Sean “Diddy” Combs is set to remain in custody as he awaits sentencing after a jury found him guilty on two out of five counts in his high-profile sex-trafficking trial, but acquitted him of the most serious charge of racketeering.
Judge Arun Subramanian denied Combs’s request to be released on bail ahead of his sentencing hearing, citing his “yearslong pattern of violence.” The hearing began hours after the jurors announced they reached a verdict Wednesday morning.
The music mogul was found guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution. That count carries a punishment of up to 10 years in prison. However, he was acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion.
It comes after the eight men and four women on the jury said Tuesday there were members “with unpersuadable opinions on both sides” concerning the racketeering count. Combs was arrested in September 2024 as federal authorities alleged he threatened, abused, and coerced victims “to fulfill his sexual desires” between 2004 and 2024.
“Mr. Combs has been given his life by this jury,” his lawyer told the court after the verdict.
Key points
- Sean "Diddy" Combs acquitted of sex-trafficking and racketeering
- Diddy denied bail ahead of sentencing
- Diddy fist pumps and drops to knees after verdict returned
- Explaining the racketeering conspiracy charge against Diddy
- What to know about Diddy’s sentencing
Diddy's family returns to court
Wednesday 2 July 2025 22:00 , Katie HawkinsonSean “Diddy” Combs’s family was spotted entering Manhattan federal court minutes ago ahead of the upcoming bail hearing.
Cassie Ventura’s lawyer reacts after Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs found guilty only of prostitution charges
Wednesday 2 July 2025 22:10 , Mike Bedigan
Cassie Ventura’s lawyer reacts after Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs verdict
Diddy enters the courtroom
Wednesday 2 July 2025 22:14 , Katie HawkinsonSean “Diddy” Combs has entered the courtroom for his bail hearing.
As he walked in, Combs blew a kiss to his family and clasped his hands together in a prayer pose, the Associated Press reports.
Bail denied
Wednesday 2 July 2025 22:18 , Katie HawkinsonJudge Arun Subramanian will not allow Sean “Diddy” Combs to be released on bail as he awaits sentencing.
Judge cites Diddy's domestic violence in bail denial
Wednesday 2 July 2025 22:27 , Katie HawkinsonJudge Arun Subramanian cited Sean “Diddy” Combs’s history of domestic violence when he denied his bail request.
Subramanian said Combs has a “years-long pattern of violence.”
Combs will remain in custody as he awaits sentencing.
Diddy fans disappointed outside court
Wednesday 2 July 2025 22:34 , Ariana Baio, Katie HawkinsonSean “Diddy” Combs’s supporters had gathered outside Manhattan federal court on Wednesday afternoon in apparent anticipation of his release on bail.
When the judge denied Combs’s request to be released on bail, his fans went totally silent. The group had been dancing, hollering and cheering up until they heard the news.
Soon afterward, the crowd began dispersing.
Sentencing scheduled for October
Wednesday 2 July 2025 22:37 , Katie HawkinsonJudge Arun Subramanian scheduled Sean “Diddy” Combs’s sentencing hearing for October 3.
Subramanian noted he may move the hearing sooner if the defense wants to expedite it.
Judge slams defense's arguments against bail decision: 'Domestic violence is violence'
Wednesday 2 July 2025 22:49 , Katie HawkinsonJudge Arun Subramanian reminded Marc Agnifilo that “domestic violence is violence” as the defense attorney tried to argue in favor of his client’s release on bail.
Subramanian also reminded Agnifilo that he admitted Combs was violent during his closing argument.
“You full-throatedly in your closing argument told the jury that there was violence,” Subramanian told Agnifilo.
Diddy wants to speak with judge, attorney says
Wednesday 2 July 2025 22:53 , Katie HawkinsonSean “Diddy” Combs wants to speak with Judge Arun Subramanian, defense attorney Marc Agnifilo said.
The request came as Agnifilo was arguing with the judge about his decision to deny Combs bail ahead of his sentencing hearing.
Judge reaffirms bail is denied
Wednesday 2 July 2025 22:56 , Katie HawkinsonJudge Arun Subramanian reaffirmed that he is denying bail for Sean “Diddy” Combs and scheduled another hearing for Tuesday to discuss his sentencing date.
Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo argued against bail decision
Wednesday 2 July 2025 23:08 , Kelly Rissman, Katie HawkinsonDefense attorney Marc Agnifilo fiercely argued against Judge Arun Subramanian’s bail decision.
Agnifilo said Combs went to a batterers program last year after Subramanian cited his history of violence when denying bail.
“He’s a man in the process of working on himself. He’s been a model prisoner,” Agnifilo said.
As Agnifilo argued, Combs looked straight ahead. He was slouched over and appeared disappointed.
Agnifilo said this case has “exceptional circumstances” because of his involvement in the prostitution services. Combs’s hand covered his face as Agnifilo spoke
Meanwhile, prosecutor Maurene Comey argued that the only thing exceptional about Combs was “his wealth, his violence, and his brazenness.” She said he’s shown “no remorse” for his victims.
Combs speaks to family after bail denial
Wednesday 2 July 2025 23:15 , Katie HawkinsonAs Sean “Diddy” Combs left the courtroom following the bail denial, he spoke to his family.
“I’ll see you when I get out,” he said. “We’re going to get through this.”
“Be strong, I love you,” he added.
Scene outside court as attorneys prepare to speak
Wednesday 2 July 2025 23:29 , Ariana Baio, Kelly Rissman, Katie HawkinsonThe attorneys in the case appear to be preparing to speak to the media outside Manhattan federal court after Sean “Diddy” Combs was denied bail.
Shortly after the bail hearing ended, emergency crews arrived at the courthouse and brought a stretcher inside. Moments ago, crews wheeled a man out on the stretcher. It’s unclear who the man is.
Multiple helicopters and a drone are flying above the courthouse.
Diddy's family leaves court
Wednesday 2 July 2025 23:35 , Ariana Baio, Katie HawkinsonSean “Diddy” Combs’s family is leaving Manhattan federal court.
Several of his family members walked out holding hands as fans shouted words of support.
Attorney gives statement after bail hearing
Wednesday 2 July 2025 23:49 , Katie HawkinsonAttorney Mark Geragos said Sean “Diddy” Combs is thankful for the jury following the verdict this morning.
“I've known [Combs] for almost 20 years, and he's thankful,” he said outside Manhattan federal court. “He's relieved, and he thanks the jurors.”
Mark Geragos was not officially on Combs’s legal team, but his daughter Teny Geragos is.
“As a helicopter parent, I couldn't be prouder,” Geragos quipped.
Defense celebrates verdict
Wednesday 2 July 2025 23:55 , Katie HawkinsonDefense attorney Marc Agnifilo is celebrating the verdict after Sean “Diddy” Combs’s bail hearing outside Manhattan federal court.
“Todays a great victory,” Agnifilo said. “A great victory for Sean Combs.”
The music mogul was found guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution, but he was acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion.
“Today’s a great day,” he continued. “Today’s a win. Today’s a victory of all victories for Sean Combs and our legal team.”
Defense attorney thanks jury and Combs
Thursday 3 July 2025 00:02 , Katie HawkinsonDefense attorney Teny Geragos thanked the jury as she addressed the media today outside Manhattan federal court.
“I want to thank the jury for putting such great care into this case,” Geragos said. “They came early every single day, and I want to thank them.”
“As I said in my opening statement, between all of us and the drastic consequences of the criminal convictions of sex trafficking, and RICO is a jury of our peers, and I thank them.”
Marc Agnifilo says he won't comment on bail decision
Thursday 3 July 2025 00:03 , Katie HawkinsonDefense attorney Marc Agnifilo declined to comment on Judge Arun Subramanian’s decision to keep Sean “Diddy” Combs in custody as he awaits his sentencing hearing.
Gender justice organization calls bail denial 'rare silver lining'
Thursday 3 July 2025 00:09 , Katie HawkinsonThe gender justice organization Ultraviolet released a statement calling the judge’s decision to deny bail a “rare silver lining” in the case.
“The brave survivors who stepped forward to share their stories in this trial can at least know that their abuser wasn’t allowed to walk free today,” Interim Executive Director Arisha Hatch said in a statement. “This is a rare silver lining in an otherwise disastrous verdict which failed to fully hold Diddy accountable for using his position of power and fame to exploit young women and men alike.
“We will continue to stand with the brave women and men who took great risk to reveal the person Diddy really is,” Hatch added.
Watch: Diddy's lawyers speak after bail hearing
Thursday 3 July 2025 00:38 , Katie HawkinsonPrayers, cheers and baby oil: This is what it was like at the courthouse as Diddy’s verdict was read
Thursday 3 July 2025 00:45 , Ariana Baio, Kelly RissmanSean “Diddy” Combs entered the courtroom in a canary yellow sweater with his head down. He smiled at his family. Just moments earlier, he and his attorneys had all gathered behind closed doors. The mood was tense as it was clear the mogul’s fate would soon be clear.
At 10.12 a.m. on Wednesday, Judge Arun Subramanian announced he had received a note from the jury: “We’ve reached a verdict on all counts.”
Keep reading:
This is what it was like at the courthouse as Diddy’s verdict was read
50 Cent, Aubrey O’Day lead reactions as Diddy ‘beats the feds’ in sex trafficking trial
01:06 , Kevin E G Perry, Tom Murray50 Cent, Aubrey O’Day and Rosie O’Donnell all reacted within minutes after a jury found Sean “Diddy” Combs guilty on two out of five counts in his high-profile sex-trafficking trial.
Keep reading:
50 Cent, Aubrey O’Day react as Diddy ‘beats the feds’ in sex trafficking trial
Biggie, Tupac, Suge: How Diddy became the last man standing in the East Coast-West Coast hip hop rivalry
01:15 , Kevin E G PerrySean “Diddy” Combs casts a long shadow over the history of hip hop. One of the industry’s first moguls, his work as an A&R executive, label boss, rapper and producer made him both extravagantly wealthy and internationally famous.
While Combs, 55, may have spent over thirty years at the top of the industry, his legacy has been clouded by the serious allegations against him. His trial has brought him some unlikely allies.
Keep reading:
How Diddy survived the East Coast-West Coast hip hop rivalry
ICYMI: Watch the crowd react as Diddy is found not guilty of racketeering charges
02:00 , Katie HawkinsonANALYSIS: The Diddy trial verdict — and the celebrations afterwards — were difficult to watch
02:45 , Holly BaxterMusic mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was found not guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering charges by a jury Wednesday after a blockbuster eight-week trial — and found guilty of two more minor charges of transportation to engage in prostitution.
It’s a verdict that will disappoint many. But in some ways, the reckoning has already happened. It began last year, quietly but unmistakably, when singer Casandra Ventura (known professionally as Cassie) filed a civil lawsuit under New York’s Adult Survivors Act.
Keep reading:
With Diddy now a convicted felon, is there anything else he can be tried for?
03:30 , Mike BediganSean "Diddy" Combs has been found guilty in a federal court on prostitution-related charges, meaning he may be facing up to 20 years behind bars.
The mogul was also acquitted of sex-trafficking, and the more serious charge of racketeering – which has a maximum sentence of life in prison. While its unlikely, the outcome doesn't mean his legal troubles are over, experts say.
Keep reading:
ICYMI: Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo argued with judge on bail decision
04:15 , Kelly Rissman, Katie HawkinsonDefense attorney Marc Agnifilo fiercely argued against Judge Arun Subramanian’s bail denial on Wednesday afternoon.
Agnifilo said Sean “Diddy” Combs went to a batterer program last year after Subramanian cited his history of violence when denying bail.
“He’s a man in the process of working on himself. He’s been a model prisoner,” Agnifilo said.
As Agnifilo argued, Combs looked straight ahead. He was slouched over and appeared disappointed.
Meanwhile, prosecutor Maurene Comey argued Combs showed “no remorse” for his victims.
What is Diddy’s life like in jail?
05:00 , Katie HawkinsonSean “Diddy” Combs will remain in jail as he awaits his sentencing hearing, which has been tentatively scheduled for October.
Here’s what his life is like behind bars:
See it: Diddy reacts to verdict
05:45 , Katie Hawkinson
Watch: Cassie Ventura’s lawyer reacts after Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs convicted only of prostitution charges
06:30 , Katie HawkinsonFull story: Federal jury convicts Sean Combs on two counts but rap mogul escapes most serious charges
07:15 , Katie HawkinsonSean “Diddy” Combs was found guilty on two counts tied to prostitution, but the rap mogul was acquitted on the most serious charges in his sex trafficking trial at a federal court in New York City.
Learn more about the verdict and what it means for Combs’s future from Kelly Rissman:
Diddy found guilty: Federal jury convicted Sean Combs on two counts
Diddy vs Fiddy: A 25-year timeline of one of rap’s biggest feuds
08:00 , Kevin E G PerryThere’s no love lost between Sean “Diddy” Combs and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson.
The two rap moguls have had beef since long before 55-year-old Combs was arrested and charged with sex trafficking and racketeering.
In their early days in the music industry, the two men were never close but did collaborate on occasional projects.
However, their relationship soured due to disputes over artist contracts and rival vodka brands.
Keep reading:
Diddy vs 50 Cent: A 25-year timeline of one of rap’s biggest feuds
Sean "Diddy" Comb's lawyers speak after "great victory" in Diddy trial verdict
08:45 , Katie HawkinsonHere are the charges against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
09:30 , Katie HawkinsonAriana Baio explains the charges Sean “Diddy” Combs faced in his New York trial:
Watch: Crowd reacts as Diddy is found not guilty of racketeering charges
10:15 , Katie HawkinsonICYMI: This is what it was like at the courthouse as Diddy’s verdict was read
11:00 , Katie HawkinsonSean “Diddy” Combs’s fans were cheering and celebrating outside Manhattan federal court on Wednesday as they learned the music mogul was convicted of transportation to engage in prostitution but acquitted on all other counts:
Ariana Baio and Kelly Rissman report:
This is what it was like at the courthouse as Diddy’s verdict was read
Blog paused
15:02 , Erin KellerThis blog is on pause as we await more developments.
Thank you for reading.
