Rotten Mango Podcast Summary
Episode: The Moment Diddy Finds Out He’s “Not Guilty” On Major Charges
Release Date: July 3, 2025
Host: Stephanie Soo

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Rotten Mango, host Stephanie Soo delves into the high-stakes trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, a prominent figure who recently faced five major charges, including racketeering (RICO) and sex trafficking. The episode offers a detailed recount of the courtroom drama, jury deliberations, the surprising verdict, and the subsequent public and media reactions.

Background of the Case

Sean Combs was charged with five counts, the most significant being the RICO charge and two counts related to sex trafficking involving Cassie Ventura and Jane. The prosecution aimed to paint a picture of coerced participation, while the defense focused on portraying the relationships as consensual and framed as a "love story."

Jury Deliberations

Day One:
The tension was palpable from the outset. "The first day of jury deliberation was very stressful. There was a lot of unknown energy," Stephanie remarks (03:15). Reports emerged of a "rogue juror," Juror #25, labeled as unable to follow instructions, sparking intense speculation about their ability to comprehend the case (04:40).

Day Two:
Deliberations intensified with jurors grappling with complex legal terms like "drug distribution" and requesting transcripts from Cassie Ventura's testimonies (06:10). By Tuesday morning, the jury announced a partial verdict on four of the five counts but remained deadlocked on the RICO charge.

The Verdict

At 09:52 AM on Tuesday, the jury reached a unanimous verdict. All major charges, including the RICO and sex trafficking counts, resulted in a "not guilty" decision. The courtroom reacted with a mixture of silence, small gasps, and eventual outbursts of joy from Diddy's family and defense team (14:12).

Notable Quote:

"We have reached a verdict on all counts." — Foreperson Juror (#10:10)

Courtroom Reactions

Diddy and his family exhibited visible relief and joy. "Diddy broke out into full smiles because those were the three biggest charges," Stephanie observes (07:10). Emotional responses included hugs among defense attorneys and tears from family members, highlighting the high emotional stakes of the trial.

Public and Media Response

Outside the courthouse, chaos ensued with supporters and opponents clashing. Chanting, live streaming, and even physical altercations underscored the polarized public opinion. Notably, "people are live streaming at every cross section of the courthouse," and "there are people outside chanting 'Free Puff'" (16:30).

Notable Quote:

"This was when they were deadlocked on the RICO charge. However, looking back at the timeline, there's just no way that they would have come back with a not guilty verdict on the major charges in the time that they did." — Host (29:33)

Analysis and Discussion

Stephanie and her co-host analyze the possible reasons behind the jury's decision:

• Defense Strategy: The defense team, led by Brian Steele, effectively controlled the courtroom narrative, portraying the relationship as consensual and dismissing coercion claims. Their charismatic presence and relatable storytelling may have swayed jurors emotionally (22:51).

• Prosecution Shortcomings: The prosecution struggled to convey the coercion aspect convincingly. Stephanie notes, "the prosecutors completely overestimated the jury," suggesting that their presentation lacked the emotional impact necessary to secure a conviction (27:20).

• Juror Dynamics: With eight out of twelve jurors being men, the emotional appeals and the defense's relatability played significant roles. The hosts speculate that emotions outweighed factual evidence in the jury's decision-making process (26:08).

• Public Trust in the Justice System: The episode touches on widespread skepticism about the fairness of the verdict, with rumors of juror tampering and the disproportionate influence of wealth in legal outcomes. "It's sadly accurate that such rumors reflect the little faith we have in our justice system," Stephanie asserts (29:49).

Potential Sentencing and Future Implications

While Diddy was acquitted of the major charges, he was found guilty on two counts related to transportation for prostitution, each carrying a sentencing guideline of up to 10 years. However, sentencing remains highly uncertain:

• Judge's Decision: Sentencing could range from probation to the maximum term, depending on various factors, including victim statements and defense arguments (19:47).

• Legal Maneuvering: Defense attorneys may file additional motions to delay or influence sentencing, potentially leading to a protracted legal battle (20:06).

Conclusion

This episode of Rotten Mango provides an in-depth look at the tumultuous trial of Sean Combs, highlighting the complexities of the legal process, the profound impact of courtroom dynamics, and the enduring debates surrounding justice and celebrity. Stephanie Soo effectively captures the multifaceted emotions and reactions surrounding the verdict, leaving listeners to ponder the broader implications for the justice system.

Notable Quotes

• "The first day of jury deliberation was very stressful. There was a lot of unknown energy." — Host (03:15)
• "We have reached a verdict on all counts." — Foreperson Juror (10:10)
• "This was when they were deadlocked on the RICO charge. However, looking back at the timeline, there's just no way that they would have come back with a not guilty verdict on the major charges in the time that they did." — Host (29:33)

Final Thoughts

Stephanie Soo and her team grapple with the verdict's surprising yet plausible outcome, reflecting on the interplay between legal strategy, emotional appeal, and jury perception. The episode underscores the challenges inherent in the justice system, especially in high-profile cases involving influential figures.

For those interested in the full depth of this case and more true crime explorations, subscribe to Rotten Mango on SiriusXM Podcasts+ and join Stephanie Soo for her unflinching dives into the darkest corners of human behavior.