Tune into ABC at 10/9c Wednesday for an ABC News special, “Verdict: The Diddy Trial,” on the Sean “Diddy” Combs trial, and streaming next day on Hulu and Disney+.
The jury found Combs guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution (in connection with his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura) and guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution (in connection with his ex-girlfriend who testified under the pseudonym "Jane").
He was found not guilty of both charges of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion in connection with Ventura and "Jane."
Combs was accused of being the ringleader of an alleged enterprise that "abused, threatened and coerced women" into prolonged, drug-fueled sexual orgies with male prostitutes, which he called "freak-offs," and then threatened them into silence. Combs has said that all of the sex was consensual and that while his relationships sometimes involved domestic violence, he wasn't engaged in trafficking.
Combs' lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, said Combs was simply part of the swinger lifestyle and that he "vehemently denies the accusations made by the SDNY."
Jul 02, 2025, 11:58 AM EDT
Combs’ mom says, ‘My heart was fluttering’
As Sean Combs’ mother, Janice Combs, left the courtroom, she told ABC News her heart was fluttering as the verdict was read.
Janice Combs, mother of Sean "Diddy" waves as she leaves a federal courthouse after a jury acquitted her son of racketeering and sex trafficking and guilty on lesser transportation charges in New York City, July 2, 2025.
Justin Lane/EPA/Shutterstock
Janice Combs mother of Sean "Diddy" Combs, waves as she departs with her granddaughter Chance Combs at Manhattan's Federal Court as jury reached a full verdict in Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial, July 2, 2025, in New York City.
Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images
There were screams of joy from Combs’ supporters when he was found not guilty of sex trafficking in connection with his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.
Combs was notably happy when he was found not guilty of sex trafficking in connection with his ex-girlfriend who testified under the pseudonym "Jane,” lifting his fist and tightly gripping the hand of his attorney, Teny Geragos.
When a prosecutor argued to the judge that Combs should stay in custody, Janice Combs wrapped her hand around her grandson Christian’s neck.
When the judge said he thought Combs didn’t want to return to the Metropolitan Detention Center, Combs comically shook his head no and put up prayer hands, prompting the gallery to break out in laughter.
-ABC News’ Stephanie Maurice
Jul 02, 2025, 11:29 AM EDT
Combs says, ‘I’m coming home, baby!’
When the verdict was read, Sean Combs pumped his fist slightly when he heard he was found not guilty of racketeering conspiracy, the most serious charge. Combs continued to look straight ahead as the remaining verdicts were read. When he heard the first guilty verdict he rubbed his forehead.
There was very little reaction from Combs’ family as the verdict was read. His son Justin leaned down and put his head in his lap while others looked straight ahead. Dana Tran, the mother of his youngest child, was in tears.
As each juror confirmed that the verdict read was accurate, Combs nodded his head and mouthed “thank you” to each of them.
When the verdict was done being confirmed and the judge gave the jurors instructions, Combs turned in his seat to his family and said, “I’m coming home, baby! I’m coming home!”
A man holding a Sean John T-shirt, a company created by Sean "Diddy" Combs, reacts outside the U.S. federal court, after the jury reached verdicts in the Sean "Diddy" Combs sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy trial, in New York City, July 2, 2025.
Jeenah Moon/Reuters
As the jury left the courtroom, Combs clasped his hands in front of his chest and again mouthed, “thank you.”
Combs kneeled on the ground and appeared to pray briefly after the jury was out of the room.
Sean "Diddy" Combs reacts after he was convicted of prostitution-related offenses but acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put him behind bars for life, July 2, 2025, in Manhattan federal court in New York.
Elizabeth Williams/AP
After the judge left the bench, the defense team hugged and congratulated each other and the Combs family broke into applause. One person exclaimed the defense attorneys were the “dream team.”
As Combs left the courtroom he said to his family, “I love you, I’ma be home soon.”
As Combs' family celebrated on the New York City streets, Combs' son Christian Combs said, "We’re so happy -- Pops is coming home."
-ABC News’ Tonya Simpson
Jul 02, 2025, 10:55 AM EDT
Cassie Ventura’s attorney speaks out
The attorney for Cassie Ventura, Sean Combs' ex-girlfriend and a witness in the case, said in a statement, “Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution.”
“By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice,” attorney Douglas Wigdor said.
“We believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial. She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion,” he said. “This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors."
Wigdor said outside court that Ventura is “pleased that he's found guilty and held responsible to federal crimes, something that he's never been held responsible in his entire life. She's happy.”
“I feel confident in saying he still faces substantial incarceration,” Wigdor added.
Jul 02, 2025, 10:51 AM EDT
Combs kneels on floor, appearing to pray
As court was adjourned, Sean Combs got down from his chair and kneeled on the floor, appearing to pray. Some of his lawyers hugged each other and a massive round of applause and cheers broke out in the gallery.
Sean "Diddy" Combs reacts after he was convicted of prostitution-related offenses but acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put him behind bars for life, July 2, 2025, in Manhattan federal court in New York.
Elizabeth Williams/AP
Marshals then escorted him out of the room to another round of applause.
Janice Combs mother of Sean "Diddy" Combs, gives a thumbs up as she departs with her children and family members at Manhattan's Federal Court as jury reached a full verdict in Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial, July 2, 2025, in New York City.