Diddy fights convictions and appeals for new trial

He was cleared of trafficking but convicted under the Mann Act, now his legal team is pushing for a retrial.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs emerged partially victorious from his highly publicised federal trial. On July 2, a jury acquitted him of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges, but still found him guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution under the Mann Act.

The convictions relate to alleged travel arrangements involving his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, another former partner identified as ‘Jane,’ and male escorts. Prosecutors argued these incidents involved coercive sex parties dubbed ‘freak‑offs.’ Combs denies everything, claiming the parties were consensual and his role was restricted to observation. His defence now argues this amounts to voyeurism, not prostitution, citing legal precedent that watching does not constitute the sale or exchange of sex.

Despite securing acquittals on the heat of the most serious charges, Combs remains behind bars. Bail has been denied repeatedly, with Judge Subramaniam citing Combs’s admitted past violence, witness intimidation risks, and status as a danger to the community. Combs’s legal team argues he poses minimal flight risk, offering a $50 million bond secured by his Miami property, and insists his convictions should instead be overturned or at least earn a new trial limited to the Mann Act counts.

Public reaction is deeply divided. Critics like Aubrey O’Day and Rosie O’Donnell decried the guilty verdicts as insufficient given the power imbalances at play, while supporters such as 50 Cent welcomed the verdict as a sign the justice system worked. A juror called public criticism of their decision ‘insulting’ to the deliberation process.

Moving forward, Combs is scheduled to be sentenced on October 3. If the convictions stand, he could face up to 20 years in prison, though sentencing recommendations currently range from approximately four to five years. Combs has also launched multiple legal and civil appeals and continues to fight for his release and reputation.