In a stunning conclusion to an eight-week federal trial, Sean “Diddy” combs was acquitted of the most serious charges against him, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. These charges carried the potential for a life sentence. While the music mogul, 55, was convicted on lesser prostitution-related offenses under the federal Mann Act, his lead defense attorney described the verdict as a significant victory against the government, one reportedly met with a standing ovation from fellow inmates upon Combs’ return to jail.
The outcome in Manhattan federal court represents a rare instance of a high-profile defendant securing acquittals on major charges brought by federal prosecutors. The mixed verdict leaves Combs still facing prison time for the prostitution-related convictions but clears his name on the allegations that formed the core of the government’s initial case following federal raids on his homes in March 2024.
The Verdict: Major Charges Defeated
The jury delivered a split decision, finding Sean Combs not guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. These charges were the centerpiece of the prosecution’s case and carried the most severe penalties. Had he been convicted, Combs could have spent the rest of his life in federal prison.
However, the jury did find Combs guilty on two counts related to transporting individuals, including girlfriends and male sex workers, across state lines or internationally for the purpose of prostitution. These convictions fall under the Mann Act and carry a maximum sentence of 10 years per count. Despite the acquittals on the top charges, Combs remains in federal custody.
The Weight of the Acquittals
Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo hailed the acquittals as a substantial win. He stated the jury “got the situation right — or certainly right enough,” emphasizing the significant difference between the potential life sentence for the major charges and the far lesser sentence expected for the convictions. This outcome allows Combs to avoid the most damning legal labels and the severest consequences of the federal investigation.
Inside the Courtroom: Defense Strategy Unpacked
The defense team, led by Agnifilo and an eight-member group, employed a trial strategy described as blunt and unconventional. Instead of attempting to hide negative aspects of Combs’ personal life, they openly acknowledged them to the jury. This approach was designed to preempt prosecution evidence and argue that while Combs’ personal conduct may have been flawed, it did not meet the legal definition of sex trafficking or constitute a criminal racketeering enterprise.
Defense attorneys conceded that Combs was a jealous domestic abuser with a drug problem who engaged in a swinger lifestyle, including threesomes with his girlfriends and other men. During closing arguments, attorney Teny Geragos told the jury that this behavior might make Combs a “really bad boyfriend,” but it was not sex trafficking. Agnifilo called this tactic a “no brainer,” arguing that the violence alleged was undeniable, and the defense needed to prevent the jury from confusing personal misconduct with the specific federal crimes charged.
Challenging Key Testimony
The defense did not call any witnesses of their own, including Combs himself. Their strategy relied heavily on the cross-examination of nearly three dozen prosecution witnesses. These included former employees and ex-girlfriends, most notably R&B singer Casandra Ventura, known as Cassie.
Cassie Ventura testified extensively about her 11-year relationship with Combs, alleging physical abuse and forced participation in sexual encounters and parties, sometimes referred to as “freak-offs” or “hotel nights.” The defense challenged her testimony, presenting text messages where she appeared to express enjoyment of the “freak offs,” aiming to undermine the prosecution’s argument that she was trafficked. Other witnesses included an ex-girlfriend identified as “Jane,” who testified she felt obligated to participate in trysts with hired men because Combs paid her rent, and rapper Kid Cudi. The defense’s cross-examinations were described as “mostly gentle but firm,” focused on picking apart the prosecution’s narrative.
A Rare Win Against the Government
According to Marc Agnifilo, one of the most striking reactions to the verdict occurred upon Sean Combs’ return to the federal jail in Brooklyn. Agnifilo reported that fellow inmates gave Combs a “standing ovation.” He attributed this reaction to the rarity of seeing someone successfully challenge and win against federal prosecutors, a point reportedly made by the inmates themselves, who told him they “never get to see anyone who beats the government.”
Agnifilo believes this moment holds particular significance for incarcerated individuals, especially Black men, who often feel the weight of the justice system stacked against them. He recounted telling Combs after the federal raids in March that perhaps his “fate” was to be “the guy who wins” and demonstrate that beating the government is possible.
The “Dream Team’s” Approach
Legal experts noted the difficulty of winning against federal prosecutors, particularly in complex cases like this one. Mitchell Epner, a lawyer and former federal prosecutor who has worked with Agnifilo, characterized the outcome as a “major victory for the defense and a major loss for the prosecution,” praising the “dream team of defense lawyers.” Another former federal prosecutor, Sarah Krissoff, described the defense’s cross-examination strategy as “masterful.”
Agnifilo, who ironically used racketeering laws extensively as a prosecutor focusing on organized crime, stated he knew the “weak points in the statute.” He argued the prosecution lacked a true conspiracy case and attempted to build a racketeering case around Combs’ personal life and interactions with his assistants, concluding they had “dozens of fail points.” His approach involved strategically “belittling the charges and mocking the investigation” to highlight the perceived weaknesses in the government’s case.
Jailed, Denied Bail, and Facing the Future
Despite the significant acquittals, Sean Combs remains incarcerated at the federal lockup in Brooklyn. Following the verdict, Judge Arun Subramanian denied the defense’s request for bail pending sentencing. The judge cited that Combs had not met the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence a “lack of danger to any person or the community.”
Combs has already served nearly 10 months in custody since his initial arrest in September. He awaits sentencing for the prostitution-related convictions, which carries a maximum of 10 years. While his lawyers estimate a likely sentence around two years based on federal guidelines, prosecutors are expected to argue for four to five years, citing factors including alleged violence. A virtual hearing is scheduled to finalize the sentencing date, which the judge has tentatively suggested for October 3.
Sentencing and Uncertainty
The disparity between the potential maximum sentence, the defense’s estimate, and the prosecution’s desired sentence highlights the uncertainty surrounding Combs’ future. The judge will ultimately determine the sentence based on federal guidelines, the specifics of the conviction, and arguments presented by both sides. The time Combs has already served will count towards any sentence imposed.
Agnifilo reports speaking with Combs frequently, stating he is “doing OK” but faces a “long road ahead” working on “personal demons.” The lawyer believes Combs genuinely desires self-improvement and will likely re-enter a domestic batterers program he had begun before his arrest. Agnifilo stated that Combs has come to acknowledge personal flaws he previously ignored, realizing that fame and fortune cannot hide them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the key charges Sean “Diddy” Combs was acquitted of?
Sean “Diddy” Combs was acquitted of the most serious federal charges he faced: sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. These charges, brought after federal raids on his properties in March 2024, could have resulted in a life sentence if he had been convicted. While acquitted of these major offenses, he was found guilty on two lesser counts related to transporting individuals for prostitution under the Mann Act.
How did Diddy’s defense team win against the major charges?
The defense team employed a blunt and direct strategy. They openly acknowledged negative aspects of Combs’ personal life, such as being a domestic abuser with drug problems who engaged in a swinger lifestyle. Their argument was that while this behavior was undesirable, it did not legally constitute sex trafficking or racketeering. By confronting these uncomfortable truths upfront, they aimed to prevent the jury from conflating personal misconduct with the specific crimes charged under federal statutes. The defense relied primarily on cross-examining prosecution witnesses and did not call any witnesses of their own.
What happens next for Sean “Diddy” Combs after the verdict?
Following the verdict, Sean Combs remains in federal custody in Brooklyn. He was denied bail pending sentencing for the prostitution-related convictions. He awaits a sentencing hearing, tentatively scheduled for October 3, where a judge will determine his prison sentence, which could range from an estimated two years (by the defense) to four-to-five years (sought by the prosecution), up to a maximum of 10 years. Any sentence will include credit for the nearly 10 months he has already served. His lawyer indicates Combs will likely re-enter programs for personal improvement.
In conclusion, the verdict in the Sean “Diddy” Combs federal trial marks a complex outcome: a major legal victory with acquittals on the most severe charges, coupled with convictions on lesser offenses. The defense’s unconventional strategy proved effective in challenging the prosecution’s case on sex trafficking and racketeering. As Combs remains jailed awaiting sentencing, his defense team continues to fight for his release, while the legal community and public grapple with the implications of the mixed verdict and the unique details emerging from the courtroom, including the surprising report of a standing ovation from fellow inmates.
