On July 2, 2025, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs was acquitted of the most serious charges in his sex trafficking trial in Manhattan federal court. Although the court found Combs guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution – each one carrying a maximum prison sentence of 10 years – the jury found him not guilty of conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking. The latter two charges concerned Combs’ former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, and another former girlfriend who went by “Jane.”

The verdict came after six weeks of trial, 34 witnesses for the prosecution, and over two days of jury deliberation. Although advocates for sexual assault survivors were hopeful for a stronger verdict against the rap mogul, they have vowed to continue pressing for justice in the courts. “This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors,” Douglas Wigdor, Ventura’s attorney, said in a statement.

The fight will continue in civil courts as well. Survivors of sex trafficking and other sexual violence have the right to file lawsuits against not only their traffickers but also against third parties who facilitated, enabled, or benefited from the abuse. If you or someone you love was a victim, we encourage you to reach out to a sex trafficking lawyer to learn more about seeking compensation for the injuries and trauma that you experienced.

What Were the Charges Against P. Diddy?

P. Diddy faced five federal charges related to allegations of sex trafficking. They and their verdicts were:

• Racketeering conspiracy – Not Guilty (one count): Racketeering means engaging in a group of illegal activities as part of an organized effort or criminal enterprise. Racketeering conspiracy is not about a single crime, but rather a series or group of criminal activities (see below).
• Sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion – Not Guilty (two counts): This essentially means compelling someone to perform sexual acts against their will by using force, fraud, coercion, and similar means. It is exploitative in nature and is often accomplished through deceit, tricks, or threats.
• Transportation to engage in prostitution – Guilty (two counts): This charge involves what is known as the Mann Act, a long-standing law that makes it a federal crime to transport a person across state lines for the purposes of engaging in prostitution. Prostitution must be a significant or motivating purpose of moving someone from one state to another.

Combs was accused of using his numerous businesses and employees to further a wide-ranging criminal effort to force women to have sex while covering up his crimes to protect his reputation. The indictment indicates that the alleged criminal activities included:

• Sex trafficking
• Forced labor
• Interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution
• Coercion and enticement to engage in prostitution
• Narcotics offenses
• Kidnapping
• Arson
• Bribery
• Obstruction of justice

Why Was P. Diddy Acquitted?

Understanding why exactly a jury decides to acquit a criminal defendant is often a guessing game, since many jurors refuse to discuss their decisions even years later. Nonetheless, one can examine the defense counsel’s arguments for clues as to what may have convinced the jury to acquit.

In P. Diddy’s case, the charges were quite serious. The rap star was accused of hosting wild drug-fueled sex parties known as “Freak Offs” and coercing women to participate in them. Ventura testified that, during these parties, Combs urinated on her, forced her to have sex with other men, video recorded the event as potential future blackmail, and had his employees find her if she tried to escape him.

For all this, however, Combs’ lawyers maintained that the sexual encounters were consensual. In other words, the jury apparently believed that Ventura and “Jane” were willing participants. Moreover, as one former prosecutor and legal commentator has noted, jurors were evidently unpersuaded because Combs’ victims did not make a more obvious effort to leave him. The jury may have reasoned that if someone were trafficked or assaulted, they should not have stayed with Combs.

What Does an Acquittal Mean in Legal Terms?

In criminal court, the prosecution bears the burden of proof. Prosecutors must prove the specific elements of each charge brought against a defendant, and they must do so beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a high standard that attempts to guarantee that only the truly guilty are convicted of their crimes. Someone who is found not guilty of a crime is acquitted.

It should be stressed that “not guilty” does not necessarily mean “innocent.” Criminal defendants are not found “innocent” in court. Rather, an acquittal or finding of not guilty means the prosecution failed to meet its burden. Once a person is acquitted of a crime, they cannot be tried again for it thanks to the constitutional prohibition against double jeopardy.

However, a finding of not guilty in criminal court does not preclude victims from filing a civil lawsuit, for which the burden of proof is substantially lower. Victims can file one of these lawsuits to win compensation for damages related to the assault, such as pain and suffering.

How Might P. Diddy’s Verdict Impact Future Sexual Abuse Cases?

The reactions to P. Diddy’s verdict have been mixed, even among advocates for sexual abuse survivors. Many individuals view the verdict as a slap on the wrist, a step back for justice, and a decision that will deter victims from stepping forward.

On the other hand, the attorney representing Ventura said that his client’s brave testimony allowed for Combs to be convicted of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. At 10 years each, these two convictions could land Combs in prison for up to 20 years. Sentencing will likely be in October.

Two survivors of sexual abuse have taken an optimistic view of the verdict. Julie Roginsky and Gretchen Carlson, cofounders of the nonprofit Lift Our Voices, stated:

“Anybody online who thinks this is a loss [for Ventura] is just completely misguided. It is a win for her because she has inspired so many other women to be able to tell their own stories, to be able to hold their heads high, to be able to show that there is life after being sexually abused.”

Resources You Can Refer a Survivor of Sexual Assault To

Our firm agrees that verdicts like this can and should be taken as encouragement to other survivors of sexual assault. But before they seek justice, it is imperative to their physical, mental, and emotional health that they obtain the professional help they need to cope with and heal from their experiences. These are just a few resources we recommend:

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)

National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)

Sexual Assault Kit Initiative

Sexual Trauma Resource Center (STRC)

There are also many state and local ministries, survivor groups, counselors, and others who can assist with your healing. Our firm can help connect you with these organizations and individuals.

You Can Talk to a Sexual Abuse Lawyer for Help if You Were Abused

Sexual abuse and trafficking are heinous crimes, and the P. Diddy verdict is a reminder that justice does not always take the form that survivors deserve. Nonetheless, there is hope. P. Diddy did not escape unscathed in criminal court and there are numerous pending civil lawsuits against him. If someone has sexually trafficked, abused, or assaulted you or someone you love, you also have the right to fight back in the civil courts.

It’s time to reach out to Edwards Henderson. Our compassionate sexual abuse lawyer is ready to listen to your story, connect you with valuable resources that can aid you in your healing journey, and get to work for the legal damages, justice, and closure that you need. Contact us today.