Court Denies Diddy’s Release as Prosecutors Warn of Risk

Sean “Diddy” Combs was denied bail Thursday, following his conviction on two counts related to transporting individuals for prostitution. Combs will remain in custody pending sentencing.

A federal judge has denied Sean “Diddy” Combs’s request for bail, following his conviction on two Mann Act charges for transporting individuals for the purpose of prostitution. Despite being acquitted on the more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, prosecutors successfully argued — and Cassie Ventura’s attorney reiterated — that Combs remains a danger to potential victims and the community. 

Cassie Ventura’s lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, submitted a letter to Judge Arun Subramanian emphasizing her ongoing concerns: “Ms. Ventura believes that Mr. Combs is likely to pose a danger to the victims who testified in this case, including herself, as well as to the community.”

Cassie is opposing Sean "Diddy" Combs' release from federal custody.

"Ms. Ventura believes that Mr. Combs is likely to pose a danger to the victims who testified in this case, including herself, as well as to the community." pic.twitter.com/DMeDAQECnG

— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) July 2, 2025Prosecution filings argue that Combs’s conduct during the trial — including graphic accusations, admitted violence, and drug-fueled sexual “freak offs” — justify keeping him behind bars to prevent further intimidation or harm.

Meanwhile, Combs’s legal team proposed a $1 million bond, strict travel restrictions, passport surrender, and regular drug testing 

But prosecutors stood firm, underscoring concerns about public safety and witness protection.

The next step is sentencing. Combs faces up to 20 years in prison — 10 years per conviction — though legal experts have suggested he may receive “time served” or a lighter sentence, given the split verdict.

Split Verdict in Diddy Trial: Guilty on Transport, Not Guilty on Trafficking

A federal jury on Wednesday found Sean "Diddy" Combs guilty of transporting women for prostitution but acquitted him of racketeering and sex trafficking charges, marking a pivotal moment in his decades-spanning career.

In a trial that tested the limits of hip-hop’s intersection with celebrity, power and accountability, a Manhattan jury delivered a split verdict Wednesday in the high-stakes case against Sean “Diddy” Combs — convicting the 55-year-old mogul on two counts of transportation for prostitution while acquitting him of more serious charges including racketeering and sex trafficking.

The verdict, reached just before 10 a.m., followed nearly 14 hours of deliberation by a jury of eight men and four women. They cleared Combs of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking involving both Cassie Ventura and a second accuser known as Jane Doe but found him guilty of transporting both women across state lines for prostitution — a charge that still carries potential prison time.

There was no visible reaction from Combs as the jury read the decision. The music mogul — whose three-decade career helped define hip-hop’s rise from gritty streets to global boardrooms — sat expressionless, flanked by his legal team. Afterward, he was quietly returned to federal custody at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center.

The charges stemmed from a sprawling federal investigation into Combs’ alleged decades-long pattern of coercion, abuse, and manipulation. Prosecutors built their case on testimony from multiple accusers who described being lured into what they called “freak-offs” — drug-fueled sex parties allegedly arranged by Combs and his associates. But defense attorneys painted the interactions as consensual and framed the lifestyle as “eccentric, not criminal.”

Combs’ lead attorney called the partial verdict “a sign the system still works,” while federal prosecutors declined immediate comment.

The trial — sparked by Ventura’s explosive $20 million civil lawsuit in late 2023 — ignited a chain reaction of more than 30 legal complaints, many of which remain active. Allegations against Combs span from the early 1990s to as recently as mid-2024 and include claims from former employees, models, music insiders, and everyday civilians who encountered him briefly and left with lasting trauma.

Combs was acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking, but his conviction for violating the Mann Act — the federal law prohibiting transport of individuals across state lines for sex work — remains significant. Each count carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been announced, though legal analysts expect proceedings to begin by early fall.

For fans and critics alike, the verdict marks the culmination of a stunning downfall for one of hip-hop’s most influential architects — the man behind Bad Boy Records, “Making the Band,” and multiplatinum albums like “No Way Out.” But while he dodged the most serious charges, the guilty counts ensure his legacy — and legal future — are far from settled.

Maxo Kream Facing Firearm Charges, Denies Fleeing Police During Traffic Stop

Maxo Kream

Maxo Kream wants you to know he wasn’t running from the law — just driving a little too fast in his Lamborghini. Texas police, however, say that moment of speed could cost him more than just a traffic ticket.

The Houston rapper, born Emekwanem Ogugua Biosah Jr., was arrested June 27 after a routine traffic stop turned into what authorities allege was an attempted escape. Police say Kream was initially pulled over in Harris County for expired license plates — reportedly out of date since May — but drove off as officers exited their vehicle.

Although no chase ensued, officers say Maxo soon pulled over and was taken into custody without further incident. Inside the vehicle, authorities say they discovered two firearms. Because of his alleged affiliation with a criminal street gang, he was charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon by a gang member — a felony — along with a misdemeanor charge for fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer.

Kream addressed the arrest via Instagram, posting a screenshot of a TMZ article and captioning it, “Damn … I wasn’t ‘ELUDING’ my Lambo just a lil fast,” adding, “But na no more jail @persona x @coughsyrupbydestodubb s—t goin on.”

His attorney, Carl A. Moore, denied any wrongdoing, telling TMZ Hip Hop, “Maxo did not flee from the police. He complied with the commands of the arresting officer. We plan to fight these accusations in court.”

Kream is scheduled to appear in court on July 7.

The arrest punctuates an otherwise quiet musical year for Kream, who released his last album, "Personification", in 2024. Recently, he’s focused on growing his clothing label, Persona, which hosted a Houston pop-up shop the weekend of his arrest. He also appeared at the city’s Screw Day celebration, paying tribute to DJ Screw — a revered figure in Houston’s hip-hop legacy.

Still, the legal situation looms large. Texas gun laws are unforgiving, and the added accusation of gang affiliation could intensify the legal challenge. While Maxo’s team maintains his innocence, police reports offer a contrasting view, setting up a legal showdown with potential career-altering consequences.

For now, Maxo Kream remains free — but the stakes are rising. His next steps, both in court and in music, could decide whether this becomes a footnote or a fork in the road.