50 Cent leads wave of celebrity reaction to acquittal of Sean ‘Diddy' Combs on sex trafficking and racketeering charges
Curtis Jackson, 48, posted a mocked-up AI image of himself to Instagram after Wednesday's (02.07.25) verdict, writing: 'Diddy beat the Feds that boy a bad man! Beat the Rico, he the Gay John Gotti.'
The comment drew instant criticism, with followers accusing the rapper of homophobia and celebrating a legal outcome involving serious allegations of abuse.
Combs, 55, was cleared by a New York jury of the two most serious charges he faced – racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking – but was convicted of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, relating to his former partner Cassandra Ventura and another woman, referred to in court only as Jane.
As the verdict was read, Combs fell to his knees in court.
His trial, which lasted two months, had included graphic testimony from Cassie and male escorts, and allegations that Combs orchestrated so-called 'Freak-Offs' — sex acts involving escorts and drugs — across state lines.
Celebrity reaction to the verdict poured in immediately.
Singer Aubrey O'Day, 40, who previously worked with Combs in the girl group Danity Kane, said on Instagram Stories: 'Oh my God. Not guilty on Cassie. Not guilty on Rico. No way is Jane going to be guilty. This makes me physically ill.' She captioned her post: 'Wow.'
Kesha, 37, voiced support for Ventura on X, writing: 'Cassie, I believe you. I love you. Your strength is a beacon for every survivor.'
Piers Morgan, 59, also reacted to the decision on social media. 'Wow…,' he wrote, after earlier predicting: 'Diddy's going down. Just a question now of how many convictions he gets, and how long a sentence… .'
Following the verdict, a statement was issued by Cassie's legal team.
Her lawyer said: 'This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023.
'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.
'We must repeat — with no reservation — that we believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial.'
Combs, who has not been seen in public since his arrest in September 2024, remains in custody at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center.
Prosecutors said they intend to seek the maximum 20-year sentence.
His legal team has requested release on $1m bail ahead of sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled.
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