Diddy Found Guilty on Prostitution Charges, Cleared of Sex Trafficking and RICO Allegations
New York City, July 1, 2025 – After roughly 12 hours of deliberation, a federal jury returned a mixed verdict in the high-profile trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs. The music and business mogul was found guilty on two counts of prostitution-related offenses under federal law, but was acquitted of all sex trafficking charges, and the jury could not reach a verdict on the central RICO conspiracy allegation, resulting in a partial mistrial on that charge.
The case centered around allegations that Combs facilitated the transportation of women across state lines for sex work through his entertainment empire. Prosecutors claimed Diddy manipulated his power and influence to orchestrate illegal activity over a period of nearly 20 years. However, the jury rejected the most serious charges of sex trafficking, signaling that they were not convinced by the government’s portrayal of Combs as the architect of a coercive criminal enterprise.
Diddy’s defense attorneys maintained throughout the trial that the government had overreached, arguing that the relationships in question were consensual and that the accusations came from disgruntled ex-partners and opportunists.
Bail Pending Sentencing?
In response to the verdict, Combs’s legal team filed a motion requesting bail pending sentencing, arguing that he is neither a flight risk nor a danger to the community. A judge is expected to rule on the motion tomorrow. If bail is denied, Diddy may be taken into custody immediately.
While the guilty verdicts carry significantly lighter penalties than the original trafficking and RICO charges, Combs still faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. Sentencing is expected within the next two months.
Trump Pardon on the Table
In a dramatic twist, Media Take Out has learned that Combs’s legal team has already reached out to former President Donald Trump in hopes of securing a presidential pardon. Sources close to the situation say Trump is “receptive” to the idea, though no official request has been made public.
Trump, who previously granted pardons to other hip-hop figures such as Lil Wayne and Kodak Black, is said to have a long-standing professional rapport with Diddy. While the former president has not commented directly on the outcome, one insider told Media Take Out, “He’s watching this closely, and he hasn’t ruled anything out.”
However, the prospect of a pardon is already drawing political criticism. Victims’ advocacy groups and some public figures, including longtime Combs rival 50 Cent, have voiced strong opposition to any clemency, citing the broader message it might send about accountability and celebrity justice.
Public Reaction and Fallout
Reaction to the verdict has been mixed. While Diddy was not convicted of the most serious allegations, his guilty verdict on federal prostitution charges has sparked both public scrutiny and corporate distancing.
Major sponsors are said to be reviewing existing contracts, and streaming platforms and networks are rumored to be reevaluating Diddy-related content. Legal analysts suggest that even a partial conviction could severely limit his ability to rebuild his business empire.
Some advocates argue the outcome still represents a step toward accountability in the entertainment industry, while others criticize the government’s handling of the case and question the motivations behind the prosecution.
What Comes Next
- A ruling on Diddy’s bail request is expected tomorrow.
- Sentencing on the two prostitution charges is expected within 60 days.
- The unresolved RICO conspiracy charge may lead to a retrial, depending on the prosecution’s decision.
- Trump’s potential pardon could become a flashpoint as the 2026 election cycle heats up.
For now, Combs is bracing for the next phase of his legal battle — one that will unfold in both the courtroom and, possibly, the political arena.
One thing is clear: even a partial conviction has shifted the cultural conversation around power, celebrity, and justice in ways few could have imagined just a year ago.