Will Diddy Receive a Life Sentence? Trial Updates and Jury Verdicts Bring Sentencing Closer
The rapper’s federal trial resulted in convictions on sex trafficking and prostitution charges, but the jury remains deadlocked on racketeering conspiracy
As of July, 2025, the high-profile federal trial of Sean «Diddy» Combs has reached a critical point. After six weeks of testimony and two days of deliberation, the jury has delivered a partial verdict.
They have unanimously convicted Combs on four of the five charges, including sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. However, they remain deadlocked on the most severe charge: racketeering conspiracy. Judge Arun Subramanian has instructed the jury to continue deliberations, though he expressed doubt that further discussions would yield a different outcome.
One of the most frequently asked questions since the rapper’s scandals came to light is what his final sentence would be, with life imprisonment being the most discussed possibility. In fact, Diddy does have a significant chance of receiving a life sentence if the racketeering conspiracy charge is confirmed.
Background and Charges
Combs, 55, faces five federal charges stemming from a 2024 indictment in the Southern District of New York. The charges include two counts each of sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution, and one count of racketeering conspiracy.
Prosecutors allege that Combs used his status and resources to coerce women into participating in drug-fueled sexual encounters known as «freak-offs,» involving male sex workers. Key testimonies came from his ex-girlfriends, Casandra «Cassie» Ventura and another woman referred to as «Jane,» who described enduring years of abuse.
The racketeering conspiracy charge is the most serious, carrying a potential life sentence. To convict on this charge, the jury must find that Combs was part of a criminal enterprise that engaged in a pattern of racketeering activity over a period of time. The jury’s inability to reach a verdict on this charge leaves the case unresolved on its most severe accusation.
Testimonies and Defense
Throughout the trial, 34 witnesses testified over 29 days. Ventura’s testimony was particularly impactful, detailing the alleged abuse she suffered during her relationship with Combs from 2007 to 2018. She described being coerced into participating in «freak-offs» and «hotel nights,» often under the influence of drugs. Another woman, «Jane,» provided similar accounts of abuse extending into 2024.
The defense countered by portraying the encounters as consensual and part of a private lifestyle. They argued that the accusers were motivated by financial gain and that the prosecution had exaggerated the nature of the relationships.
Implications and Next Steps
With the jury’s partial verdict, Combs faces significant legal consequences. If convicted on the racketeering conspiracy charge, he could receive a life sentence. The case has drawn widespread media attention, not only due to Combs’ celebrity status but also because of the serious nature of the allegations and the detailed testimonies presented in court.
As of now, the jury is scheduled to resume deliberations on the racketeering conspiracy charge. The outcome of these deliberations will determine whether Combs faces the most severe penalty or if the case concludes with the existing convictions. The legal community and the public await the final decision, which will have lasting implications for all parties involved.