Despite being found guilty of just two of the charges levelled against him, disgraced music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs still faces an a possible sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

Combs was denied bail on Wednesday (US time) after a Manhattan jury cleared him of the more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering that could have put him behind bars for life.

Instead he was found guilty of lesser offences related to prostitution and transporting sex workers.

So after a seven-week trial in which a mountain of salacious and often distressing testimony and evidence was made public – and with a judge still to decide his fate – what is next for Combs?

Combs put his head in his chair as the verdict was read out. Photo: AAP

His sentence

US District Judge Arun Subramanian on Wednesday suggested he would sentence Combs on October 3. However, he said he would entertain a defence request for an earlier date.

The United States Sentencing Commission dictates that “knowingly transporting individuals to engage in prostitution or any illegal or sexual activity”, including attempts to transport individuals, has a 10-year maximum penalty.

With his two convictions, Combs could face up to 20 years in prison.

However, prosecutors acknowledged in a court filing that federal sentencing guidelines appeared to recommend a sentence of no more than 5¼ years, well below the statutory maximum.

Combs’ lawyers argued that two years would be the upper limit.

The rapper has already served about nine months while awaiting his trial. That time will be subtracted from his sentence.

Will he appeal?

Combs’ legal team has yet to indicate an appeal, but legal expert Brian Buckmire told America’s ABC News he didn’t see that as likely.

“Sure, that’s his right to do so. But I don’t see an appeal here,” Buckmire said.

“I think you take this as a win. You serve the few years that you may get, and you will be happy you didn’t get life.”

The verdict is seen as an overall win for Combs, a former billionaire known for elevating hip-hop in American culture.

Civil lawsuits

Combs has avoided a possible life sentence, but he still faces dozens of civil lawsuits stemming from the allegations against him, including one from former Danity Kane band member Dawn Richard.

She accuses Comb of terrorising and sexually abusing her, and says she also witnessed him beating his former partner Casandra  Ventura.

Richard, who testified in the trial, sued Combs in 2024 for assault, copyright infringement and false imprisonment, alleging that he groped her on numerous occasions and forced her to endure inhumane work conditions.

Music artist Dawn Richard sued Combs last year. Photo: Instagram/Dawn Richard

Combs denies all of the allegations and his lawyers last month filed a motion to dismiss the case.

Ventura, who testified at his trial, sued him in November 2023 for sex trafficking. They settled a day later for $US20 million ($30 million).

Wealth and career

For decades before his arrest, Combs was among the most influential entertainers and music entrepreneurs in the world.

In June 2024 – two months before his arrest – Combs was estimated to have a fortune worth about US$400 million ($600 million).

However, as allegations against him began to mount, Combs’ business has lost clients and his brand endorsements have been cancelled.

Despite avoiding the most serious charges against him, and the prospect of a much shorter prison sentence, Combs’ future career and wealth prospects are uncertain.

Combs could find himself excluded by many in the entertainment industry. Photo: Getty

Combs was forced to forfeit many of his assets ahead of his potential conviction after he was indicted by federal prosecutors.

As he has been found guilty of transportation charges, assets such as his private jet could be seized if they are deemed to have been used in committing his crimes.

If Combs chooses to return to the music business on his release from prison, his reputation and criminal record could mean he faces challenges in establishing endorsements or corporate partnerships, as well as booking venues.

Combs could also find himself shunned by the entertainment industry and face difficulty garnering invites to award shows and signing artists to record deals.