What Does the Diddy Verdict Mean For Hip Hop?
Rap mogul was acquitted of the most serious charges against him
The courtroom echoed with a verdict that has reverberated far beyond its four walls: Not guilty. Sean "Diddy" Combs, one of hip-hop’s most successful moguls, has been acquitted on the most serious charges stemming from a federal investigation that’s loomed over him—and the music industry—for over a year.
The Bad Boy Records head fell to the floor after being found not guilty of the racketeering (RICO) and sex trafficking charges for ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and Jane Doe. He was however, found guilty of two counts of transportation for the purposes of prostitution. His bail was denied and he’s currently behind bars awaiting sentencing on Oct. 3.
Although the trial wasn’t televised, it was a public spectacle that unfolded every day with comical courtroom sketches, content creators re-enacting the sordid testimony, and TikTok conspiracy theories. Shout outs to the real journalists who followed the case for seven weeks; taking handwritten notes and actually fact-checking versus clout chasing for clicks.
It’s unclear what’s going to happen next. Many, including Puff’s defense team, see this as a huge win. He went from facing a life sentence to probably getting somewhere closer to a slap on the wrist. Despite the transportation charges having a max of 10 years each, I’ve seen speculation that he’ll be sentenced to a few years or maybe even less with 10 months of time he’s already served.
Regardless, Puff’s personal and professional brand is tarnished beyond repair. I don’t see any A-list celebrity or legitimate company working with him. Although I can name about five problematic artists who are ready to jump on his comeback track.
So, what does this verdict mean for hip-hop?
When this all first began, I wondered whether the Diddy case would mark a watershed moment in hip-hop. Would this be our #MeToo reckoning? Would this change the way that men in power are held accountable? Would female victims be believed?
Honestly, I don’t think anything is going to change. Based upon most conversations I’ve had with men in the industry as well as my social media timeline, the consensus is that this was a case of bedroom policing.
Many people accept that Puffy is a horrible person—even his defense opened with that—but the Feds overreached when it came to attaching RICO, which was been historically used to take down organized crime bosses.
Hip-hop as a whole has remained silent, unsurprisingly, during this process with the exception of those with personal biases for (or against) Puff. Behind the scenes, everyone has maintained a wait and see mindset.
In other words, say nothing because it might affect your bottom line— or risk your own skeletons being exposed.
I get it. Puffy has been one of the most influential figures in music, fashion, pop culture and beyond. If you work in this industry, you have probably worked with, partied with, or been inspired by him. I’ll put myself down for all three.
And of course, there’s the hits. Who’s going to stop listening to The Notorious B.I.G., 112, Faith Evans, Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, Mariah Carey or the countless artists that Puffy collaborated has with for 30 years? That’s some people’s entire childhood discography right there.
But that said, it would be nice for some acknowledgement that this case matters.
Yes, the crimes took place in Diddy’s bedroom but there’s a larger culture of power, celebrity, wealth and misogyny that made it possible.
Being a billionaire, a mogul, or a superstar comes with responsibility. How you act publicly and privately matters. How you treat women and those subordinate to you matters. Who cares that you’re on the cover of Forbes if you’re a terrible person?
Regardless of the verdict, that’s something we can—and should—pass judgment on.
I also thought this would be a turning point in the entertainment industry as a whole. From the way it was set up (FBI raids, guns, etc), I thought he was the black Epstein? I thought everything would come crashing down.
However, based on the trial it seems he’s just a demented, sick, freaky old dude. Some jail time and never being able to work in the industry again (out loud) may be all we get.
"Regardless, Puff’s personal and professional brand is tarnished beyond repair. I don’t see any A-list celebrity or legitimate company working with him."
That’s probably more likely than people think. He’s still incredibly wealthy, even after funding his legal defense. And the freak-offs he was part of are pervasive throughout Hollywood. They might not work with him publicly but, behind closed doors, they’ll keep their ties.