What to know about the Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial

Sean 'Diddy' Combs, the hip-hop mogul who discovered world-famous artists and helped bring the genre into the mainstream, has been found guilty of prostitution-related offences, but acquitted of other charges.

The 55-year-old had pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing.

Here is what you need to know about the trial, which took place in a New York court:

What were the charges?

Combs faced one count of racketeering conspiracy, two sex trafficking charges and two counts of transporting for prostitution.

He was found guilty on the prostitution charges, but acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and of sex trafficking.

Combs could have faced life in prison if he had been convicted on all five counts.

What did prosecutors allege?

The US Attorney's Office for Manhattan said that Combs used physical violence and threats to coerce two of his former girlfriends - the rhythm and blues singer Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura and a woman known in court by the pseudonym Jane - to take part in sexual performances known as "Freak Offs".

Combs would watch and occasionally film them, according to prosecutors.

Both women testified that he threatened to cut off financial support and leak tapes of them if they stopped taking part.

Prosecutors said that Combs used his business empire and employees to help arrange the performances and cover up his abuse, which they said amounted to racketeering conspiracy.

What was Combs' defence?

Combs’ lawyers acknowledged that their client was at times abusive in his domestic relationships, but argued that the sexual activity described by prosecutors was consensual and that there was nothing illegal about his "swinger" lifestyle.

They highlighted tender and sexually explicit text messages that both women sent to him over the course of their years-long relationships with him to argue that Combs had no way of knowing that their participation in the performances was not voluntary.

The defence also said that Ms Ventura had a financial incentive to testify against their client.

She sued Combs for sexual abuse in a civil action in November 2023, and settled the case a day later in exchange for a $20 million (€17m) payment from him.

Who testified?

Several of Combs' former personal assistants testified that they helped set up hotel rooms for "Freak Offs" and procured drugs for their boss.

Jurors also heard from Scott Mescudi, the rapper known as Kid Cudi, who said that Combs broke into his home and was behind the torching of his car after he found out that Mr Mescudi was romantically involved with Ms Ventura.

Combs did not testify. Defence lawyers often advise their clients not to take the stand because doing so exposes them to cross-examination by prosecutors.

How long did the trial last?

Jurors heard about seven weeks of testimony and argument after the case began on 12 May.

It drew intense media coverage because of Combs' fame.

What other legal troubles does Combs face?

Combs has been accused of sexual assault and rape in more than 50 civil actions, including one by an accuser who says he was ten years old at the time of the allegation.

He has denied these claims, in which financial damages are being sought.