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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Was Convicted on Prostitution-Related Charges Under the Mann Act. Here’s What to Know About the 1910 Law

July 7, 2025

Sean 'Diddy' Combs was acquitted of the most serious charges in his sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy trial but convicted on two lesser prostitution-related charges under the federal Mann Act. The Mann Act, originally enacted in 1910, criminalizes transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution purposes and has a controversial history of being used against Black defendants. Though amended several times to remove vague language about "immoral purpose," Combs' defense argued he was targeted for being a powerful Black man, while prosecutors denied allegations of racism.

Who is affected

  • Sean 'Diddy' Combs
  • Black defendants historically targeted by the Mann Act (including Jack Johnson)
  • Combs' accusers, described as "mostly people of color"
  • Individuals previously prosecuted under the Mann Act (R. Kelly, Ghislaine Maxwell)
  • Potential jurors in Combs' case (as defense accusations of racism posed a "serious risk" for a fair trial)

What action is being taken

  • Combs is being prosecuted under the Mann Act for transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution
  • Prosecutors are denying allegations of racism in their case against Combs
  • The Mann Act continues to be applied in contemporary high-profile cases despite its controversial history

Why it matters

  • The case highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding the Mann Act, which has a history of being used against Black defendants
  • The conviction of Combs on Mann Act charges connects to a pattern of using this specific legislation in high-profile cases against celebrities
  • The acquittal on more serious charges but conviction on Mann Act violations raises questions about the application of federal sex trafficking laws
  • The case demonstrates how a law from 1910 continues to be relevant in modern prosecutions despite multiple amendments to address its problematic origins

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint