Sean “Diddy” Combs dropped to his knees in prayer inside a Manhattan courtroom Wednesday after a federal jury acquitted him of the most serious accusations, sex trafficking and racketeering, that could have sent the hip-hop mogul to prison for life. Though spared the harshest penalties, Combs was found guilty of two felony counts under the Mann Act, related to transporting individuals for prostitution.
The 55-year-old music and business icon, whose empire once spanned Grammy-winning albums, fashion, and reality television, now faces up to 10 years behind bars. Bail was denied pending sentencing.
The courtroom saga, unfolding over eight tense weeks, ended in a mixed verdict that fractured Combs’ long-standing public image. Once known as “Puff Daddy,” Combs has been jailed since his September 2024 arrest. He has already served nine months.
Outside the courthouse, his attorney Marc Agnifilo hailed the jury’s decision as a major win. “Today is a victory of all victories,” he told reporters. “The jury got the situation right — or certainly right enough.”
Though convicted of flying partners and male sex workers across state lines for sexual purposes, Combs was cleared of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, charges linked to disturbing claims of coercion, manipulation, and violent drug-fueled group sex sessions. Prosecutors had argued he used power and intimidation to dominate his girlfriends; the defense insisted these were consensual relationships that didn’t rise to criminal conduct.
“We fight on and we’re going to win,” Agnifilo said in an AP report. “And we’re not going to stop until he walks out of prison a free man to his family.”
Agnifilo requested immediate release on bond, arguing that Combs’ acquittal on the most serious charges should alter the court’s stance on continued detention. “He’s not going to flee. He’s been given his life back,” the lawyer averred.
Judge Arun Subramanian rejected the request, ruling that Combs hadn’t met the “clear and convincing” standard to prove he wasn’t a danger to the community.
Combs, typically composed, sat still as the decision was read. He exchanged notes with Agnifilo, raised his hand in an attempt to address the judge, but ultimately stayed silent after a quiet consultation with his attorney.
Earlier, as the jury foreperson pronounced “not guilty” on three counts, Combs pumped his fist, looked toward the panel, and brought his hands together in a quiet prayer. The courtroom stirred with emotion—one supporter even shouted “Yeah!” before being hushed.
Addressing his family in the gallery after the verdict, Combs said, “Be strong. I love you,” blowing a kiss toward his mother, children, and relatives seated in the gallery. “I’ll see you when I get out,” he told them. “We’re going to get through this.”
The judge proposed October 3 as a tentative sentencing date but scheduled a virtual hearing for Tuesday to consider the defense’s request to move it up.
Combs’ attorneys believe sentencing guidelines could result in a term of around two years. Prosecutors argue it should be longer, closer to four or five years, citing the seriousness of the conduct. The final decision now lies with the judge.
