How does a hip‑hop mogul who built Bad Boy Records end up fighting for his freedom in a Manhattan federal courtroom? And why did a jury acquit Sean “Diddy” Combs on RICO and sex‑trafficking counts yet convict him on two Mann Act (interstate prostitution) charges—sending him to federal prison while he appeals?

In “Bad Boy: The United States vs Sean Combs,” hosts Adrienne Barker and Joseph Lobosco walk you through the federal prosecution of one of music’s most famous figures: from Cassie Ventura’s 2023 civil suit and the coast‑to‑coast HSI raids to the eight‑week trial, a split verdict on July 2, 2025, and a 50‑month sentence on October 3, 2025, followed by an expedited appeal to the Second Circuit.

Tune in to hear:

2008–2017 – Alleged “freak‑off” pattern: Witnesses describe near‑weekly sessions involving male escorts (paid ~$1,500–$6,000), drugs, recording, and escalating violence when women resisted—allegations central to the government’s narrative of control and coercion.

Nov 16–17, 2023 – Cassie Ventura lawsuit & the spark: Ventura files a civil suit alleging rape, years of abuse, and coerced encounters; it settles the next day. The filing galvanizes federal interest and opens the door to a broader probe.

Late 2023–Early 2024 – More accusers, mounting scrutiny: Additional civil filings surface. Combs publicly denies the claims as “money grabs,” even as he steps back from corporate roles; investigators keep digging.

Mar 26, 2024 – HSI raids in L.A. & Miami: Agents seize electronics and other materials and obtain 2016 hotel video appearing to show Combs grabbing and dragging Ventura; a guard later testifies Combs tried to bribe him—key pieces prosecutors frame as obstruction and corroboration.

Sept 7, 2024 – SDNY indictment: Prosecutors unseal charges including RICO conspiracy, sex trafficking, and Mann Act transportation. Bail is denied amid witness‑tampering concerns; Combs remains at MDC Brooklyn, with a third bail bid rejected in late November 2024.

Apr–May 2025 – Jury selected; trial opens (≈8 weeks): Government presents 34 witnesses. Ventura testifies over four days; a second ex (“Jane”) testifies six days. Escort Daniel Philip corroborates payments; staff describe hush efforts around the 2016 video. Music artist Kid Cudi recounts a 2012 home breach and car firebombing the government casts as retaliation; an ex‑Bad Boy employee alleges Ventura was detained for hours; Ventura’s mother describes a loan after threats. Defense frames Combs as a voyeur in a consensual lifestyle, not a trafficker. Combs does not testify.

July 2, 2025 – Mixed verdict: The jury acquits Combs on RICO and sex‑trafficking counts but convicts him on two Mann Act counts for arranging interstate travel for paid sex acts—less severe than life‑eligible trafficking counts but still felonies.

Sept 30, 2025 – Post‑trial motions denied: The judge upholds the verdict, writing that the government proved interstate paid sex “many times over” and rejecting arguments that lack of profit negated prostitution.

Oct 3, 2025 – Sentencing: The court imposes 50 months in prison, 5 years’ supervised release, and a $500,000 fine, crediting roughly 12 months served; BOP projects release May 8, 2028. Combs apologizes in court; his lawyers condemn reliance on “acquitted conduct.” He’s later transferred to FCI Fort Dix (NJ).

Oct 20, 2025 & beyond – Appeal & incarceration: Combs files notice of appeal; the Second Circuit sets April 2026oral arguments, including challenges to the use of acquitted conduct and the Mann Act’s application. The panel also discusses reports of an alleged “prison hooch” incident at Fort Dix and how infractions can affect good‑time credits.

Debate & analysis – Overcharging, consent, and accountability:

Was RICO overreach or a strategic way to introduce broader evidence? Did juror confusion over instructions shape the split verdict? Should state prosecutors—NY, CA, FL—have handled more of the alleged conduct? Was 50 months too light given the harms described, or appropriate after acquittals on the most severe counts? And what does this outcome say about the justice system’s ability (or inability) to hold powerful celebrities to account? Our panel weighs juror notes about confusion, the nonappearance and public reversal of a key witness, comparisons to the R. Kelly prosecution, and whether Ventura’s initial civil filing unlocked a case long stalled by power, influence, and NDAs.

⚖️ Disclaimer: Debate The News: True Crime Edition is for informational and discussion purposes only. We are not attorneys, law‑enforcement officers, or medical professionals. While we research each case, the show is recorded live with minimal editing; any factual errors are unintentional. Some topics include graphic accounts of domestic and sexual violence. Listener discretion is advised. Any individuals, businesses or organizations mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Mr. Combs denies many allegations and, as of 11/12/2025, is appealing his convictions. If you or someone you know needs support, help may be available via the 988 Crisis Lifeline.

Speakers:

→ Adrienne Barker — Host

→ Joseph Lobosco — Host

→ Debbie Dowling-Wahba — Guest Contributor

→ Mariana Thomas — Guest Contributor

→ Jonathan Bing — Guest Contributor

→ Shauna — Guest Contributor

→ Hammed — Guest Contributor

→ Jessica — Guest Contributor

→ Janet — Guest Contributor

Credits:

“Debate The News: True Crime”

Created by: Jonathan Bing, Adrienne Barker and Joseph R. Lobosco

Producers: Adrienne Barker, Joseph R. Lobosco, Danielle Paci, Jonathan Bing

Writers: Adrienne Barker & Joseph R. Lobosco

Editor: Joseph R. Lobosco

Cover Art: Joseph R. Lobosco

Special Thanks: Nelson, Lea, Nawzil, and the entire Chatter Social team

Theme Song: Alaina Cross — “Karma” [NCS Release]

Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds

Free Download/Stream: ncs.io/karma

Watch: ncs.lnk.to/karmaAT/youtube

🎧 A Debate the News: True Crime Production

📍 Recorded Live on Chatter Social

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