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Abstract: 

The conviction of hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs on two federal counts of transporting individuals for prostitution exposed the gap between what juries view as criminal and what advocates recognize as domestic violence. Although acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering, Combs admitted to violent abuse of his partners, including the singer Cassie Ventura, whose testimony and leaked video ignited global outrage. The trial revealed years of coercion, assault, and control masked by celebrity power and wealth. Advocates fear the verdict—focusing on lesser crimes despite overwhelming evidence of abuse—will discourage survivors from coming forward and reinforce public skepticism toward victims. The case raises urgent questions about how the justice system treats gendered violence by powerful men.

Keywords: Domestic Violence; Celebrity Accountability; Sexual Abuse; Survivor Advocacy; Criminal Justice

Affiliations:  1: Skarin Law Group.