Ex-Prosecutor Casts Doubt on Diddy’s Conviction Prospects on Serious Charges
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/diddy-2018-vanity-fair-oscar-party-121324-da406cbe5ea840739aeb01a25ccffb6a.jpg)
A former federal prosecutor, Neama Rahmani, has expressed skepticism about the likelihood of Sean “Diddy” Combs being convicted on the most severe charges he faces in his federal trial. Rahmani believes that the jury is unlikely to convict Combs on the two sex trafficking counts due to the high burden of proof required to establish force, fraud, or coercion in such cases. The defence has strongly argued that all actions were consensual, further complicating the prosecution’s case.
The jury has already reached verdicts on four out of the five charges against Combs, including two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation for prostitution. However, they are still deadlocked on the charge of racketeering. Rahmani explains that the racketeering charge may depend on whether the jurors believe there was a broader criminal enterprise at play, even if they do not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking. He notes that proving racketeering can sometimes be easier than sex trafficking.
With more than 30 witnesses testifying during the lengthy trial, including Combs’ ex-girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and rapper Kid Cudi, the proceedings have been intense. Allegations include Combs coercing women to participate in drug-fuelled sex parties and running a criminal enterprise involving crimes like arson and kidnapping. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik emphasised during closing arguments that Combs used power, violence, and fear to achieve his goals, believing his fame and wealth made him immune to the law.
Combs’ defence attorney, Marc Agnifilo, maintained Combs’ innocence on all charges, urging the jury to reunite him with his family. The trial featured a video of Combs reportedly chasing and attacking Ventura in a hotel lobby, following an alleged attempt by Ventura to escape a ‘Freak Off’ gathering. However, Combs chose not to testify during the trial, leaving his legal team to argue his case.
The impending verdict on the remaining charges is anticipated to be delivered soon, possibly influenced by the upcoming July 4th holiday as Rahmani suggests. As the trial nears its conclusion, the outcome remains uncertain, with the weight of the evidence presented and witness testimonies shaping the jury’s decision-making process. The public awaits the final verdict on this high-profile case that has captured attention for its serious allegations and legal complexities.
Stay updated with the latest developments in this trial and other crime news by signing up for the free True Crime newsletter from PEOPLE. As the legal proceedings unfold, the impact of the jury’s decision on Combs’ future and reputation will be closely monitored by audiences keen on understanding the implications of this case. The intense legal battle and the grave nature of the charges underscore the significance of this trial within the realm of celebrity legal issues.
[*Authors of the article: Christine Pelisek, Bethany Brown, and Greg Hanlon. Updated on July 1, 2025 08:05PM EDT. Images: Getty*]