Diddy Acquitted of Sex Trafficking, Convicted of Mann Act Crimes

By: Michael Jacobs, Senior Editor | JRL CHARTS – Hip Hop Music News

NEW YORK, NY — (July 2, 2025) — Sean “Diddy” Combs was acquitted Wednesday of sex trafficking and racketeering charges but convicted of prostitution-related offenses under the federal Mann Act¹. The high-profile verdict, delivered on the third day of jury deliberations, spares Combs a potential life sentence—but still carries up to 10 years in federal prison.

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Combs, 55, was accused of flying individuals—both romantic partners and paid male sex workers—across state lines for illegal sexual encounters. Prosecutors argued these acts violated the Mann Act’s prohibition against interstate transportation for criminal sexual activity. The jury agreed, handing down the conviction on that charge while clearing him of sex trafficking and racketeering.

The case marks a dramatic downfall for the hip-hop mogul and fashion entrepreneur whose career spanned decades of chart-topping hits, celebrity collaborations, and high-end business ventures.

Celebrity Reactions Flood Social Media:

50 Cent: “Diddy beat the Feds that boy a bad man!” — via Instagram
Boosie Badazz: “I’m tired of seeing us Black moguls get took down like that… And I’m tired of seeing us Black people go against us Black moguls like that. I’m glad he free… The courts spoke.” — Instagram Video
Aubrey O’Day: “Oh, this makes me physically ill. Cassie probably feels so horrible. I’m gonna vomit.” — Instagram Story
Rosie O’Donnell: “I guess a jury just never wants to believe that a woman stays because of power and coercion, wow.” — via Instagram

Federal Statement:

Although federal prosecutors did not directly mention Combs in their post-verdict statement, they reiterated their commitment to prosecuting sex crimes:

“Sex crimes deeply scar victims… Victims endure gut-wrenching physical and mental abuse, leading to lasting trauma. New Yorkers and all Americans want this scourge stopped and perpetrators brought to justice.”
— U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton & HSI NY Director Ricky Patel

“Prosecuting sex crimes requires brave victims to come forward… We and our law enforcement partners have prioritized a victim-centered approach.”

What’s Next:

Sentencing is expected later this summer. Legal analysts predict Combs could receive a substantial prison term despite being cleared on the most serious charges. JRL CHARTS will continue to follow all developments.

Footnote:

¹ About the Mann Act:
Originally passed in 1910, the Mann Act prohibited transporting women across state lines for “immoral purposes.” The law was updated in 1986 to become gender-neutral, now criminalizing any form of interstate travel intended for sexual activity that violates state or federal law.

Stay with JRL CHARTS for continued coverage on the Diddy trial, upcoming sentencing, and exclusive updates from inside the courtroom.