Diddy found guilty under Mann Act, acquitted of trafficking: Breaking down the verdict; rapper's link to Beyoncé, JLo & other A-list pals
Diddy found guilty of violating the Mann Act for transporting individuals for sex work
The jury convicted Combs on two counts of violating the Mann Act, a federal law that prohibits transporting individuals across state lines for purposes of prostitution. These charges focused on incidents where Combs allegedly arranged for both women and male sex workers to travel to private parties and studio gatherings under false pretences.
Prosecutors claimed the 'freak-offs', as Combs reportedly called them, involved coercion, drug use, and manipulation through financial dependency. Although these are not trafficking charges per se, they carry weighty penalties, with each count punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Sentencing guidelines suggest Combs could face at least 4–5 years unless the judge imposes consecutive terms.
Acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking charges
Despite the convictions, the jury found Combs not guilty on three of the five original charges, including the most serious ones. These include racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, which could have resulted in a life sentence. The prosecution's attempt to prove Combs operated a criminal enterprise using his music empire as a front for sexual exploitation was ultimately rejected by jurors.
Notably, Combs was acquitted of sex trafficking charges specifically tied to his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and a pseudonymous accuser referred to as 'Jane'. The verdict reflected the jury's decision that while misconduct may have occurred, it did not rise to the level of organised trafficking.
Cassie, Jane, and others: Multiple women have accused Combs of sexual abuse and violence
The trial brought renewed attention to a long list of allegations against Combs, many of which predate his arrest. Cassie Ventura, who filed a bombshell lawsuit in late 2023 accusing Combs of rape, abuse, and forced sexual acts, was among the most prominent figures to testify. She alleged she was groomed and exploited during their relationship.
Cassie testified against Diddy in explosive court appearance| Credit: X (@kina_kaye)
Another woman, known in court as 'Jane', shared a similar story, alleging she was trafficked and filmed without consent. Over a dozen individuals, many of whom remain anonymous, have accused Combs of sexual assault, drugging, or coercion over the last two decades. Though not all testimonies resulted in charges, prosecutors used their stories to show a pattern of behaviour.
From Beyoncé and Jay-Z to Jennifer Lopez, Diddy's high-profile celeb ties
Since his legal troubles began, many of Combs's high-profile connections have remained quiet, while a few have defended him. His legal team, including Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, maintained throughout the trial that Combs was the victim of a smear campaign.
Justin Bieber
Diddy & Bieber's complicated connection under the spotlight| Credit: X (PopFactions)
Diddy played a mentor-like role early in Justin Bieber's career, reportedly gifting him his first Lamborghini and introducing him to elite industry circles. While they were once close, Bieber has remained silent amid Diddy's legal troubles.
Jay-Z and Beyoncé
Jay-Z and Beyoncé reportedly attended Diddy's infamous 'freak-offs'| Credit: X(PopBase)
Jay-Z and Diddy long presented a united front as two of hip-hop's most powerful moguls, often appearing together at Roc Nation events. Beyoncé, who has attended several Diddy-hosted galas, has not publicly addressed the case. Although Jay-Z was dragged into a lawsuit against Diddy last December, the charges were dropped later, and since then, both Jay-Z and Bey have kept their distance in recent months.
Jennifer Lopez
Diddy and JLo were once an iconic couple| Credit: X (@ArmaLite15OU812)
J.Lo and Diddy were a power couple in the late '90s before their relationship ended following a nightclub shooting scandal in 1999. She has never publicly revisited the relationship in detail, and since the recent allegations, she's made no comment and appears to be fully removed from any association.
Ashton Kutcher
Ashton Kutcher was reportedly another A-lister who regularly attended Diddy's parties| Credit: X (@Prolotario1)
Kutcher and Diddy shared mutual circles during the early 2000s, especially around the Hollywood club scene and high-profile parties. Once considered close friends, Kutcher has previously praised Diddy's business acumen in interviews but has had no visible association with him in over a decade.
Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio was once spotted at Diddy's "white parties"| Credit: X (LeoDiCaprio)
Diddy and DiCaprio were frequently spotted at the same elite parties, including Cannes and Miami Art Basel events, often surrounded by models and industry insiders. While their connection was more social than personal, DiCaprio has denied his connection to the music mogul after allegations against the Bad Boy Records founder sent shockwaves through Hollywood.
Diddy was denied bail following the trial verdict
Diddy has been in federal custody since September 2024, when he was arrested by U.S. Marshals following raids on his homes in Los Angeles and Miami. He has remained behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn throughout the trial.
Diddy was arrested in September 2024 on multiple federal charges| Credit: X)@PopFactions)
Following the July 2 guilty verdict, Combs's legal team requested a $1 million bail package, citing his ties to the community and lack of prior convictions. However, Judge Ellen Landry denied the request, arguing that the nature of the crimes and risk of witness intimidation justified continued detention. Sentencing is scheduled for early October 2025. If given consecutive terms, Combs could remain incarcerated until the mid-2030s.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Jane Street leaves multiple fingerprints for I-T; artful dodger may now run into a GAAR net
In pulling off stunning profits in a short spell, Jane Street has challenged several principles and left multiple fingerprints for the income tax (I-T) authorities in India. An artful use of its arms in different jurisdictions to carry out diverse trades and escape tax will, in all likelihood, come under the scrutiny of the I-T department. In the taxman's parlance, the Jane group's elaborate mechanism for alleged market manipulation would go down, besides other violations, as "impermissible avoidance arrangement". This, according to the General Anti-Avoidance Rule (GAAR) in the I-T Act, is an arrangement that is put in place to simply dodge tax or is executed in a manner "which are not ordinarily employed for bona fide purposes". Jane used its outfits in India to take positions in cash and stock futures markets while its Singapore and Hong Kong entities, which are Sebi-registered foreign portfolio investors (FPIs), took large positions in equity options, a large liquid market that has grown dramatically in the past few years. The bulk of the profit was booked in the Singapore FPI which paid no tax on the earnings from equity derivatives (futures and options trades) by virtue of the India-Singapore tax treaty, which is very similar to the one India has with Mauritius. The Indian entities (JSI Investments and JSI2 Investments) took intra-day positions - buying in the morning and selling before the market closing - to influence prices, while the two FPIs (often taking opposite positions) made a killing. The profits of the two offshore FPIs - Jane Street Singapore and Jane Street Asia Trading, Hong Kong - far exceeded the possible losses of the two onshore entities. You Might Also Like: How Sebi's crackdown on Jane Street unfolded: A 15-month trail of scrutiny and ignored warnings Thus the entities, which recorded either a loss or smaller profits - and therefore paid little or no tax - were incorporated in India which imposes full income tax (varying from 30% to over 40%) on profits from equity derivative trades. But the Singapore FPI, which is the key piece in the entire arrangement and made the most money, paid no tax on options profits as it was housed in a tax-exempt country. Even though there is no similar tax benefit available for the Hong Kong FPI, the vehicle may have been used when the Singapore FPI had used up its margins and internal exposure limits for the group. MIRROR TRADES? Now, the Indian entities had to be used for two reasons: first, FPIs cannot take intra-day cash positions; second, an FPI (or two FPIs belonging to the same group) taking contra positions would have immediately raised red flags for Sebi. Under the circumstances, the I-T department may have enough grounds to question Jane Street, said tax circles and senior practitioners. "Since Indian entities were used to execute trades to bypass the restrictions on FPIs on intra-day cash equity trades, it may trigger a GAAR scrutiny if the I-T sees it as an artificial arrangement to sidestep FPI rules. Also, should the profits be taxed as capital gains or business income or unexplained income which still attracts a penal rate? The question crops up on the back of Sebi's allegations that profits rose from manipulative trades and not genuine market activity," said Girish Vanvari, founder of Transaction Square, a regulatory and business advisory firm. You Might Also Like: Make $1 billion loss in stock futures to earn $5 billion profit in options: Sebi exposes Jane Street's Baazigar strategy Sharing the view, Harshal Bhuta, partner at the CA firm PR Bhuta & Co, said, "Given the interim order's observation regarding the admission by Jane Street Group that all its entities operating in Indian markets act collectively, if it is suspected that the trades have been carried out in a manner that results in skewed profitability in entities which enjoy treaty benefits, GAAR could be invoked to reallocate profits to entities subject to Indian tax. Furthermore, the principal purpose test under the India-Singapore DTAA could also be invoked to deny the treaty exemption on gains arising from trades in 'index options'." As per the Sebi order, the Jane Group had allegedly run a system of coordinated trade across onshore and offshore entities that was managed centrally. If these allegations are substantiated, the Indian subsidiaries may be seen as "functional dependent agents". "This then could result in income attribution to India and higher tax exposure for offshore arms," said Vanvari. What could instantly appeal to the taxman is the provision of GAAR. This comes in handy when tax officials choose to deny treaty benefits when they suspect that a vehicle lacks 'commercial substance' - a shell entity that is floated to simply route trades and claim tax benefit. But, there is no evidence that the Jane Singapore vehicle lacked substance or was just a paper company. However, the way it had cut the deals - which, as per the Sebi order, appear as mirror trades with allegedly close links between the different arms - could well raise many eyebrows in the tax office. You Might Also Like: Explained: What is Jane Street and how it made Rs 36,500 crore profit by gaming Dalal Street
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Indian Express
Top 10 celebrities convicted for crimes ranging from murder, rape to shoplifting: Diddy, Shiney Ahuja to Robert Downey Jr
Top 10 celebrity crime convictions: In a world where fame often brings power, influence, and adoration, it can be easy to forget that celebrities are still fallible – just as human, just as flawed as anyone else. But when public figures cross legal lines, the consequences unfold not just in courtrooms but also under the relentless scrutiny of the public eye. One name that recently forced this uncomfortable truth into the spotlight is Sean 'Diddy' Combs, the hip-hop mogul and music industry titan who, after years of whispers and lawsuits, has now been convicted in a federal court. In July 2025, a jury found Combs guilty on two felony counts of transportation to engage in prostitution under the Mann Act, a law dating back to 1910. These charges relate to the coerced travel of his former partner, singer Cassie Ventura, and another woman identified only as 'Jane,' both of whom testified during the trial. Combs was acquitted on three other charges, including racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking. Still, the guilty verdict marks a seismic fall for the 55-year-old artist once synonymous with glamour, success, and cultural dominance. Diddy's story is far from unique. Over the years, several A-listers have been convicted of crimes — from drug possession and assault to manslaughter and tax evasion. This listicle delves into 10 high-profile celebrities with criminal records, focusing only on those with confirmed legal outcomes. Once a towering figure in global music, Diddy's legacy has been rocked by criminal convictions. In a 2025 federal trial, he was found guilty of two counts of transporting women – including ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura – for prostitution, under the Mann Act. Though acquitted of more serious charges like racketeering and sex trafficking, the felony convictions carry serious legal and reputational consequences. More fallout may follow. Attorney Tony Buzbee claims over 100 men and women have accused Diddy of rape and assault. One woman alleged she was gang raped at age 17 after being drugged at a 2003 party. While Combs's team dismisses the lawsuits as publicity stunts, the convictions have added weight to the mounting allegations. Sanjay Dutt's conviction remains one of the most talked-about legal sagas in Indian cinema. In 1993, following the devastating Mumbai bomb blasts, Dutt was arrested under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) for illegally possessing an AK-56 rifle, which was part of a consignment linked to the bombings. Though he was acquitted of terrorism charges, he was convicted in 2006 under the Arms Act for illegal possession of firearms. After years of legal proceedings and appeals, Dutt was sentenced to five years in prison and ultimately served over four years, including time at Yerwada Central Jail. Before becoming Tony Stark, Robert Downey Jr. was one of Hollywood's most tragic cautionary tales. Struggling with addiction in the 90s, Downey was repeatedly arrested for possession of heroin, cocaine, and unlicensed firearms. He was famously found wandering into a neighbour's house under the influence and passed out in their bed. In 1999, after multiple probation violations, he was sentenced to three years in prison, though he served roughly a year before early release. In 2009, Bollywood actor Shiney Ahuja was arrested for raping his domestic help—a case that sent shockwaves through the film industry. Though the victim later recanted her statement, the court found the original testimony credible and convicted Ahuja in 2011 under Section 376 (rape) and other charges. He was sentenced to seven years in prison, though he spent about three years in jail before being released on bail pending appeal. Wesley Snipes' high-flying Hollywood career hit a wall when he was convicted in 2008 on three misdemeanor counts of failing to file federal income tax returns. Prosecutors claimed he hadn't paid taxes for years, despite earning tens of millions. Though he was acquitted of the more severe felony tax fraud charges, he still served nearly three years in prison. In 1992, boxing champion Mike Tyson was convicted of raping 18-year-old Desiree Washington, a beauty pageant contestant, in an incident that took place at a hotel in Indianapolis in July 1991. The jury found Tyson guilty after about 10 hours of deliberation, rejecting his defense that the encounter was consensual. Tyson was sentenced to six years in prison and served approximately three years before being released on parole in 1995. The conviction shocked the sports world and dramatically altered Tyson's public image overnight, marking a significant turning point in his career. Despite this setback, Tyson later returned to the boxing ring and expanded his career into entertainment, including notable acting roles such as in The Hangover film series. In 2001, Stranger Things star Winona Ryder was arrested for shoplifting over $5,500 worth of merchandise from a Beverly Hills Saks Fifth Avenue store. She was later convicted of felony grand theft and vandalism, receiving three years' probation, 480 hours of community service, and fines. The incident damaged her career for years, leading to a hiatus from leading roles in Hollywood. Ryder eventually made a well-received comeback, and her 2000s-era troubles are now often seen as part of the conversation around mental health and celebrity pressure. Shia LaBeouf is known for his acting talent as well as his history of erratic behaviour and legal troubles. Over the years, he has been arrested multiple times for offenses such as disorderly conduct, public intoxication, and drunk driving. One of the most notable incidents occurred in 2017, when LaBeouf was arrested in Savannah, Georgia, for public drunkenness and disorderly conduct. During this arrest, he was caught on camera making a racially charged outburst toward police officers. These incidents, along with other arrests for similar behavior, have contributed to his reputation for instability. LaBeouf has also faced civil lawsuits from former partners, most prominently from singer FKA Twigs, who accused him of sexual battery and emotional abuse. While he has not been criminally convicted in these civil cases, the combination of his legal issues and public controversies has overshadowed his career achievements, leading many to view him as a cautionary example of wasted potential in Hollywood. Before becoming a blockbuster actor and producer, Mark Wahlberg had a violent and troubling past. At 16, Wahlberg was charged with attempted murder after assaulting two Vietnamese men during a racially motivated attack. He was convicted of assault and served 45 days in prison. The case drew renewed attention in 2014 when Wahlberg applied for a pardon, sparking criticism from civil rights groups and raising questions about accountability and privilege. Wahlberg has publicly acknowledged his past and expressed remorse, though his request for a pardon was ultimately dropped. Phil Spector, the music genius behind the Wall of Sound, became infamous for a far more sinister reason. In 2009, he was convicted of second-degree murder for the 2003 death of actress Lana Clarkson, who was found shot in his mansion. The trial, his second, after a hung jury, ended in a conviction and a 19-years-to-life prison sentence. Spector died in custody in 2021.
NDTV
2 days ago
- NDTV
A Timeline Of The Rise Of Sean 'Diddy' Combs And His Legal Troubles
For more than two decades, Sean "Diddy" Combs was one of hip-hop's most nimble entrepreneurs, spinning his hitmaking talents into a broad business empire that included a record label, a fashion brand, a TV network, deals with liquor companies and a key role in a reality TV show. Then he was charged with forcing, threatening and manipulating two ex-girlfriends into drug-fueled sex marathons, with assistance from a network of associates. Combs denied the allegations and went to trial in a high-stakes federal sex crimes and racketeering case. The trial ended Wednesday with a verdict that his attorneys called a victory: Combs was convicted of prostitution-related offenses but acquitted of higher-level charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. Here is a timeline of major events in his life story: 1990-1999 1990: Combs, then a student at Howard University, gets his start in the music business with an internship at Uptown Records in New York. Dec. 28, 1991: Nine people die at a celebrity basketball game promoted by Combs and the rapper Heavy D when thousands of fans try to get into a gym at the City College of New York. A mayoral report lays part of the blame for the catastrophe on poor planning by Combs. 1992: Combs is one of the executive producers on Mary J. Blige's debut album, "What's the 411?" 1993: After being fired by Uptown, Combs establishes his own label, Bad Boy, which quickly cuts a lucrative deal with Arista Records. 1994: Bad Boy releases Notorious B.I.G.'s album "Ready to Die." Two months later, Tupac Shakur survives a shooting in New York and accuses Combs and Biggie of having prior knowledge of the attack, which they deny. Shakur was later killed in a 1996 shooting in Las Vegas. 1996: Combs is convicted of criminal mischief after he allegedly threatened a photographer with a gun. 1997: Biggie is killed in Los Angeles. Combs, then known as Puff Daddy, releases "I'll be Missing You" in honor of his dead star. 1998: Combs wins two Grammys, one for best rap album for his debut "No Way Out" and another for best rap performance by a duo or group for "I'll Be Missing You" with Faith Evans. Also that year, Combs' Sean John fashion line is founded. April 16, 1999: Combs and his bodyguards are charged with attacking Interscope Records music executive Steve Stoute in his New York office in a dispute over a music video. Combs is sentenced to an anger management course. Dec. 27, 1999: Combs is arrested on gun possession charges after he and his girlfriend at the time, Jennifer Lopez, fled a shooting that wounded three people at a New York City nightclub. Some witnesses tell police Combs was among the people shooting in the club. He is later charged with offering his driver $50,000 to claim ownership of the 9 mm handgun found in his car. 2001-2008 March 17, 2001: Combs is acquitted of all charges related to the nightclub shooting. One of his rap protégés, Jamal "Shyne" Barrow, is convicted in the shooting and serves nearly nine years in prison. Two weeks after the trial, Combs announces he wants to be known as P. Diddy. (Barrow also later changed his name, to Moses Barrow, and became a parliamentarian in his native Belize). 2002: Combs becomes the producer and star of "Making the Band," a talent search TV show. Feb. 1, 2004: Combs performs at the Super Bowl halftime show along with Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake and others. A week later, Combs, Nelly and Murphy Lee win a Grammy for best rap performance by a duo or group for "Shake Ya Tailfeather." April 2004: Combs makes his Broadway acting debut in "A Raisin in the Sun." 2005: Combs announces he is changing his stage name to Diddy, getting rid of the P. March 2008: Combs settles a lawsuit brought by a man who claims Combs punched him after a post-Oscar party outside a Hollywood hotel the previous year. In May, Combs is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 2015-2022 2015: Combs is arrested after a confrontation on the campus of UCLA, where one of his sons played football. Assault charges are later dropped. 2016: Combs launches a Harlem charter school, the Capital Preparatory School. Also that year, he announces he is donating $1 million to Howard University. 2017: Combs is named the top earner on Forbes' list of the 100 highest-paid celebrities, which says he brought in $130 million in a single year. 2018: Kim Porter, Combs' former girlfriend and the mother of three of his children, dies from pneumonia at age 47. 2022: Combs receives a lifetime honor at the BET Awards. 2023-2025 Sept. 15, 2023: Combs releases "The Love Album - Off the Grid," his first solo studio project since 2006's chart-topping "Press Play." Nov. 16, 2023: R&B singer Cassie sues Combs, alleging that during their decade-plus as a couple, he subjected her to abuse, including beatings and rape. A day later, the lawsuit is settled under undisclosed terms. Combs, through his attorney, denies the accusations. Nov. 23, 2023: Two more women accuse Combs of sexual abuse in lawsuits. Combs' attorneys call the allegations false. Dozens of additional lawsuits follow by women and men who accuse Combs of rape, sexual assault and other attacks. Plaintiffs include singer Dawn Richard, a "Making the Band" contestant who alleged years of psychological and physical abuse. Combs denies all the allegations. March 25, 2024: Federal agents search Combs' homes in Los Angeles and Miami Beach, Florida. May 17, 2024: CNN airs video that shows Combs attacking and beating Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel hallway in 2016. Two days later, Combs posts videos on social media apologizing for the assault. Sept. 16, 2024: Combs is arrested at his Manhattan hotel. A federal sex trafficking and racketeering indictment unsealed the next day accuses him of using his business empire to coerce women into participating in sexual performances. Combs denies the allegations. His attorney calls it an unjust prosecution of an "imperfect person." May 5, 2025: Jury selection begins for Combs' trial. May 12, 2025: A jury is selected and testimony begins in Combs' trial. June 30, 2025: Jury deliberations begin in Combs' trial. July 2, 2025: The jury convicts Combs of two counts of a prostitution-related offense but acquits him of higher-level charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. The outcome significantly reduces the rap mogul's potential prison sentence, which a judge will determine in the months to come. His lawyers unsuccessfully ask for him to be released on bond in the meantime. Combs is visibly relieved by the verdict, and his lead lawyer calls it "a victory of all victories."
