Former American rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs has been found guilty of prostitution-related offences.
Combs, widely known throughout his career as Puff Daddy and P. Diddy, was however cleared of more serious charges.
This is in a blow to prosecutors who had urged a jury to find him guilty of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.
On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, Combs was convicted of transportation to engage in prostitution but acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking, a partial win for the former billionaire known for elevating hip-hop in American culture.
The verdict followed a criminal trial in which two of the music mogul’s former girlfriends testified that he physically and sexually abused them.
Combs faces a maximum 10-year prison sentence on each of the two prostitution counts.
United States District Judge Arun Subramanian will determine Combs’ sentence at a later date, Reuters reported.
The acquittals on the sex trafficking counts mean he will avoid a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence.
He could have faced life imprisonment if he were convicted on sex trafficking or racketeering conspiracy.
After the judge dismissed the jury and lawyers for both sides, Combs knelt before his chair and appeared to pray. Combs then rose and faced the courtroom gallery.
“I’m gonna be home soon,” he said, smiling and clasping his hands.
“I love you. Thank you, I love you,” the former rapper added.
Combs’ family and supporters erupted into applause and cheers.
After the jury read its verdict, defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo asked Subramanian to release Combs on bail, which prosecutors opposed.
Subramanian asked lawyers for both sides to submit written arguments on whether he should release Combs by 1 p.m. EDT (1700 GMT).
