Celebrities are speaking out following Sean “Diddy” Combs’ high-profile federal trial verdict on Wednesday.
The rapper, 55, was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges and was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
Newsweek reached out to Combs’ representative via email for comment on Thursday.
The Context
Combs got his start as an intern at Uptown Records, and he founded Bad Boy Records in the early 1990s. The label signed notable artists like French Montana, Machine Gun Kelly, Janelle Monáe and Cassie Ventura.
The New York native is also a three-time Grammy Award winning rapper, and he appeared in films like Get Him to the Greek, Godzilla, Monster’s Ball and Bad Boys II.
Prior to his legal troubles, Forbes said Combs was “on a glide path to becoming a billionaire.” In 2019, the outlet reported his net worth to be approximately $740 million.
Bryan Steffy/WireImage; Romain Maurice/Getty Images; Derek White/Getty Images for STARZ
What To Know
In November 2023, Ventura—who dated Combs on-and-off from 2007 until 2018—filed a lawsuit against him, alleging that he raped, sex trafficked and physically abused her over a 10-year period.
In total, 120 people accused the music mogul of sexual misconduct, the Associated Press reported, and in March 2024, his Los Angeles and Miami homes were raided by federal agents.
Combs was arrested in New York City in September and charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has denied all accusations against him.
What People Are Saying
Ventura’s laywer, Douglas H. Wigdor, said in a statement: “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. 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.”
John Rich, one half of the country duo Big & Rich, wrote on X: “Wicked and perverted child abusers across America are celebrating the Sean Combs verdicts today. I’m sick to my stomach and can’t stop gritting my teeth. I pray The Father exercises His judgement upon them beyond anything a court could ever do. Can I get an amen from the people of The Lord?”
Kesha shared on X: “Cassie, I believe you. I love you. Your strength is a beacon for every survivor.”
Rosie O’Donnell posted to Instagram: “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’ – what a f***ing joke – this decision got me angry #cassie.”
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, who often takes jabs at Diddy on social media, said on Instagram: “Diddy beat the Rico, that boy a bad man! he like the Gay John Gotti @50centaction.”
Danity Kane member Aubrey O’Day, an outspoken critic of her former mentor Combs, took to her Instagram Story, writing: “I am still unpacking the magnitude of it all. The cultural weight of this decision is immeasurable. It is heartbreaking to witness how many lives have been impacted by their experiences with Sean Combs—only for those stories to fall short in the eyes of a jury. I can only hope these jurors never have to watch someone they love endure what so many survivors have described.”
“My heart is with Cassie. A woman who could’ve had a life and career free of fear and control. A woman who told her truth in a courtroom, only to have the world dissect her credibility instead of her courage.”
“Let’s be clear: the courtroom operates by the law, but that DOES NOT mean it delivers justice. Nor is it the best place to develop the moral compass this world so urgently needs. The pattern of behavior Sean Combs has shown us over the decades is not a mystery. It is a warning. And now, that pattern risks being reframed—and has now been legitimized by the system. This wasn’t Bonnie and Clyde—this was control, coercion, and abuse – and we have to stop rewriting history and excuse the behavior and start normalizing accountability—no matter how powerful the person. That narrative is not just dishonest. It’s dangerous.”
“Women, Nor men, Nor ANY ARTIST – are the property of those with the most wealth, fame & power. We are not disposable. 12 people on a jury will not be deciding that for us.”
What Happens Next
Combs was denied bail by Judge Arun Subramanian while he awaits his sentencing. His sentencing date is currently set for October 3 this year.
