July 2, 2025 – Sean “Diddy” Combs, once a towering figure in hip-hop, faces a likely prison sentence despite being acquitted of the gravest charges in his high-profile sex crimes trial. On Wednesday, a Manhattan jury convicted Combs on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, each carrying a maximum of 10 years in prison, while clearing him of racketeering and sex trafficking charges that could have led to a life sentence.

The convictions stem from allegations that Combs facilitated illegal activities, leveraging his influence to exploit vulnerable individuals. Prosecutors argued he used “violence and fear” to orchestrate a criminal enterprise, a narrative bolstered by testimony from former associates, including Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, whose 2023 lawsuit sparked over 60 civil suits against him. Though Combs’ defense lasted just 20 minutes and he declined to testify, the jury’s partial verdict underscores the weight of the evidence.

Legal experts suggest Combs’ lack of prior convictions may result in a sentence below the 20-year maximum, but his bail request to await sentencing at his Florida home faces skepticism. The judge’s decision on his release remains pending, but the severity of the charges and public scrutiny make incarceration probable. The case has drawn comparisons to other fallen moguls like R. Kelly, whose 30-year sentence for similar crimes looms large.

Combs’ legal battles are far from over, with ongoing civil suits and potential new charges. As Hollywood reels and rivals like 50 Cent amplify the fallout, the disgraced mogul’s empire faces collapse, with prison time looming as a stark reality.