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Lisa Bloom, a popular defense attorney who represented Dawn Richards in Diddy’s high-profile case, has joined the list of high-profile individuals to give her two cents on the jury verdict of Sean Combs' trial.
On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, the jury reached a split decision after thirteen hours of deliberation. Diddy was found not guilty of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. He was, however, found guilty of transportation for prostitution. This verdict has elicited mixed reactions among netizens. Lisa Bloom is among those who believe justice was not served.
In an exclusive interview with TMZ, Lisa compares Combs’ trial to the infamous O.J. Simpson’s trial.
“In my opinion, this is one of the most disappointing verdicts for sexual assault victims since O.J.,” Bloom stated.
“It's really hard to see a man who was caught on video beating, kicking, dragging his girlfriend, essentially only be convicted of relatively minor prostitution charges, but the jury just didn't feel that the prosecution had it beyond a reasonable doubt on the top charges and we'll just have to respect that decision.”
More details on Lisa Bloom’s opinion on Diddy’s trial verdict
According to Lisa Bloom, jury members were excited to be on the case due to the celebrity involved. And she felt that might have affected the verdict passed.
“And in this case, particularly, I was in the courtroom in Manhattan for jury selection, and what was highly unusual about this case was how many jurors wanted to be on the jury.”
She continued:
“This is a case where they really wanted to be on the jury. I'm sure because of the celebrity of it. And was that a factor? I mean, I have to be suspicious.”
Lisa Bloom talked about how Diddy’s defense team used text messages from Cassie Ventura and the other victim identified as “Jane” to their advantage. She notes that while the messages showed their consent to the freak offs, it is not unusual for victims to say things to please their abuser.
She adds that the jury didn't pay close attention to the testimony of forensic psychologist Dawn Hughes to understand the psychology of women in abusive relationships and why they stay.
“Well, listen, they had text messages from the victims indicating that they wanted the relationship with Sean Combs. They even wanted some of the hotel nights or freak-offs. You know, having represented victims for forty years, I know that it's very common for victims to say what the bully or the abuser wants to hear.”
Lisa Bloom concludes that while the verdict may be disappointing, the “Me Too” movement doesn't end with just Diddy’s case. And victims need to keep pushing to ensure abusers are punished for their crimes.
“I never think one case means really much for an entire movement, and while it's a disappointing day for victims, I want to say to everyone that the 'Me Too' movement is not about one case. It's about millions of women and men all over the world who are standing up, who are speaking truth to power about their experiences, who are going forward, who are getting accountability.”
She added:
“We are not going to always win in the justice system, but overall, we are moving forward in terms of our understanding of sexual abuse and getting accountability against bullies and abusers.”
Lisa Bloom continues to represent Dawn Richards in her case against Sean Combs, who is accused of sexual assault.
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