The White House has denied rumors first circulated by the entertainment outlet TMZ that President Trump was considering a presidential pardon for rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs, who was sentenced to over four years in prison earlier this month.
Speculation began on Monday when TMZ <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2025/10/20/donald-trump-diddy-commutation-soon/">reported</a> that a “high-ranking White House official&#8221; confirmed that Trump was considering commuting the 50-month sentence and &#8220;could set Diddy free as early as this week.&#8221;
“There is zero truth to the TMZ report, which we would’ve gladly explained had they reached out before running their fake news,” a White House official <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/diddy-donald-trump-pardon-sentence-commutation-update-10914730">confirmed</a> to multiple outlets on Tuesday. “The president, not anonymous sources, is the final decider on pardons and commutations.”
Despite the denial directly from the White House, a spokesperson from TMZ doubled down on the claims. “We stand by our story,” TMZ spokesperson Casey Carver told NBC News in response.
Combs was found guilty of two prostitution charges in July and was facing up to 20 years in prison following a high-profile trial in New York. He was acquitted of the more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.
Prosecutors wanted to see the rapper behind bars for at least 11 years, but Combs’ lawyers petitioned for him to be released later this month. Prosecutors called Diddy “unrepentant.”
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“The defendant tries to recast decades of abuse as simply the function of mutually toxic relationships,” prosecutors wrote in a September filing. “But there is nothing mutual about a relationship where one person holds all the power and the other ends up bloodied and bruised.”
The federal investigation into Combs gained national attention earlier this year when raids on his Los Angeles and Miami properties yielded large amounts of electronic devices, reportedly containing potential evidence connected to the charges. Prosecutors alleged that Combs orchestrated a network of parties and events where women were trafficked and abused. Meanwhile, the rapper claimed that his sexual exploits were unorthodox but fully consensual.
Many critics were furious that Combs was acquitted of the more serious charges.
Trump <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-asked-about-potential-pardon-for-diddy">commented on a potential pardon</a> for Combs in May during an Oval Office press conference.
“Nobody’s asked. But I know people are thinking about it. I know they’re thinking about it. I think some people have been very close to asking,” the president said in response to Fox News White House correspondent Peter Doocy.
Trump said at the time that he hadn’t been following the case closely, but was aware of the extensive media coverage the trial was receiving.
“I haven’t seen [Diddy], I haven’t spoken to him in years,” Trump said. “He used to really like me a lot, but I think when I ran for politics … that relationship busted up, from what I read. I don’t know — he didn’t tell me that, but I’d read some little bit nasty statements.”
Trump emphasized that any pardon decision would be based solely on the merits of the case.
“I would certainly look at the facts. If I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don’t like me, it wouldn’t have any impact on me,” he stated.

Sean Diddy Combs

White House Denies Rumors Of An Imminent Pardon For Diddy

Crime

Donald Trump

Entertainment

Pardon

Sean 'Diddy' Combs

U.S.

Sean &#8220;Diddy&#8221; Combs was sentenced to over four years in prison on Friday by Judge Arun Subramanian following the rap mogul&#8217;s July conviction on federal prostitution charges.
Prior to the sentence being read, Judge Subramanian <a href="https://x.com/innercitypress/status/1974210630392377453?s=19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stated</a> in part: &#8220;A history of good works can&#8217;t wash away the record in this case. You abused these women. You used that abuse to get your way, freak-offs and hotel nights. The evidence of the abuse is massive. I was sitting right here, during the testimony &#8230; This was subjugation &#8212; that is the reality of what happened. These offenses irreparably harmed two women. You plied them with drugs. Why did it happen so long? You had the power and resources to keep it going.&#8221;
After reading the sentence, the judge thanked the woman &#8220;who came forward: Ms. Ventura and Jane, you&#8217;ve been through trauma we can&#8217;t imagine.&#8221;
&#8220;As Doctor King taught us, out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope. Mr. Combs, your mom writes that you have always been a good son. The same power that enabled you to hurt these women, you could use to help,&#8221; Judge Subramanian concluded, adding that a $500,000 fine would be imposed as well. &#8220;Adjourned.&#8221;
In a lengthy statement before the sentencing, Combs said in part: &#8220;I hate myself right now. I&#8217;ve been stripped down to nothing. I want to apologize to my seven children &#8212; I&#8217;m so sorry. You deserve better. &#8230; I&#8217;m not a bad person. I&#8217;m sorry to my community; I let y&#8217;all down. People can change; I know I&#8217;ve changed.&#8221;
&#8220;I beg your Honor for mercy, to be a father again, to be a son again,&#8221; he added.
The sentencing comes after the convicted rap mogul wrote a letter to the judge begging for leniency ahead of his sentencing on Friday. In the four-page letter, Diddy blamed his behavior on drug addiction and apologized &#8220;for all of the hurt and pain that I have caused.&#8221;
&#8220;I lost my way,&#8221; he wrote in part. &#8220;My downfall was rooted in my selfishness. I have been humbled and broken to my core.&#8221;
Combs was found guilty of two prostitution charges in July and was facing up to 20 years in prison. He was acquitted of the more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.
Prosecutors wanted to see the rapper behind bars for at least 11 years, but Combs&#8217; lawyers petitioned for him to be released later this month. Prosecutors called Diddy &#8220;unrepentant.&#8221;
&#8220;The defendant tries to recast decades of abuse as simply the function of mutually toxic relationships,&#8221; prosecutors wrote in a September filing. &#8220;But there is nothing mutual about a relationship where one person holds all the power and the other ends up bloodied and bruised.&#8221;
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The federal investigation into Combs gained national attention earlier this year when raids on his Los Angeles and Miami properties yielded large amounts of electronic devices, reportedly containing potential evidence connected to the charges. Prosecutors alleged that Combs orchestrated a network of parties and events where women were trafficked and abused. Meanwhile, the rapper claimed that his sexual exploits were unorthodox but fully consensual.
Beyond the courtroom, the fallout has already impacted Combs’ vast business empire. This has led to speculation about whether his music legacy can survive the scandal.
Many critics were furious that Combs was acquitted of the more serious charges.
After the verdict was delivered, Combs appeared to celebrate the jury’s decision that acquitted him on several of the charges. He raised his hands in a prayer motion and then hugged one of his defense attorneys, Teny Geragos.
His lawyer also said Diddy received a standing ovation from fellow inmates following the conclusion of the trial.

Sean Diddy

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Sentenced To Over 4 Years In Prison On Federal Prostitution Charges

Celebrities

Just days ago, Rudy Giuliani <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/rudy-giuliani-hospitalized-after-vehicle-struck-from-behind-at-high-speed?author=Tim+Pearce&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=undefined&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Rudy+Giuliani+Hospitalized+After+Vehicle+%E2%80%98Struck+From+Behind+At+High+Speed%E2%80%99">made headlines</a> for surviving a car accident after stopping on the side of a highway to help a woman reporting domestic violence.
This recent act of public service from &#8220;America’s Mayor&#8221; reflects a lifetime of public service, from taking down the Mafia in the Southern District of New York’s famed 1980s &#8220;Commission Trial,&#8221; to prosecuting high-profile terrorism cases that were tied to the first World Trade Center bombing in the 1990s with Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew McCarthy.
Unfortunately, that history of fearless, nonpartisan justice stands in sharp contrast to the SDNY’s posture today, where partisan lawfare seems to dominate.
That’s why it’s so encouraging that a group of judges <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/08/18/us-news/judges-approve-trump-pick-jay-clayton-to-remain-interim-us-attorney-for-southern-district-of-new-york/">ruled</a> in late August that Trump appointee Jay Clayton can remain in place as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York.
Clayton has the potential to restore the SDNY back to its former glory during the Giuliani years.
He is a longtime Republican who clerked for a Reagan-appointed judge and served as head of the Securities and Exchange Commission during the first Trump administration.
For far too long, the SDNY has seemed to specialize in partisan lawfare.
For example, SDNY Judge Lewis Kaplan presided over journalist E. Jean Carroll’s 2019 civil <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/01/26/1226626397/trump-defamation-trial#:~:text=What%20this%20case%20is%20about,former%20president%20was%20also%20liable.">lawsuit</a> against Trump, which accused the sitting president of rape and defamation.
Carroll <a href="https://dailydodge.com/e-jean-carroll-testifying-in-civil-case-says-she-cant-recall-date-of-alleged-trump-attack/">couldn’t remember</a> what year the alleged assault took place, never mentioned it in her diary, and claimed that the numerous similarities between her account and a 2012 &#8220;Law and Order&#8221; episode were an “astonishing” coincidence.
But despite all these holes in Carroll’s story, the Left saw a chance to undermine Trump and leaped at it. Democrat billionaire megadonor Reid Hoffman <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/anafaguy/2023/05/10/what-was-reid-hoffmans-role-in-funding-e-jean-carrolls-case/">funded</a> the entire lawsuit through his nonprofit American Future Republic, and it was anti-Trump commentator George Conway who <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usxxlZosnNs">urged</a> Carroll to sue in the first place.
Kaplan not only oversaw this farce but also put his thumb on the scale for Carroll. He <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-rape-case-lawyers-banned-from-speaking-about-dna-judge-rules-2023-3">ruled</a> male DNA found on Carroll’s dress inadmissible, even after Trump offered to provide a sample. He <a href="https://www.reuters.com/legal/trump-fails-narrow-rape-accusers-case-trial-looms-2023-03-28/">admitted</a> additional defamation charges that punished Trump for defending himself on social media. He even <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23793781-tacopina-mistrial-filing/">interrupted</a> a line of questioning from Trump’s lawyer in a way that signaled clearly to the jury where his sympathies lay.
<div id="attachment_968215" style="width: 875px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-968215" class="size-large wp-image-968215" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/09/GettyImages-2173736897-865x576.jpg" alt="Jocelyn Strauber, commissioner of New York City's Department of Investigation, speaks during a new conference at the US Attorney's Office-Southern District of New York (SDNY) in New York, US, on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on bribery and fraud charges following a federal corruption investigation, calling into question the political future of the man in charge of running the biggest US city. Photographer: Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg via Getty Images" width="865" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/09/GettyImages-2173736897-865x576.jpg 865w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/09/GettyImages-2173736897-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/09/GettyImages-2173736897-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/09/GettyImages-2173736897.jpg 1024w" sizes=" (max-width: 865px) 100vw, 865px" />Photographer: Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg via Getty Images</div>
The SDNY also conveniently <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/new-york-city-mayor-eric-adams-charged-bribery-and-campaign-finance-offenses">charged</a> New York City Mayor Eric Adams with bribery shortly after he started <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/15/nyregion/eric-adams-mexico-border-migrants.html">speaking out</a> against the Biden administration’s open border policies.
When the Trump administration ordered the charges dropped, multiple prosecutors <a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/02/13/nx-s1-5297120/eric-adams-federal-prosecutors-resignations">resigned</a> in outrage after failing to make a single peep about the lawfare campaign against Trump.
These partisan prosecutions even extend to the realm of antitrust enforcement. 
 
The SDNY is currently <a href="https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/video/justice-department-sues-visa-monopolizing-debit-markets#:~:text=Description:%20Today%2C%20the%20Justice%20Department,developing%20new%20and%20innovative%20alternatives.&amp;text=Review%20the%20YouTube%20Terms%20of%20Service%20and%20the%20Google%20Privacy%20Policy%20.">playing host</a> to a Biden-era Justice Department lawsuit against Visa. Biden Attorney General Merrick Garland accused the company of driving up “the price of nearly everything” by monopolizing the debit transaction market.
In fact, it was Biden’s own inflationary policies that were driving up prices. Visa, which has a high market share because of its popularity but nothing close to a monopoly, just provided a handy scapegoat.
Meanwhile, the district always seems to drop the ball when it comes to getting actual justice for actual victims.
They <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/27/business/sam-bankman-fried-campaign-finance-charge.html#:~:text=Federal%20prosecutors%20pursuing%20the%20criminal,The%20authorities%20have%20said%20Mr.">failed</a> to charge crypto fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried until his whole fraudulent empire was collapsing around him, even though the writing was on the wall long before the crash.
By that point, it was already too late. Bankman-Fried was the <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ftx-sam-bankman-fried-political-donations-2022/">largest single donor</a> to Democrats in the 2022 midterms, ploughing <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/12/14/sbf-ftx-political-donations/">over $40 million</a> into PACs that helped Democrats keep the Senate and hold Republican gains in the House to historic lows.
Damian Williams, then the U.S. attorney for the SDNY, <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/united-states-attorney-announces-charges-against-ftx-founder-samuel-bankman-fried#:~:text=BANKMAN%2DFRIED%20was%20arrested%20yesterday,fraud%2C%20plain%20and%20simple.%E2%80%9D">made it clear</a> that these donations from SBF and his cronies were funded with “stolen customer money.” The people SBF defrauded might get their money back, but voters have no such remedy. There’s no way to un-air the ads his ill-gotten gains bankrolled.
The sex trafficking case against rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs provides another example of the SDNY’s failure. Maurene Comey, the lead prosecutor on the case, botched it so badly that the Justice Department <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrxDE8izOUc">fired</a> her just weeks after the verdict came down.
Although Combs was <a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/07/03/nx-s1-5454769/sean-combs-found-guilty-on-2-counts-but-acquitted-on-most-serious-charges">convicted</a> of prostitution offenses and faces up to 20 years in prison, the jury <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/jury-reaches-verdict-sean-diddy-combs-sex-trafficking-trial-rcna214785">found</a> him not guilty on the more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.
Incidentally, Comey also <a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-james-comey-maurene-trump-dda5d1f40f08346bd97696ce4791e8ec">worked</a> on district’s prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell. That case <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/ghislaine-maxwell-sentenced-20-years-prison-conspiring-jeffrey-epstein-sexually-abuse">ended</a> with a conviction and a 20-year prison sentence but left so many unanswered questions that it’s difficult to call it an unqualified win.
During her confirmation hearings, Attorney General Pam Bondi <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pam-bondi-senate-confirmation-hearing-attorney-general-nominee-planned-remarks/">promised</a> to end “partisan weaponization” and “restore confidence and integrity to the Department of Justice – and each of its components.”
The SDNY is a particularly dysfunctional component that’s been fouling the gears of our justice system for far too long.
By ending the disastrous tradition of “blue slips,” the administration can take a major step toward the restoration of truly impartial justice.
There is no better way to honor the now recovering “America’s Mayor” than by restoring one of his top legacies back to its former glory.
* * *
James Skyles is a legal policy analyst and the principal of Skyles Law Group. He has written for some of the largest legal publications in the United States, including Law.com and Law360.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

MixCollage-03-Sep-2025-10-30-AM-275

Giuliani’s DAs Tackled The Mob. Now The Same Office Targets Political Enemies.

Andrew McCarthy

Conservatives

Court

Democrats

E. Jean Carroll

Eric Adams

Leftists

New York

Rudy Giuliani

Sam Bankman-Fried

Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs will head back to court in the fall as a federal judge has set a date for his sentencing. The rapper’s defense attorneys originally petitioned for expedited sentencing, but have since agreed to the original proposed date.
Court documents confirmed that the 55-year-old rap artist will face sentencing on October 3 after being found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs was acquitted of the more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.
The Bad Boy Records founder’s attorney submitted a petition to have his client released on a $1 million bond, but that was turned down and Combs will remain incarcerated until the sentencing date. People <a href="https://people.com/diddy-sentencing-oct-3-11761014">noted</a> that the rapper will likely be credited for time served for the amount of time he spends behind bars.
The outlet further noted that the government is seeking to sentence Combs to between 51 and 63 months in jail. The defense is seeking a 21 to 27 month sentence. If he had been convicted of all charges, the rapper could have been facing life in prison.
The federal investigation into Combs gained national attention earlier this year when raids on his Los Angeles and Miami properties yielded large amounts of electronic devices, reportedly containing potential evidence connected to the charges. Prosecutors alleged that Combs orchestrated a network of parties and events where women were trafficked and abused. Meanwhile, the rapper claimed that his sexual exploits were unorthodox but fully consensual.
Beyond the courtroom, the fallout has already impacted Combs’ vast business empire. This has led to speculation about whether his music legacy can survive the scandal.
The upcoming sentencing hearing is expected to draw intense media coverage as observers watch to see whether one of the entertainment world’s biggest moguls will ultimately face significant prison time or be let off easy. Many critics are already furious that Combs was acquitted of the more serious charges. 
After the verdict was delivered, Combs appeared to celebrate the jury’s decision that acquitted him on the most serious charges. He raised his hands in a prayer motion and then hugged one of his defense attorneys, Teny Geragos.
His lawyer also said Diddy received a standing ovation from fellow inmates following the conclusion of the trial.

Sean Combs

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Has Sentencing Date Set After Trial Conviction

Sean 'Diddy' Combs Has Sentencing Date Set After Trial Conviction

Jail

trial

A judge denied Sean “Diddy” Combs’ request to be let out of jail on bail Wednesday as the disgraced rapper awaits his sentencing.
Judge Arun Subramanian ruled against Combs’ request for a $1 million bail. Subramanian quoted Combs’ legal defense and spoke about the rapper’s past violence against his girlfriends when delivering his ruling.
“At trial, the defense conceded defendant’s violence in personal relationships saying ‘it happened’ in relation to Cassie Venture and Jane,” Subramanian said, according to <a href="https://www.cnn.com/entertainment/live-news/sean-diddy-combs-trial-07-02-25#cmcmgj2dn000t3b6mzhehagb4">CNN</a>. Prosecutors had argued that the rapper was a flight risk.
The judge also noted violence that took place after Combs’ homes were searched, saying of the episodes, “this highlights a disregard for the rule of law and a propensity of violence.”
Combs has been in jail since he was arrested in September.
Subramanian has <a href="https://www.cnn.com/entertainment/live-news/sean-diddy-combs-trial-07-02-25#cmcmgq1s400103b6mvx7yo2hu">floated</a> an October 3 date for Combs’ sentencing hearing. Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo asked for the hearing date to be moved up as much as possible, suggesting that, if the judge agreed, the defense would waive a pre-sentencing investigation to secure an earlier date.
A Manhattan jury <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/sean-diddy-combs-found-guilty-on-2-counts-acquitted-of-most-serious-charges">found</a> Combs guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution on Wednesday. Each count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Both counts related to incidents with ex-girlfriends of the rapper.
The jury acquitted Combs of the more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.
After the verdict was delivered, Combs <a href="https://apnews.com/live/sean-diddy-combs-trial-verdict-updates">appeared</a> to celebrate the jury’s decision that acquitted him on the most serious charges. He raised his hands in a prayer motion and then hugged one of his defense attorneys, Teny Geragos.
The verdict concluded a weeks-long trial in which prosecutors accused the 55-year-old rapper of coercing girlfriends to take part in drug-fueled “freak-off” parties that included rampant sexual exploitation of the women.
Combs’ defense did not deny many of the sordid details, but asserted that the activities at the parties and elsewhere were consensual.

Sean “Diddy” Combs

Diddy Denied: Disgraced Rapper To Remain In Lock Up Until Sentencing

Judge Denies Diddy Request For Bail As Disgraced Rapper Awaits Sentencing

The public is reacting to Sean “Diddy” Combs being found not guilty of the more serious charges against him and only being found guilty of violating the Mann Act.
Many commentators agree that while Combs didn’t get off scot-free, he did escape a life sentence, which was a possibility if he’d been found guilty of all charges.
“This is f***ng ridiculous,” journalist Megyn Kelly <a href="https://www.megynkelly.com/2025/07/02/megyn-kelly-reacts-to-shock-verdict-in-sean-diddy-combs-trial/">said</a>, reacting to what transpired in the courtroom. “I just find it absolutely outrageous the amount of crime that this guy just got away with.”
She went on, “I believe he committed arson. He definitely battered [ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura]. He battered Jane, too. The statute of limitations for battery in Los Angeles, California, is one year. So if they didn&#8217;t charge him for battery within one year, and they couldn&#8217;t, because he bought the tape and it remained hidden thanks to those security guards out there, then they could never charge him with that again.”
“He was a famous man, and they didn&#8217;t want to find him guilty,” Kelly said at another point, adding that she plans to make it her “personal mission” to “maintain his humiliation in the minds of all Americans.” 
Actress Rosie O’Donnell also weighed in on the situation, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLm-n2ZpnzG/">writing</a> on Instagram, &#8220;i guess a jury just never wants to believe that a woman stays because of power and coercion—wow—they just think women stay because what? money—fame—‘they love the abuse&#8217; &#8211; what a f***ing joke. this decision got me angry.&#8221;
Rapper 50 Cent, who has been openly critical of Diddy throughout the trial, also <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLm_dgduIbQ/">posted</a> on Instagram about the verdict. &#8220;Diddy beat the Rico, that boy a bad man !&#8221; he wrote. &#8220;he like the Gay John Gotti.&#8221;
Ventura’s lawyer, Douglas H. Wigdor, also shared a statement: &#8220;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,&#8221; he <a href="https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/cassie-venturas-lawyer-releases-statement-diddy-split-verdict-123351258">wrote</a>, per Good Morning America.
He went on, &#8220;We must repeat – with no reservation – that we believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial. She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion. This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors.&#8221;
According to some <a href="https://www.mediaite.com/media/tv/cnn-reports-people-are-pouring-baby-oil-on-each-other-outside-diddy-courtroom-and-chanting-its-not-rico-its-freak-o/">reports</a>, people outside the courthouse reacted to the “not guilty” verdict by pouring baby oil on themselves in celebration. This was a reference to the vast amounts of baby oil reportedly recovered from Combs’ residence, which was used during his infamous “freak off” sex parties.

Diddy

‘F***ing Ridiculous’: Megyn Kelly, Others React To Diddy Verdict

'F***ing Ridiculous': Megyn Kelly, Others React To Diddy 'Not Guilty' Verdict

Megyn Kelly

Sex Crimes

A Manhattan jury on Wednesday delivered a mixed verdict in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal trial, acquitting him of the most serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.
Jurors found Combs, 55, guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. He faces up to 10 years in prison.
Ultimately, Combs was found guilty on count three, the Mann Act Transportation of his ex-girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, and on count five, the Mann Act Transportation of his former girlfriend, Jane. 
During the weeks-long trial, prosecutors accused Combs of using his wealth and fame to coerce ex-girlfriends into drug‑fueled marathons of sexual exploitation known as “freak‑offs.” 
In November 2023, Ventura filed a civil lawsuit accusing Combs of rape, repeated physical abuse, and years of abuse. The lawsuit was settled within 24 hours, but it was followed by a series of additional civil complaints from other alleged victims with similar complaints.
Next, federal authorities launched a criminal investigation into the rap mogul. In March 2024, federal agents raided Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami as part of a federal sex trafficking probe.
The raids resulted in Diddy being charged with sex trafficking, transportation for prostitution, and racketeering. 
The trial began in June in Manhattan federal court. The rapper pleaded not guilty to all charges.
While the rapper’s legal team painted him as a “complicated” man with an unorthodox but fully consensual sex life, prosecutors wasted no time sharing some sordid details from sexual encounters they say were coerced, as The Daily Wire previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/diddy-trial-defense-admits-hes-complicated-but-domestic-violence-is-not-sex-trafficking?author=Amanda+Harding&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=undefined&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Diddy+Trial%3A+Defense+Admits+He%E2%80%99s+%E2%80%98Complicated%2C%E2%80%99+But+%E2%80%98Domestic+Violence+Is+Not+Sex+Trafficking%E2%80%99">reported</a>.
“He called himself the king, and he expected to be treated like one,” she said as a reference to the viral hotel surveillance footage showing him physically assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and “flinging her around like a rag doll.”
The prosecutor also went into detail about one specific incident which allegedly occurred at the rapper’s notorious “freak-off” parties. Johnson alleged that a male prostitute was instructed to urinate in Ventura’s mouth, which led to her saying she “felt like she was choking.”
<div class="ad-wrapper" data-testid="ad-wrapper">A security card testified that Combs paid him a bribe to destroy the security footage of him assaulting Ventura.</div>
Johnson said Combs was able to get away with it for so long thanks to his “inner circle and vast resources of his business empire.”
Additional civil litigation remains active, and sentencing on the federal convictions is expected later this year. Combs has not commented publicly since the verdict was released this morning.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Found Guilty On 2 Counts, Acquitted Of Most Serious Charges

Sean 'Diddy' Combs Found Not Guilty Of Racketeering And Sex Trafficking

Lawsuit

Despite an early hiccup in the deliberation process, a federal jury has apparently reached a verdict on four of the five counts against disgraced rapper and music mogul <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/diddy-trial-on-pause-after-just-one-hour-of-jury-deliberations-note-reveals-problem-with-juror-25" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sean &#8216;Diddy&#8217; Combs</a>.
The jury sent a note to Manhattan Federal Court Judge Arun Subramanian on Tuesday, stating that they had <a href="https://www.cnn.com/entertainment/live-news/sean-diddy-combs-trial-07-01-25" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reached a verdict</a> on counts 2, 3, 4, and 5 — but were struggling to reach a consensus on the top charge, racketeering conspiracy.
Upon receipt of the jury&#8217;s note, Combs&#8217; attorney Marc Agnifilo asked the judge to recall the jury to the courtroom for further instructions, saying that the defense wanted the jury to continue deliberating. The prosecution also favored continued deliberations, CNN reported, adding that all parties were working to agree on &#8220;the wording of that instruction.&#8221;
Just about an hour after deliberations began on Monday, the trial hit a bit of a snag when the jury sent another note to Judge Subramanian. That note revealed that the majority of the jury had concerns about &#8220;Juror 25&#8221; and questioned whether or not he would be able to &#8220;follow Your Honor&#8217;s instructions.&#8221;
The foreperson requested the chance to speak with the judge personally — or, if that was not possible, suggested that the judge should interview Juror 25.
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A live report from CourtTV stated that during jury selection, the juror in question had revealed he’d seen the video of Combs attacking then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and said that “he had formed an opinion about that particular video,” but said at the time that he would be able to “set his opinion aside” when it came time to discuss the case.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
JUST IN: Jury deliberating Diddy&#8217;s fate sends note to Judge
&#8220;We have a juror, No. 25, who we are concerned cannot follow your honor&#8217;s instructions.&#8221;<a href="https://t.co/XkHn2q4y3s">pic.twitter.com/XkHn2q4y3s</a>
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) <a href="https://twitter.com/Breaking911/status/1939760285184819411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
At the time, the judge instructed the jury to continue deliberations.
Combs, who faces charges that include sex trafficking, transportation for the purpose of prostitution, and racketeering, could be facing life in prison of he&#8217;s convicted on any of the top three charges against him.

Jury Reaches Partial Verdict In ‘Diddy’ Sex Trafficking Trial, One Charge Still Pending

Courts

Sex Trafficking

Sexual Assault

The sex-trafficking trial of disgraced music mogul Sean &#8220;Diddy&#8221; Combs ground to screeching halt on Monday, just one hour after the jury began deliberating, when the jurors slipped a note to Manhattan Federal Court Judge Arun Subramanian questioning whether or not &#8220;Juror 25&#8221; would be able to carry out his civic duty.
The note, sent to Subramanian around 12:40 p.m. local time, stated that the majority was unsure of said juror&#8217;s ability to adhere to the judge&#8217;s instructions — but it did not give any indication as to why they believed that was the case.
&#8220;We have a juror, ‘Juror 25,’ who we believe cannot follow your honor&#8217;s instructions,&#8221; the note said, according to a report published Monday by the New York Post.
WATCH:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
JUST IN: Jury deliberating Diddy&#8217;s fate sends note to Judge
&#8220;We have a juror, No. 25, who we are concerned cannot follow your honor&#8217;s instructions.&#8221;<a href="https://t.co/XkHn2q4y3s">pic.twitter.com/XkHn2q4y3s</a>
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) <a href="https://twitter.com/Breaking911/status/1939760285184819411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The juror&#8217;s name was not revealed, but the Post described him as &#8220;a 51-year-old man with a thick European accent,&#8221; and noted that he works as a scientist in Manhattan and holds an advanced degree in molecular biology.
A live report from CourtTV stated that during jury selection, the juror revealed he&#8217;d seen the video of Combs attacking then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and said that &#8220;he had formed an opinion about that particular video,&#8221; but said at the time that he would be able to &#8220;set his opinion aside&#8221; when it came time to discuss the case.
<a class="c-link" href="https://get.dailywire.com/freedom/?utm_medium=website&amp;utm_source=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=freedom&amp;utm_content=freedomeditorial" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-stringify-link="https://get.dailywire.com/freedom/?utm_medium=website&amp;utm_source=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=freedom&amp;utm_content=freedomeditorial" data-sk="tooltip_parent" aria-describedby="sk-tooltip-2388">JULY 4 SALE: Get Six Months Of DW+ Free</a>
The foreperson requested the chance to speak with the judge personally — or, if that was not possible, suggested that the judge should interview Juror 25.
Combs&#8217; trial came to an end on Friday after seven weeks of testimony and evidence, and the jury began deliberating at 11:30 a.m. on Monday. The rapper and music producer has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; transportation to engage in prostitution; and racketeering — and could spend up to life in prison if he&#8217;s convicted on any one of the three biggest charges against him.
Thus far, the judge has directed the jury to continue deliberations until further notice.

Sean “Diddy” Combs attends trial in New York federal court

Diddy Trial On Pause After Just One Hour Of Jury Deliberations, Note Reveals Problem With ‘Juror 25’

Diddy Trial On Pause After Just One Hour Of Jury Deliberations, Note Reveals Problem With 'Juror 25'

NEW YORK (Reuters) — Sean &#8216;Diddy&#8217; Combs&#8217; former personal assistant testified on Friday at the hip-hop mogul&#8217;s sex trafficking trial that he often bought drugs for his boss and set up hotel rooms for sex parties known as &#8220;wild king nights.&#8221;
Prosecutors hope the testimony by Brendan Paul, who worked for Combs from late 2022 through March 2024, will help them prove their racketeering conspiracy charge against Combs.
Prosecutors say Combs used his businesses&#8217; resources to coerce women into ecstasy-fueled sexual performances with male sex workers.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to all five criminal counts. His lawyers call the sexual activity consensual. The Bad Boy Records founder, a former billionaire who elevated hip-hop in American culture, could face life in prison if convicted.
Prosecutors are winding down their case after six weeks, with defense witnesses expected to testify next week.
Paul, testifying under immunity from prosecutors, said he bought Combs about $4,200 of marijuana and hundreds of dollars of ketamine during his employment.
Jurors saw a text message in which Paul asked Combs&#8217; security staff to be reimbursed for his drug purchases.
They also saw a February 14, 2024, text message in which Combs wrote &#8220;You get me zans,&#8221; which Paul said was a request to procure Xanax without a prescription.
Paul said Combs ultimately obtained Xanax elsewhere, and used cocaine and ecstasy in his presence.
Under cross-examination by defense lawyer Brian Steel, Paul said procuring drugs was a minor part of his job, and he thought the drugs were solely for Combs&#8217; personal use.
&#8220;You were not some drug mule?&#8221; Steel asked.
&#8220;Absolutely not,&#8221; Paul said.
Paul also said that before three or four &#8220;wild king nights,&#8221; he stocked hotel rooms with lubricant, baby oil, liquor, and a Gucci pouch filled with hard drugs.
When Combs was done, Paul said he would put on gloves and clean up to avoid being billed by hotels for damage.
Paul said he was charged with cocaine possession after being arrested on March 25, 2024, at Miami-Opa Locka airport in Florida while traveling to the Bahamas with Combs and other staffers.
He said he put the cocaine in his bag after finding it while cleaning Combs&#8217; room that day, but forgot about it and did not tell law enforcement where it came from.
Asked by prosecutor Christy Slavik why he kept silent, Paul said, &#8220;Loyalty.&#8221; Paul said the cocaine charge was dropped.
(Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; Editing by David Gregorio)

Ex-Assistant To Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Says Job Included Buying Drugs, Setting Up Sex Parties

Drugs

New York City

As Sean “Diddy” Combs stares down serious federal charges, including allegations of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution, rumors have been swirling about whether the disgraced music mogul could somehow secure himself a presidential pardon.
But considering the current political landscape, would a Trump pardon only make things worse?
According to CEO of Reputation Management Consultants Eric Schiffer, not even a golden ticket from President Donald Trump could erase the “radioactive” fallout from the case. No matter what happens, Combs’s reputation is forever tarnished.
“If Trump waves the pardon wand and Diddy ditches or dodges prison, his brand won&#8217;t dodge the stain,” Schiffer told The Daily Wire in an exclusive interview. “A get out of jail signature still reads like a confession in gold Sharpie, given how Trump does it.”
It’s a harsh reality, but a realistic one. For decades, Diddy cultivated the persona of hip-hop royalty. Fans saw him as an entrepreneur, a hitmaker, and an absolute party legend. But now, rap’s notorious legend has fallen far from his perch after federal agents raided his homes and the lawsuits started piling up.
There’s no amount of PR rehab that can rehabilitate Diddy’s brand image overnight… or ever.
Plus, if a pardon comes courtesy of Trump, Schiffer warns it may only deepen the cultural divide already surrounding Diddy’s legal situation.
“I think a Trump pardon turns every ‘Bad Boy’ chorus into thinking about the president,” Schiffer joked. “And that labels his playlists in a way that also stains him.”
This isn’t just a political problem; it’s a commercial one. While Schiffer acknowledges Diddy’s talent as a “master propagandist and marketer,” he believes the damage is already done when it comes to corporate America.
“This has been a master class in brand evisceration,” he said. “Despite his genius as a marketer, which is undeniable, he can only spin a redemption brand story so far. And Madison Avenue won’t buy it.”
Schiffer says even a pre-trial pardon wouldn’t clear Diddy’s name in the eyes of Hollywood or major brands.
“A pardon rewrites the Spotify bio: ‘Grammy winner, entrepreneur, presidential beneficiary.’ And not in a positive way,” he said, adding that a pre-conviction pardon wouldn’t benefit the president either.
“It risks, for Trump, alienating every law-and-order voter,” Schiffer added, calling the concept a “reputational drag” for the president that he, as a PR expert, would advise against.
The music industry is keeping mostly quiet on the whole thing. Aside from rapper 50 Cent speaking out against the idea of a pardon, most artists have kept their distance, likely on the advice of publicists who know reputational poison when they see it.
“I have many celebrity clients who I won’t let comment on this,” Schiffer revealed. “They’ve never been to a party with [Diddy], never been involved — but it’s just not something I want them associated with.”
And the label “transportation for prostitution” isn’t just a legal problem. “In ‘Endorsement Land’ and in dealmaking, it’s a nuclear label,” Schiffer said. “He’s got problems that can’t be spun away.”
Still, if there’s one thing that time has shown, it’s that even disgraced celebrities can sometimes creep back into the limelight. Schiffer mentioned O.J. Simpson as someone who found an audience in his later years. Kevin Spacey, despite ongoing allegations, is starting to emerge in public again. But those cases still don’t offer a clear playbook for Diddy as he faces the possibility of life in prison and an eternity of a tarnished personal image.
“There’s degrees of audience rebuild,” Schiffer said, “but this will continue to be emblazoned across his forehead forever. There’s a radioactivity that doesn’t leave him. It just degrades slightly over time.”
When asked how long such decay might take, Schiffer didn’t mince words: “He may need to turn into a vampire before he gets his reputation back.”
That biting comment underscores the long odds Diddy is facing. A pardon might save him from prison. But it won’t save his brand in Hollywood or with fans. At best, he might claw back some niche support. “He’ll find a path to capture some audience,” Schiffer said. “And he’ll live with that stigma for some time.”
Whether that niche is enough to fuel a full comeback remains to be seen. For now, Diddy remains what Schiffer calls “a thousand-year problem.” Even the best PR campaign can’t speed up that timeline.

“Art for Life” Gala Honoring Sean “P. Diddy” Combs Hosted by Russell Simmons and Kimora Lee Simmons

Diddy’s Brand Is So ‘Radioactive,’ Not Even a Trump Pardon Can Fix It

A black juror in Sean &#8220;Diddy&#8221; Combs&#8217; federal trial in Manhattan was dismissed on Monday due to “lack of candor.”
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian questioned the 41-year-old man’s ability to follow instructions, especially considering how he had given different answers about where he lived. The man had indicated that he lived in both the Bronx and New Jersey, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/16/arts/music/sean-combs-diddy-trial-juror-dismissed.html">The New York Times</a>. 
Prosecutors called out the fact that Juror #6 said in conversation that he was cohabiting with his girlfriend in New Jersey. This didn’t match up with what the man said during jury selection, which was that he lived in the Bronx with his fiancée.
Judge Subramanian said he had &#8220;concerns about his candor and whether he shaded answers to get on and stay on the panel,” <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/diddy-trial-juror-6-dismissed-1236291789/">per</a> The Hollywood Reporter.  
“There’s nothing that the juror could say at this point that would put the genie back in the bottle,” the judge said on Monday.
Subramanian decided that the juror would be dismissed and replaced with an alternate, who is a 57-year-old white male accountant from Westchester County, New York, the outlet noted.
Combs’s defense team argued that the dismissal is unfair because the juror being dismissed is black, calling it a “thinly veiled effort to dismiss a black juror.” The judge rejected that claim.
“To be perfectly clear, from the outset of this proceeding to the current date, there has been no evidence and no showing of any kind of any biased conduct or biased manner of proceeding from the government,” he said.
Combs, 55, is on trial on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force and coercion, and transportation for prostitution. The trial began on May 12 and is expected to last eight weeks.
Over the past six weeks, prosecutors have presented more than 18 witnesses, including the rapper’s ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, and former assistant Jonathan Perez. They have all described violent, drug-fueled group sex events called “freak‑offs” and coerced participation during these parties.
Comb’s defense team is focused on proving that all sexual encounters were consensual. If convicted, the Bad Boy Records founder could spend the rest of his life in prison.
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US Federal Courthouse i

Juror Dismissed In ‘Diddy’ Trial For ‘Lack Of Candor’

Juror Dismissed In 'Diddy Trial' For 'Lack Of Candor' Over Where He Lives

Manhattan

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