Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and R. Kelly RICO Cases Have ‘Big Differences,’ Attorney Points Out

Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is on trial in Manhattan federal court, facing serious charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, and transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution. Prosecutors allege he ran a decades-long criminal enterprise that exploited women through coercion, drugs, and manipulation. The case has drawn comparisons to R. Kelly’s. While Kelly’s conviction centered on minors, Combs’ charges focus on adult victims and a system of power and control tied to his celebrity. An attorney recently pointed out the “big differences” in the RICO charges against Combs and Kelly. Here’s what he said.

There are ‘big differences’ in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and R. Kelly’s RICO charges, an attorney says

Both Sean “Diddy” Combs and R. Kelly have faced sweeping RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) charges — typically used to dismantle organized crime — marking a striking shift in how the justice system is confronting celebrity abuse allegations. In R. Kelly’s case, the government argued he led a criminal enterprise that systematically recruited and exploited underage girls. This led to convictions for racketeering, sex trafficking, and child pornography. Combs charges, while involving adult victims, follow a similar blueprint. Prosecutors allege he used his wealth and influence to run a network of coercion, trafficking women across state lines for sex, and maintaining control through intimidation and surveillance. Both cases suggest that prosecutors are increasingly treating celebrity-led abuse as organized criminal behavior.

Attorney Ryan Smith spoke to commentator Stephen A. Smith about Combs and Kelly. Smith noted that the prosecution didn’t have a “slam dunk” with Combs’ case. On the other hand, Kelly’s case had more compelling arguments by the prosecution for the RICO charges.

“It is definitely not clear,” attorney Smith explained. “There’s a big differences between this and R. Kelly case and RICO, for example. And this is not something that I think is an easy one to prove for them. So, I think it’s 50/50.”

How long will jury deliberations take?

The Sean “Diddy” Combs trial has entered the jury’s hands by Monday, June 30, 2025. While speaking to Stephen A. Smith, attorney Ryan Smith said he believes jury deliberations “could go days” before concluding.

According to DailyMail.com, jury deliberations reached a sticking point just an hour in. A juror passed a note to the judge that read: “We have a juror, no.25, we are concerned cannot follow your honor’s instructions. May you please intervene.”

Juror No. 25 allegedly knew that Combs was accused of “violent behavior” before the trial’s start. He also saw reports about Combs allegedly drugging people. However, he claimed he wouldn’t be biased.

The judge then asked for clarification via a note. He wanted to know if it was the “lack of understanding of the court’s instructions or unwillingness to follow instructions or something else.”

Whose case is more severe, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ or R. Kelly’s?

Legal analyst Elie Honig spoke to Stephen A. Smith about whether Sean “Diddy” Combs’ alleged crimes were more severe than R. Kelly’s. According to Honig, Combs allegedly exuded greater “core domination” over women, putting him in a league of his own.

“R. Kelly, I think, there was probably more violence. I know we have the videotape, in this case,” Honig said, referring to the video of Combs assaulting Ventura that was played for the jury. “The number of victims, I think, was more with R. Kelly. But, boy, the sort of full core domination of these women, mentally and physically, sexually, career-wise in the Sean Combs case, I think, is in a different category.”

How to get help: In the U.S., call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area. 

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