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Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial updates: Bail denied due to 'propensity for violence'

Sean Combs was convicted of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.

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Last updated: Thursday, July 3, 2025 12:25AM GMT
Diddy On Trial Recap: Judge denies bail due to 'propensity for violence'

NEW YORK -- Sean "Diddy" Combs has been convicted of a prostitution-related offense but acquitted on the most serious charges at his New York trial on Wednesday.

Combs was convicted of transporting people across state lines for the purpose of engaging in prostitution. But the jury acquitted him of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, which were related to allegations that he forced girlfriends into hundreds of drug-fueled sex marathons with other men. His lawyers said the women were willing participants.

The mixed result could still put Combs behind bars for up to a decade.

A judge declined to grant bail to Combs, meaning the hip hop mogul won't go free while he awaits sentencing in his sex crimes case. Sentencing has been set for October 3, 2025.

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+.

This story may contain accounts and descriptions of actual or alleged events that some readers may find disturbing.

(ABC News and The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
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Jul 02, 2025, 4:36 PM GMT

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."

FILE - Cassie Ventura attends the "Can't Stop, Won't Stop: The Bad Boy Story" premiere during the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival on Thursday, April 27, 2017, in New York.
FILE - Cassie Ventura attends the "Can't Stop, Won't Stop: The Bad Boy Story" premiere during the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival on Thursday, April 27, 2017, in New York.

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.

Anthony Carlo reports from Lower Manhattan.
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Jul 02, 2025, 3:02 PM GMT

Possible sentence

Each charge of transportation to engage in prostitution carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Assistant United States Attorney Maurene Ryan Comey said the government plans to pursue "significant incarceration" for Sean Combs.

Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo said Combs should be released today.

"I am not saying it is not a serious crime. It is a crime of a vastly different nature," he said. "I believe that a significant change in conditions is warranted."

Kemberly Richardson has more details on Combs' reaction to the verdict and what's next for the mogul.
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Jul 02, 2025, 8:43 PM GMT

Combs emotional after verdict

Sean Combs was overcome with emotion as the verdict was read. His feet were visibly shaking throughout the reading of the verdict.

As court was adjourned, Combs got down from his chair and kneeled on the floor, appearing to pray.

In this courtroom sketch, Sean "Diddy" Combs reacts after he was convicted of prostitution-related offenses but acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges
In this courtroom sketch, Sean "Diddy" Combs reacts after he was convicted of prostitution-related offenses but acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges

Some of his lawyers hugged each other and a massive round of applause and cheers broke out in the gallery.

Marshals then escorted him out of the room to another round of applause.

Darla Miles reports from Lower Manhattan.
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Jul 02, 2025, 2:41 PM GMT

Defense wants Combs released today, but prosecution pushes back

Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo is arguing for Sean Combs to be released today.

"He should be released on appropriate conditions. ... He should be able to return to his home," he said.

Agnifilo said Combs would be willing to put up a $1 million cash bond that is cosigned by three financially reasonable people. Combs nodded his head as the argument was made.

"He has been acquitted of very serious charges," he said. "It is my proposal he be permitted to walk out of the courtroom."

"I am not saying it is not a serious crime. It is a crime of a vastly different nature," he said. "I believe that a significant change in conditions is warranted."

According to Agnifilo, Combs' plane is currently in Hawaii and he does not have access to it.

Assistant United States Attorney Maurene Ryan Comey said the government opposes releasing Combs on bond.

She said he has committed a "litany of crimes" while incarcerated and shows "no respect" for the law.

"There is no reason to believe he would do anything different if he released now," she said, arguing he poses a "danger" and will "flee from justice."

"They reflect yearslong conduct that involves the hiring of the escorts but also physical abuse," she said of the conviction, arguing Agnifilo underplayed the seriousness of the allegations.

She said he faces 20 years in prison.

The lawyers have until 1:00 PM to file letters on the release of Combs. They will reconvene in the afternoon.

When the judge mentioned that Combs did not want to go to MDC, Combs vigorously shook his head and made a prayer-like gesture with his hands at the judge.

"You are going to have to cool your heels in the courthouse for a while," the judge told Combs.