What's next for Diddy's $400M empire after the split verdict in sex trafficking trial?

Giggs And Diddy Perform At O2 Shepherd
Giggs And Diddy Perform At O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire In A Special One Night Only Event - Source: Getty

The high-profile trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs has come to a surprising end after weeks of intense courtroom moments, shocking disclosures, and strong allegations. The music and business mogul was arrested on September 16, 2024, on five federal charges, including racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking, and two counts of transportation for prostitution.

After listening to arguments and testimonies from the prosecution and defence teams, the jury finally reached a split decision following almost thirteen hours of deliberation. They found Diddy not guilty of Racketeering Conspiracy, one of the most serious charges against him that could have led to life imprisonment and the seizure of his assets. The jury also didn't find him guilty of Sex Trafficking of his former partner, Cassie Ventura, and a woman identified as “Jane.” Still, they did find him guilty of Transportation for Prostitution of the two women mentioned above.

As the Bad Boy Records founder awaits his final sentencing, which is scheduled for October 3, 2025, Diddy was denied bail. People are wondering what will happen to his fortune following this verdict.

Before earning the “disgraced music mogul” moniker, Diddy was a central figure in the music industry and business circles. He is known for discovering and nurturing major music stars, including The Notorious B.I.G., Usher, Justin Bieber, and Mary J. Blige. At the peak of his career, the record executive was estimated to have had a net worth just short of a billion dollars, which has seen a steep decline to $400 million.

According to financial experts, Combs will likely keep his assets in real estate, business entities, etc. However, the record executive may have to part with a chunk of his holdings as restitution to cover his victims' losses.


More details on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ net worth, music catalogue, and more

Once referred to as the richest individual in the hip/hop industry, Sean Combs has suffered a steep unraveling. In June 2024, just a few months before he was indicted, Celebrity Networth estimated Combs to be worth $400 million. In 1998, Sean launched his successful clothing line, Sean Jean. In 2008, he added a men’s perfume line, “I Am King,” and dedicated it to legendary black men in history, including Martin Luther King Jr., Barack Obama, and Muhammad Ali.

In addition to Sean Jean, with regard to his commercial side quests, Diddy opened two restaurants, named Justin, in New York and Atlanta. However, both of them closed down in 2007 and 2012, respectively. In 2007, Combs closed a deal with Ciroc Vodka, now acquired by Diageo, to promote the brand for a 50% share of the beverage's profit. This partnership ended in 2023 after Diageo accused the business mogul of “refusing to acknowledge or honor his commitments.”

In 2023, Combs stepped down as the chairman of Revolt, a TV company he founded in 2013. His e-commerce brand, Empower Global, also lost endorsement deals with several brands, including Fulaba, Tsuri, Nuudii System, and House of Takura.

Combs' record label, Bad Boy Records, which he founded in 1993, is still operational, and his music is still available for streaming on major music platforms. However, a steep decline in listeners has been recorded.

Read more: Who is Edmond Laurent? All about former model and producer suing Diddy over sexual battery

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Edited by Ranjana Sarkar