Diddy was denied bail Wednesday (July 2) despite being acquitted of the most severe charges in his federal sex trafficking case, leaving his mother Janice Combs bracing for what’s next as sentencing looms.
The 55-year-old mogul was cleared of racketeering and sex trafficking charges that could have led to a life sentence, but a Manhattan federal jury found him guilty of two lesser counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Those convictions carry a potential sentence of up to 20 years. Judge Arun Subramanian ruled that Diddy will remain in custody until his sentencing hearing in early October.
Inside the courtroom, emotions ran high as the verdict was read just before 10 a.m. local time. Spectators erupted when the jury foreman announced three not guilty verdicts. Diddy, dressed in a dark suit, smiled and clasped his hands in prayer. His son, Christian “King” Combs, celebrated in the courthouse elevator, telling the Daily Mail, “First thing I’m gonna do is hug my Pops!” His older brother, Justin Combs, added, “I am so happy.”
Janice Combs, 80, remained composed throughout the day, even as the courtroom buzzed with applause and tears from family and friends. Dressed in white pants and a navy-striped top, she quietly excused herself to the restroom before the judge’s bail ruling, calmly fixing her lipstick in the mirror.
“Do I seem calm? Of course I do,” she told the Daily Mail. “Does anyone want to see me faint or collapse? No, they don’t. And I don’t want to see it myself. So… I hold it together.”
Despite the partial legal win, Janice made it clear the family isn’t celebrating yet.
“It hasn’t been easy and it’s not over yet,” she said. “We’re not making any plans [for a celebration] because it’s too soon.”
Her poise stood in contrast to the courtroom’s emotional release. Diddy’s 18-year-old twin daughters, D’Lila and Jessie, leaned on each other as the not guilty verdicts were read. Janice hugged her sister but otherwise remained stoic.
Diddy has been in jail since his arrest in September 2024 on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and prostitution-related offenses. His legal team, led by attorney Marc Agnifilo, had pushed for release following the verdict, arguing that Diddy should be allowed to return to Florida to care for his mother. The judge denied the request.
“I put all my faith in God, he’s the only one,” Janice said. “The rest of it is just noise and doesn’t have anything to do with me. Thank you for asking, I appreciate it.”
The trial, which began in early May, included graphic testimony and allegations of abuse, drug use and coercion. Diddy’s family attended nearly every session.
His sentencing is scheduled for October 2.
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