Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing another legal loss.
Just days before he was set to be sentenced on October 3rd for convictions related to prostitution, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian rejected a request from the rap mogul’s legal team for both an acquittal and a retrial.
In a ruling issued on Sept. 30 and obtained by Deadline, the judge overseeing the Combs sex trafficking case highlighted that prosecutors presented substantial evidence proving Combs’ guilt under the Mann Act in relation to his former girlfriends, Cassie Ventura and a woman known only as Jane. (Both women claimed they were forced to take part in sexually explicit encounters during their relationships with Combs.)
He explained that the evidence included statements from Ventura and Jane, accounts from the escorts who were present, and content from text messages and emails. He added, “The government presented overwhelming proof of its claims.”
Despite being found not guilty of the more severe accusations against him-specifically, sex trafficking and racketeering-the 55-year-old was found guilty on two charges related to transporting people for the purpose of prostitution in July.
Each charge could result in up to 10 years in prison. However, the prosecutors asked the judge to sentence the founder of Bad Boys Records-who maintained his innocence-to a combined 11 years for the two counts.
Of course, the defendant won’t face penalties for any charges he was found not guilty on,” the government stated in a Sept. 30 filing obtained by NBC News, “but the sentencing for the crimes he *was* convicted of should consider *how* he committed those crimes.”
The letter also stated, “His proven offenses are severe, and people who committed similar acts of violence and intimidation – like Sean Combs – have received sentences exceeding ten years in several instances.”
As a longtime follower of Sean Combs, I was really impacted by the details revealed during his seven-week federal trial. The prosecutors painted a picture of him leading a large team who allegedly carried out unlawful acts. Specifically, they described multi-day parties – they called them “freak offs” – that reportedly involved illegal drugs and sex workers brought in from all over the country. It was a truly disturbing account of what went on behind the scenes, and it’s been difficult to process as a fan. The trial really focused on how Combs allegedly used his entire network of employees to facilitate these activities.
Ventura-who had an on-again, off-again relationship with Combs from 2007 to 2018-testified that she was forced to take part in a carefully planned sexual performance. She claimed that Combs recorded these encounters to use as leverage against her.
She testified in May that he would bring them up whenever he was feeling frustrated. It was a fairly typical occurrence, she said. She expressed fear for her professional life and the safety of her family, describing the situation as simply embarrassing. She characterized it as horrible and disgusting, stating that no one deserves to be treated that way.
The singer of “Me & U”-who recently had her third child with her husband Alex Fine after giving heartfelt testimony-explained to the jury that her former partner had total control over her life.
She explained that she felt she had little control over important aspects of her life, including her career and intimate relationships. She said, “I was very young and unsure of how he’d react if I didn’t comply-I worried he might become violent or even end the relationship over time.”
She went on to say, “I always had a feeling he would eventually hurt me.” “Sean is a very divisive person. He could be incredibly charming, and it was difficult to know what he truly wanted when he was talking. I simply wasn’t sure what the future held.”
Keep reading for a closer look at Combs’ legal battle.
In July, Judge Arun Subramanian set Sean “Diddy” Combs‘s sentencing date for October 3, 2025. The judge rejected Combs’ request for release on bail before the sentencing, explaining that the rapper had a “years-long pattern of violence” and should remain in jail.
Following the trial, where Combs was acquitted of charges related to racketeering and sex trafficking involving both Cassie Ventura and a woman known as “Jane“, but convicted of transporting them for the purpose of prostitution, the singer’s attorney responded to the court’s decisions.
Honestly, it all started with Cassie Ventura – *my queen* – being so brave and filing that civil complaint back in November 2023. As Douglas Wigdor said in his statement to TopMob News on July 2nd, even though the jury didn’t find Combs guilty of sex trafficking *beyond a reasonable doubt*, she totally opened the door for them to convict him of transporting someone for prostitution. Seriously, by sharing what happened to her, Cassie has changed everything – not just in the entertainment industry, but in the whole fight for justice. She’s left such an indelible mark, and I’m just so incredibly proud of her!
Acknowledging the charges-to which Combs entered a plea of not guilty-Wigdor stated, “We need to reiterate – without any doubt – that we stand with and support our client, who demonstrated remarkable bravery during this entire process.”
Wigdor also commended Ventura, one of the 34 people who testified during Combs’ 29-day trial, for her contributions.
He went on to say that she demonstrated incredible resilience and shone a light on the troubling behavior of influential figures, as well as the decades of unchecked wrongdoing. “This case showed us that real progress is desperately needed, and we remain committed to supporting those who have experienced harm.”
After learning he was found not guilty on three of the five charges in his federal case, Combs-who could have faced life in prison if convicted on everything-dropped to his knees and bowed his head into a chair, appearing to pray, according to NBC News reporters who were present in the courtroom.
According to reports from the news outlet, Combs’ family members were in the courtroom, applauding and celebrating the outcome for the music executive. The lawyers representing Combs embraced one another, and Combs himself hugged attorney Brian Steel.
On July 2nd, the 12-person jury announced its decisions regarding the five federal charges against Combs in his sex trafficking case. After three days of discussion, the jurors found him guilty on two counts of transporting individuals for the purpose of prostitution, involving his former girlfriends Ventura and another woman known only as “Jane.”
Sean Combs-who maintained his innocence regarding all accusations-was acquitted of one charge of conspiring to commit racketeering and two counts related to sex trafficking.
The jury informed U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian that they couldn’t agree on the racketeering charge – they had differing opinions that couldn’t be resolved – the day before they were scheduled to deliver their final decisions. Judge Subramanian spoke to the jurors, urging them to keep discussing the case. They ultimately reached a verdict just hours after resuming their discussions the following day.
During closing arguments to the jury, prosecutor Christy Slavik spoke for four hours and fifty minutes, asserting that Sean “Diddy” Combs habitually employed power, violence, and intimidation to achieve his goals.
“He absolutely refuses to accept ‘no’,” she explained. “He considered it his domain, and everyone was expected to cater to his needs.”
Slavik highlighted two instances of alleged violence by Combs: a physical assault on his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2016, and a more recent alleged assault in 2024 on a girlfriend who is being referred to as “Jane” throughout the trial.
She explained, “Although these two events happened eight years apart, they are connected.” She continued, “Think of them as parts of the same larger narrative-the story of Sean Combs and the criminal organization he directed, comprised of people close to him.”
She went on to say that the criminal group consistently fulfilled the defendant’s wishes by using a deliberate and systematic approach involving violence, intimidation, and control. The defendant believed that keeping people quiet and feeling ashamed would conceal his actions. He wrongly assumed his celebrity, riches, and influence meant he was exempt from the law.
Slavik contended that during the trial, Combs received assistance from what she called “a small army of personal staff.” Their primary goal, she stated, was to fulfill the defendant’s every need, enhance his standing, and safeguard his image no matter the expense.
The prosecution filed a document with the court, asking to make changes to their arguments regarding the attempted arson and kidnapping charges.
Despite still being charged with racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking-including allegations of kidnapping and arson-prosecutors stated in a letter on June 24th that they had removed portions of the charges. Specifically, they took out instructions related to attempted kidnapping under the laws of both California and New York, attempted arson under California law, and assisting with sex trafficking.
The government also stated it hopes that making the language simpler will not only make the instructions easier to follow, but also prevent any misunderstandings.
Combs told JudgeSubramanian that he will not take the stand during his sex trafficking trial.
The judge made it clear that, no matter what the rap mogul chose to do, “no one, including the jury, could assume he was guilty just because he didn’t take the stand.”
Combs stated he had discussed with his team the possibility of not testifying, but stressed that the ultimate decision to do so was entirely his own.
“I’ve given this a lot of thought, and this is what I’ve decided,” he told the judge. “It’s entirely my choice, and I stand by it.”
According to Teny Garagos, Combs’ lawyer, both the defense and the prosecution anticipate needing “at least four hours” to present their closing statements to the judge.
After Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Joseph Cerciello finished several days of testimony on June 24th as a witness for the prosecution, the defense will now present its case. Combs’ legal team has stated they won’t be calling any witnesses of their own, and will instead concentrate on the evidence that has already been submitted.
During Ceriello’s testimony on June 23rd, the jury saw explicit videos. NBC News reporters present in the courtroom stated these videos seemed to be recordings of Combs’ “freak offs” and were formally presented as evidence.
The special agent reported finding 50 explicit videos dating from 2021 and 2022, but the jury only viewed two of these files-they used headphones and individual screens to do so.
In voicemails to his former chief of staff Kristina Khorram played on June 23, Combs outlined a number of requests he had while staying at a hotel in November 2021. These included asking for more baby oil, something he often requested when he was experiencing intense emotional outbursts-which he referred to as “freak offs.”
He told Khorram, “Have them call me before they start driving.” Then, seemingly frustrated, he added, “I can’t believe I’m being released. Put 20 bottles in this vehicle.”
In addition to extending her hotel stay by one day, Khorram responded, “OK. The baby oil is right outside the door.”
According to text messages, his previous employee messaged him saying she was setting up an IV drip for him and Jane. He had used this as part of at least one recovery after a “freak off”, as revealed in the group chat messages.
She also made sure that there were Plan-B pills, an emergency contraceptive, in his nightstand.
The jury saw a collection of text messages exchanged between Combs and Ventura. In these messages, the singer of “Long Way 2 Go” openly shared how the alleged abuse was affecting her.
In March 2017, after Combs inquired if Ventura – his on-again, off-again partner from 2007 to 2018 – wanted some space, she responded,
In another instance, she further accused her ex of physically assaulting her.
“I offered you my love, but the moment I looked away, and you messed up, you physically assaulted me, pulling me through the house by my hair. I’m 30 years old,” Ventura wrote to him that May. “This isn’t a game anymore. Last night, I felt completely numb, and it was as if I was watching this happen to someone else-it was like seeing something beautiful extinguished.”
Brendan Paul, who worked as Sean Combs’ assistant from 2022 to 2024, testified that he bought drugs for Combs several times. These drugs included “Marijuana, 2C, cocaine, ketamine, ecstasy.”
Paul explained that they would contact the drug dealer by text, and the dealer would then come to one of their houses. He also remembered being fired several times for different reasons, including leaving a Lululemon fanny pack behind. He said he initially met the dealer through text messages or phone calls.
However, Paul vehemently denied being a “drug mule” for the rap mogul.
Judge Subramanian ended the court session for the day on June 18 because one of the jurors was unable to return due to sickness. (The court will also be closed on June 19 for Juneteenth.)
The judge stated, “We have a juror who is unwell and unable to attend. They experienced dizziness and had to return home.” The judge continued, “The juror’s partner informed us of this. Since the juror is a member of the main jury, it seems we will be unable to proceed with the trial today.”
The judge pointed out that it’s not yet known if the juror’s sudden vertigo-causing symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and headaches-will be short-lived or a continuing problem, but stated they would “monitor the situation.”
Since the court is closed on June 19 for Juneteenth, Judge Subramanian stated the trial will continue on June 20 with a shorter session, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Just after Judge Subramanian removed Juror No. 6 due to inconsistent statements about where he lives, another juror is potentially facing removal. This is because of an alleged inappropriate discussion about the case with a past coworker. The judge questioned the juror and requested his phone to be examined, according to NBC News.
By the end of the court session on June 16, a decision regarding the member’s dismissal had not yet been reached.
Kanye West showed up at the New York City courthouse on June 13th to support Sean Combs. The “Stronger” rapper spent roughly 30 minutes at the courthouse, quickly stopping by the waiting area but didn’t go inside the courtroom itself. The courtroom is specifically for Combs’ family and lawyers, and also for members of the media and the public who have been waiting in line for hours to get a seat.
Oh my gosh, I remember Jane talking about this *huge* fight she had! Apparently, it all started after she went to Las Vegas with another rapper and his wife. I mean, can you imagine the drama? It just sounds like a total mess, and I’ve been obsessed with figuring out exactly what happened ever since! It’s just… everything!
She stated that this resulted in secretly watching sexual activity after she contacted Anton, a sex worker she and Combs frequently employed. During the trip, a group of people observed him engaging in sexual acts with a woman in a hotel room.
Jane informed Combs’ lawyer, Geragos, that the music executive was angry after he believed she went to a different man’s “freak off.”
During the 21st day of the Combs trial, Maurene Comey, a prosecutor with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, told the court that her team wants to dismiss one of the twelve jurors.
“We really didn’t want to submit this letter,” she explained to Judge Subramanian just before the jury came into the New York City courtroom. “It seemed like someone wasn’t being honest with the court, which is a major concern for us.”
Defense lawyer Alexandra Shapiro-noting that Juror No. 6 is one of the Black jurors-requested a day or two to submit a written response and review relevant legal precedents.
I heard Judge Subramanian say he’s going to hold off on figuring out the practical details regarding the juror until they’ve reached a decision. Basically, he wants to wait and see what happens before dealing with any logistical issues. It makes sense to me – no need to plan for something that might not even be necessary!
On June 10th, Jane and Garagos engaged in a difficult discussion where Garagos implied the witness was exchanging sexual favors for expensive gifts.
Geragos reviewed text messages from November 2021 exchanged between Jane and Combs. These messages revealed the witness was distressed to learn Combs was having sexual relations with other women. According to the texts, she questioned Combs about whether he had gifted one of these women “a Chanel bag” after they had sex.
Jane said that she didn’t get a Chanel purse from Combs, telling Garagos that she “got trauma.”
When the attorney asked what a Bottega bag was, she replied, “I’m sure you have one.”
And when Geragos asked how much the item costs, Jane asked, “How much does my body cost?”
Jane was granted a 10-minute break following the exchange.
As a lifestyle expert, I’ve seen many relationship dynamics play out, and this one is particularly complex. In her testimony, Jane shared that around 2022, she came to believe that Sean Combs fit the definition of a “cuckhold” – and this is a term people use to describe someone who derives pleasure from witnessing their partner’s intimacy with another person. She explained that this belief stemmed from her research into the nature of her and Combs’ sexual relationship. It’s a difficult situation to unpack, and her explanation sheds light on how she perceived things at the time. You can find more information about this complex dynamic online if you’re interested in learning more.
“It helped me understand things better,” she explained, describing her motivation for the research. “I was really trying to thoroughly investigate all the reasons why they enjoyed watching their partner with other men.”
The witness suggested that Combs’ interest in “hotel nights”-situations remarkably similar to Ventura’s “freak offs”-might stem from him exploring his own sexuality.
She testified that individuals exhibiting this behavior might possess a genuine curiosity they feel too embarrassed to pursue directly, and instead use a woman to explore that curiosity without personally engaging in it. She explained they could be curious about something, but too ashamed to experience it themselves, so they live it through another person.
Jane stated that she gave Paul-an escort she and Combs hired several times-the nickname “Trifecta.” She explained that she chose the name because she felt their sexual relationship was as successful as a winning combination in basketball, like a triple play.
“I was Kobe Bryant and Paul was Shaq [O’Neil],” she told jurors. “Combs was Michael Jordan.”
She called Paul “really nice,” and mentioned that if she “had to” engage with sex workers, she preferred “someone with a warm energy.”
Jane stated that the relationship between Combs and Khorram caused problems in her romantic involvement with the music executive. She described it as a “point of contention”.
“She was constantly by his side,” Jane explained about Khorram. “It created problems for Sean and me. I think she felt very strongly about me, and that really affected how Sean behaved towards me.”
On June 10th, Judge Subramanian rejected a request for a mistrial from Combs’ lawyers. They had claimed that Ventura and her friend Bryana Bongolan weren’t truthful about Bongolan being threatened with being dropped from the 17th-floor balcony by the rapper.
As a legal lifestyle expert, I’ve been following this case closely. The defendant’s legal team – they previously tried to get a mistrial, but were unsuccessful – is now claiming the prosecution engaged in “misconduct”. Specifically, they allege the prosecution presented “perjured testimony” – meaning they believe false statements were made under oath. It’s a serious accusation, and we’ll continue to see how this unfolds. Stay tuned for updates.
The letter states that during the trial, the government presented evidence they either knew was false, or should have known was false, regarding their claim that Mr. Combs threatened Bryana Bongolan by holding her over the balcony of Cassie Ventura’s apartment in September 2016. Therefore, the letter argues, to prevent an unjust conviction, the Court should declare a mistrial.
Jane alleged that the rap mogul had beaten her for hours June 2024.
Jane stated that an argument started between her and Combs because he was reportedly seeing a woman much younger than him – 25 years younger, she said. This, Jane explained, caused her to call him a “pedophile” and push his head into a marble kitchen counter.
The witness stated she hid in the main bedroom, and Combs started trying to break down the door. (Pictures of the damaged door were shown as evidence.) She claimed that while attempting to escape, the Bad Boy Records founder kicked her in the back of her leg, causing her to fall.
Let me tell you, as someone who often discusses personal safety, this is a terrifying situation. The woman described being put in a chokehold and thrown to the ground. She explained to the prosecutors that she was literally unable to breathe, forced to stand on her tiptoes while struggling to escape his hold. She was simply trying to get away, to break free from his grip. It’s a truly frightening account of someone fighting for their safety, and a reminder of how quickly things can escalate. If you or someone you know is experiencing something similar, please reach out for help.
Jane stated she quickly left the house and concealed herself behind an outside wall for about two hours, waiting for him to go away, but he stayed. She explained that they later went back to his house, and she huddled in the backyard, trying to shield herself while Combs supposedly attacked her.
Jane testified that the fight got worse after Combs supposedly hit her in the back. “He began hitting my head,” she stated in court. “He then started kicking me and repeatedly punched me while yelling.”
She alleged that he told her that she was “trying to take him away from his kids and his family.”
She testified that she told him, ‘No, that’s not true. Please just leave me alone. Just go away. Please stop,’. She continued, stating that he then grabbed her by the arm and hair and began dragging her back towards the house… pulling her by her hair and arm.”
Following the reported attack, Jane stated she noticed “two welts about the size of golf balls” on her forehead, and she also had a black eye.
Jane stated that investigators with Homeland Security raided her home – which Sean Combs paid for in March 2023 – as well as several other properties owned by him. She explained that when agents arrived at her house, she immediately contacted Combs’ chief of security to inform him of what was happening.
In December 2023, Jane claimed that a powerful person threatened to share intimate videos of them with the father of her child.
Things were really falling apart with Combs, and he apparently told me he had nothing to lose by releasing those videos. It was awful. I testified that it felt like constant, relentless pressure – just back-to-back pressure phone calls. He was really trying to intimidate me, and it felt like he didn’t care about the consequences.
She sent a message to Khorram detailing what happened, and this message was submitted as evidence. In the message, Jane stated that Combs was threatening to release the video, and she claimed she was “heavily drugged” in it.
She explained she needed time away from Combs to process all the trauma he had inflicted.
Jane told the court that Khorram assured her that Combs would not use the footage.
During her testimony, Jane stated that certain aspects of Ventura’s lawsuit from November 2023-which was eventually resolved-were similar to what she herself went through with Combs.
“I nearly passed out, and I believe I actually did,” she shared with the jury while weeping. “There were three particular pages that were deeply upsetting and directly related to what I was going through.”
Jane, a participant in the “hotel nights,” shared that the experience felt like she was reading her own story. This prompted her to reach out to Combs through text messages.
In screenshots presented as evidence, she wrote that reading Ventura’s lawsuit felt like reliving her own sexual trauma. She expressed feeling ill, stating the lawsuit detailed exactly the same experiences – “drug-filled days and nights.” She accused him of anticipating the lawsuit and of manipulating her, saying he made her feel insane. She wrote, “You knew this was coming. You gaslit me, you made me go crazy.”
“I’m really upset and felt pressured to have sex repeatedly,” the messages went on to say. “You made me question my own feelings about the sexual trauma I experienced. I feel deeply harmed and like my boundaries were crossed. This felt like sexual exploitation.”
Combs then called Jane and secretly recorded their conversation, which was later presented as evidence. During the call, he told her they “did these things together” and emphasized that this was the time he needed her “to be there.”
I was absolutely shocked to hear Jane say she felt “sick” to her stomach. Apparently, after reading Ventura’s documents – and she didn’t even realize she was being recorded at the time – it really upset her. It was a pretty telling moment, honestly, and showed just how strongly she reacted to what she’d seen. It was clear she wasn’t doing well.
Jane stated that during her involvement in “Hotel Nights” with Combs and male escorts, she frequently used ecstasy. However, on one particular occasion, she chose to abstain from drugs while engaging in sexual activity with three men.
Oh my god, she actually *said* it in court! She admitted she was with several men that night. And then, the absolute *worst* part – she said she was sick, she threw up! But then, my Sean – Sean, my everything – he came in, and he was just… perfect. He said, ‘You’ll feel better now. Let’s go outside.’ Seriously, just thinking about it gives me chills! He’s so caring, so protective. It was everything.
Jane said that at the end of the night, she felt “absolutely terrible.”
On June 7th, after 18 days of the trial, Combs’ lawyers requested a mistrial. They claimed that Ventura and Bongolan had falsely stated that the rap mogul had threatened Bongolan by holding him over the balcony on the 17th floor.
The legal team for Combs-after Judge Subramanian previously rejected their request for a mistrial-claimed the prosecution engaged in “misconduct” by presenting “perjured testimony.”
The letter states, “In this case, the government presented evidence they knew, or should have known, was false. This relates to their claim that Mr. Combs threatened Bryana Bongolan by holding her over the balcony of Cassie Ventura’s apartment in September 2016.” Therefore, the letter argues, “to prevent an unjust conviction, the Court should declare a mistrial.”
The defense team claimed Bongolan wasn’t truthful regarding the event, highlighting what they said were contradictions in her account. The prosecution is scheduled to reply on June 9th, and the judge will announce their decision the following day.
Jane stated in court that Combs started covering her rent in April 2023, which was after they had been together for two years, and continues to do so. She explained that they had previously agreed, about a month before, that he would give her a regular monthly allowance.
I recall it happening during that ‘hotel night’-that’s when Sean brought up this ‘love contract’ between us,” she explained to the jury. “He was asking me what I would want as an allowance each
month, just moving forward, that’s what he was going to do for me.”
She recalled the discussion about finances, saying, “I suggested 15,000, and he countered with 10,000,” referring to their agreed-upon allowance. “I began searching for a different home and eventually moved, utilizing that financial plan. I really wanted a large and comfortable space for my child and myself to share. It was important to me to have a place to relax and find some equilibrium in our dynamic. I had consistently given him my affection, and this felt like his way of reciprocating.”
Jane stated that, according to the agreement, she was entitled to financial support “for everything without pressure for two years.”
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2025-10-01 16:51