison . Defense had argued that while Combs admitted some disturbing behavior, it did not amount to sex trafficking; they attributed his relationships to consensual dynamics and a swinger lifestyle .

The courtroom aftermath was emotional. Combs, 55, prayed aloud and expressed confidence, declaring, “I’m coming home.” His family chanted “Dream Team!” in solidarity. Moments later, Judge Arun Subramanian denied bail—citing a documented history of violence—and ordered that Combs remain in custody ahead of sentencing.

The Mann Act, enacted in 1910, bans transporting individuals for prostitution or “immoral purposes.” Historically flexible, it has been applied in high-profile cases against figures like boxer Jack Johnson and singer Chuck Berry. In Combs’s case, both Cassie Ventura and “Jane” testified that they were taken across state lines to facilitate paid sex acts known as “freak-offs.” One witness recalled being drugged and forced to continue after expressing fatigue.

Despite avoiding a potential life sentence, Combs now faces a dramatic fall. Prosecutors are pushing for 4 to 5 years in prison—well above the sentencing guidelines estimates of roughly 51–63 months, while defense attorneys argue for as little as two years, potentially even just time already served.

Sentencing is tentatively scheduled for October 3, 2025, though the court may consider an earlier date . Following sentencing, Combs’s legal team will almost certainly mount an appeal. Meanwhile, dozens of civil lawsuits filed by other accusers—some alleging drugging, sexual violence, and cover-ups—continue to loom .

Sean “Diddy” Combs will walk free from charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, but the Mann Act convictions leave his destiny uncertain. With jail time almost certain, a powerful music icon now faces a potential prison sentence that could redefine his career—and test the justice system’s boundary between influence, accountability, and legality. Keep Reading Oh Goss for more news.

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