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- Indian Express
Documentary on Diddy trial to stream online today; key reasons why jury didn't find him guilty of racketeering and sex trafficking
Sean 'Diddy' Combs may have dodged the most serious charges in his federal racketeering and sex trafficking case, but Judge Arun Subramanian isn't letting him out just yet. The Music mogul's bail plea was denied by the presiding judge as the legal battle continues. Meanwhile, ABC News aired a one-hour special, Verdict: The Diddy Trial, less than 12 hours after the verdict. The episode aired in the US on July 2 and is set to stream globally the next day. The special features defense attorney and ABC's legal analyst Brian Buckmire, criminal trial lawyer Sarah Azari, and investigative correspondents breaking down what went down in court. Though Combs beat the charges that could've landed him behind bars for life, he's still staring at a likely two-decade prison term.
Where to watch Verdict: the Diddy Trial
The TV special aired Wednesday (July 2) at 10 p.m. ET on ABC. Outside the US, it'll stream on Disney+ and Hulu on July 3. The special explores the key moments that flipped the case in Diddy's favour, with commentary, scene reenactments, and a breakdown of what legal doors remain open, both for the defense and the prosecutors looking to make their next move.
Also read: Sean 'Diddy' Combs found guilty in sex trial, but cleared of trafficking and racketeering charges
Diddy was convicted of two federal crimes, including transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution (violating the Mann Act.) Meanwhile, he was acquitted of three other, more serious charges, including: Sex trafficking of Cassie Ventura and another woman (identified only as 'Jane'). Racketeering, where prosecutors claimed Diddy ran an illegal criminal enterprise involving bribery, drugs, kidnapping, and sexual abuse.
According to ABC, each of the two charges Diddy was convicted on carries a max sentence of 10 years, which means he's now staring at a possible 20 years behind bars. The decision came after two days of jury deliberation, with a final note sent at 9:52 a.m. on Wednesday confirming a unanimous verdict on all five counts.
Also read: Sean 'Diddy' Combs acquitted of sex trafficking charges, convicted on prostitution counts
Why the jury didn't convict Diddy on the most serious charges
Former federal prosecutor Mark Chutkow, in a conversation with Forbes, pointed to one key reason the jury may have ruled not guilty on the biggest charges: lack of proof of coercion. Chutkow explained that to convict someone of sex trafficking, you have to show the victims were forced, tricked, or coerced. Despite Cassie Ventura and 'Jane Doe' testifying, both women continued seeing Diddy even after the alleged incidents, some even expressed care for him. That alone could've given the jury reasonable doubt.
As for the racketeering charge, the jury might not have seen enough to believe there was a full criminal network. Diddy was accused of running an entire enterprise, but he was the only one sitting in court. If others were supposedly involved, who were they, and why weren't they on trial too?
Why was Diddy's bail denied?
Judge Arun Subramanian refused to grant bail. One major reason being a surveillance video presented in court that reportedly showed Combs physically assaulting Cassie Ventura. The judge called it part of a disturbing pattern of behaviour. Prosecutors added that Diddy continued breaking laws in 2024, even after learning he was under federal investigation and after his homes were raided. So for now, Diddy stays locked up at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. His team's pushing for house arrest at his Miami home until sentencing. But prosecutors are still arguing.
What happens next? The sentencing process
Sentencing is currently set for October 3, but Judge Subramanian has said he's open to moving it up if the defense requests. Before that, Diddy will have to go through a presentencing investigation led by the US Probation Office. They'll look into his criminal history (or lack of it), the severity of the charges, and anything else that might factor into what kind of sentence he gets.
