Sat Jul 05 12:20:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Diddy Acquitted on Racketeering, But Domestic Abuse History Remains Undeniable**

**New York, NY** – Sean Combs, the music mogul known as Diddy, was acquitted Wednesday on racketeering and sex trafficking charges in a New York City trial that drew significant public attention. While his legal team celebrated the verdict as a major victory, the outcome has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the narrative surrounding the case.

Combs was found guilty on charges of “transportation to engage in prostitution,” related to incidents involving his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and another woman. These charges stem from allegations that the women were coerced into engaging in sexual acts with male escorts while Combs watched or filmed.

The acquittal on the more severe racketeering charges, which were initially designed for organized crime figures, doesn’t absolve the fact that Combs’ legal team conceded to his history of domestic abuse against Ventura. This admission was underscored by the presentation of a 2016 surveillance video showing Combs physically assaulting Ventura in a hotel. The video, published by CNN, depicts Combs grabbing Ventura by the neck, throwing her to the ground, and kicking her while she was down.

Despite the evidence and the acknowledgement of domestic violence, Combs’ lawyers portrayed the incidents as isolated and unrelated to the trafficking charges. They even suggested Ventura was motivated by financial gain, a claim she refuted, stating she would return the settlement money if she could undo the “freak-offs.”

The trial has ignited a debate about power dynamics, consent, and the influence of celebrity in the justice system. The defense’s strategy of discrediting the accusers and downplaying the severity of the abuse has been criticized for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and undermining the experiences of survivors.

Ventura, who reached a $20 million settlement with Combs, had previously stated that she didn’t press criminal charges due to a lack of confidence in the justice system. This perceived lack of accountability has fueled concerns that Combs’ wealth and influence may have shielded him from facing appropriate consequences for his actions.

The sentencing hearing for the charges for which Combs was found guilty is expected in the fall.

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