Sean “Diddy” Combs may have avoided the most serious charges of his legal battle, but the backlash is far from over. His recent split verdict was met with reactions from inmates, celebrities, former partners and survivors.
Met with inmate applause
After the verdict, Combs’ legal team claimed inmates applauded when he returned from court.
“They all said: ‘We never get to see anyone who beats the government,’” attorney Marc Agnifilo told the Associated Press over the weekend.
One anonymous juror told ABC News that Combs’ celebrity status didn’t influence their decision.
“We would have treated any defendant in the same manner regardless of who they are,” the juror said, calling Combs’ influence “highly insulting and belittling.”
They added, “We spent over two days deliberating. Our decision was based solely on the evidence presented and how the law is stated.”
Supporters celebrate — with baby oil
Outside the courthouse, some fans opted for subtle support, like a man holding up a shirt from Combs’ fashion line. As we previously reported, a woman says she was offered $20 to protest outside the courthouse in May with a “Free Diddy” shirt.
Other supporters drenched themselves in baby oil, echoing alleged themes from the civil lawsuit and years of internet speculation.
Social media resurfaced images of a now-infamous symbol throughout the course of Combs’ legal troubles. Nearly 1,000 bottles of baby oil were found during the 2024 federal raids on Combs’ home.
50 Cent, Boosie react: ‘He beat the RICO’
Rapper Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson — who has had a tense relationship with Combs — posted a photo laughing with the caption, “Diddy beat the Rico, that boy a bad man! He like the Gay John Gotti.”
Meanwhile, Boosie Badazz (born Torence Hatch Jr.) posted a video saying, “I’m tired of seeing us Black moguls get taken down like that.”
He also expressed sympathy for Combs’ family and argued that if he were white, “they would have had so many white people out there protesting.”
However, he did express that Combs needs to “sit [his] ass down” after this.
Another witness speaks out
Former Danity Kane singer Dawn Richard testified against Combs during the criminal trial. Her attorney, Lisa Bloom, released a statement to Us Weekly.
“Today’s split verdict is a disappointment, but the criminal charges are different than the civil claims we filed,” Bloom said in part. “We will continue to aggressively fight our case until we obtain full and complete justice for Dawn.”
Yung Miami distances herself
Rapper Caresha “Yung Miami” Brownlee was linked to Combs in 2021. Though she publicly praised him in a 2024 interview, saying he “helped” and “elevated” her, she clarified on her “Caresha, Please” podcast that they were no longer together.
After the verdict, fans speculated a cryptic Instagram Story she posted — showing Justin Bieber doing a two-finger clap — was a subtle response.
Cassie’s legal team calls verdict a step forward
Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura was a key witness. Although jurors didn’t find him guilty of sex trafficking her, they did convict him of transporting individuals to engage in prostitution.
Cassie’s attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, told CBS News:
“Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution. By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice… We believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial.”
Kesha shows support
Singer Kesha Rose Sebert, known for her 2010 hit “Tik Tok,” which references Diddy, has altered her lyrics during recent performances. Instead of “wake up in the mornin’ feelin’ like P. Diddy,” she now says, “wake up in the mornin’ like, f— P. Diddy.”
On the day of the verdict, she posted on X:
“Cassie, I believe you. I love you. Your strength is a beacon for every survivor.”
Kim Porter’s friend speaks out — and gets backlash
Eboni Elektra, a close friend of the late Kim Porter — the mother of three of Combs’ children — posted an image of Combs with the caption:
“Opinions… we are all entitled to them. Mistakes… we all make them. Judging… we all do it. Gossip… we are all guilty of it. God’s will… is higher than any opinion, mistake, judgement, or gossip.”
Many commenters questioned her stance, referencing past rumors of abuse and Porter’s sudden death. Others came to Porter’s defense, calling the post disappointing.
Combs to remain in jail until sentencing
Judge Arun Subramanian denied bond for Combs following the verdict. According to reporters in the courtroom, the judge cited his “propensity for violence.”
“You full-throatedly in your closing argument told the jury that there was violence here, and domestic violence is violence,” Subramanian said, as reported by ABC News. “You said this was a case that did have violence.”
Combs is set to be sentenced on Oct. 3, 2025. His time in custody will count toward any sentence. By September, he will have served 12 months behind bars.
