Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been remanded in custody once again after being found guilty on two counts of transporting individuals across state lines to engage in prostitution.

The 55-year-old music mogul received a mixed verdict from a federal jury on Wednesday, 2 July 2025, which found him guilty on two charges that together carry a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison.

Combs, who has spent nearly 10 months at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn, was acquitted of the most serious allegations—namely racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking—following a dramatic trial that concluded after 13 hours of jury deliberations.

During the hearing, Combs pleaded for leniency, requesting to be released in order to return to Florida and care for his mother. However, the presiding judge denied the appeal, meaning the rapper will remain in custody as he awaits sentencing later this year.

Allegations of Coercion and Abuse

The trial, held behind closed doors with no cameras permitted in the courtroom, centred on explosive allegations that Combs orchestrated a criminal operation characterised by sexual coercion and violence.

The prosecution’s star witness, Cassandra Ventura—professionally known as Cassie—testified against Combs. The 38-year-old singer and model, who was in a relationship with Combs for over a decade, alleged that she had been repeatedly abused, drugged, and forced to participate in orchestrated sex acts, which Combs allegedly watched. These acts were referred to during the trial as “Freak offs”.

Testifying while eight-and-a-half months pregnant, Cassie described:
“Within the first year of our relationship, Sean proposed to me this idea—this sexual encounter he called voyeurism—where he would watch me engage in sexual activity with another man.”
She continued, “It involved hiring a male escort and setting up this experience so that I could perform for Sean.”

The jury was also presented with surveillance footage from a California hotel in 2016, showing Combs kicking and dragging Ventura by her hair. Although he was not charged with domestic violence, the video was a pivotal piece of evidence in the trial.

Prosecutors Paint a Disturbing Picture

Prosecutor Christy Slavik told the jury:
“The evidence will show that the sexual conduct at issue in this case was coercive and criminal, because the defendant compelled women to have sex against their will.”

She further alleged that Combs “groomed” his victims, administered drugs, and resorted to violence to exert control over them.

Echoing that stance, fellow prosecutor Emily Anne Johnson stated:
“This case is not about a celebrity’s private sexual preferences.”

Despite these arguments, the jury ultimately cleared Combs of the more severe charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. He was convicted solely of transporting individuals across state lines for the purpose of prostitution.

Combs, who has consistently denied the allegations, will remain in custody pending sentencing. The court has yet to confirm the date for the final ruling.