A federal judge will sentence music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs on Friday after he was found guilty of prostitution-related charges.
The government initially brought five charges against Combs: two counts of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. However, a New York jury in July acquitted the 55-year-old of the more serious charges and found him guilty only of the prostitution charges.
Each prostitution count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, meaning Combs faces up to 20 years behind bars. His defense team has requested a sentence of no more than 14 months, while prosecutors are seeking more than 11 years in prison.
### Trial Highlights
During the dramatic two-month trial, Diddy’s ex-girlfriends and former associates testified about his drug use, domestic abuse, and “freak offs” — marathon sexual encounters that could last days and often involved male escorts.
### Charges Brought Against Diddy
The government charged Combs with violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act by conspiring with a criminal enterprise to carry out a pattern of illegal behavior. Prosecutors alleged he ran a criminal enterprise composed of his staff and associates, committing a range of crimes including sex trafficking, kidnapping, forced labor, bribery, arson, and obstruction of justice since at least 2008.
According to prosecutors, this enterprise allowed Combs to abuse, threaten, and coerce women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires while protecting his reputation by concealing his behavior.
RICO laws, created in 1970, are designed to prosecute individuals involved in organized crime, such as Mafia members. This charge carried the most severe punishment among those filed, with a maximum sentence of life in prison.
### Sex Trafficking and Transportation Charges
Combs was charged with one count of sex trafficking related to Victim 1, his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. Prosecutors claim Combs recruited Ventura after she signed with his record label, Bad Boy Records, and began flirting with her. Ventura testified that she feared Combs due to physical abuse and felt compelled to participate in freak offs to keep him happy.
Combs allegedly hired male escorts and watched as they engaged in sexual activity with Ventura, sometimes filming the encounters to use as blackmail. This charge carried a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of life imprisonment.
Additionally, Combs was charged with one count of transportation for purposes of prostitution related to Ventura. Prosecutors say he knowingly transported Ventura and male escorts across state lines and internationally to participate in freak offs. Between 2009 and 2018, Combs paid for Ventura and male escorts to travel to cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, and Ibiza.
The escorts were recruited mainly through the service Cowboys 4 Angels and were paid up to $6,000 per freak off, though payment was contingent on Combs’ approval of their performance. This charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
### Charges Related to Victim 2 (“Jane”)
Combs faced one count of sex trafficking related to Victim 2, an ex-girlfriend identified by the pseudonym Jane. Prosecutors alleged he enticed Jane with promises of lavish trips, expensive gifts, and a genuine relationship, then pressured her to perform in freak offs by controlling her financially, including paying her rent. Jane testified that she felt obligated to participate as a result. This charge carries a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of life imprisonment.
He was also charged with transportation for purposes of prostitution related to Jane and male escorts. Between 2021 and 2024, prosecutors say Combs arranged for Jane to travel across state lines for freak offs, some of which were filmed. This charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
### Upcoming Sentencing
Sean “Diddy” Combs will be sentenced on Friday. While his defense team urges for leniency, prosecutors are pushing for a lengthy prison term based on the findings from the trial. The case has brought renewed attention to allegations of abuse and exploitation connected to the high-profile rapper and music executive.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/diddy-charges-explained-verdict-racketeering-b2838456.html