Sean Combs Verdict Sparks Outrage: Survivors Call It a Setback for #MeToo

The Sean Combs verdict is in — and while his legal team celebrated outside a Manhattan courthouse, sexual assault survivors and #MeToo advocates called the moment a heartbreaking setback.

After a seven-week trial detailing harrowing allegations of sex trafficking and racketeering, the jury found the music mogul not guilty of the most serious charges. But while cheers of “Free Puff!” erupted from his supporters, online voices painted a very different picture — one of betrayal, disbelief, and growing disillusionment with the justice system.

Sean Combs Verdict Disappoints Survivors

Harvey Weinstein’s Half-Baked Verdict Reinforces a Continued Tradition of Suspicion Towards Victims of Sexual Assault https://t.co/DXT0O8MqQV via @msmagazine

— kaja sokola (@SokolaKaja) June 15, 2025

For survivors like Kaja Sokola, who testified in Harvey Weinstein’s retrial, the verdict felt like déjà vu in the worst way. “A few years ago, we were more aware,” Sokola said. “Now it’s suddenly shifted to ‘Don’t believe all women,’ or ‘Women are liars.’”

Despite being convicted on two counts of Mann Act violations, the overall outcome has been labeled a “step back for #MeToo,” with many pointing out how difficult and public the testimonies were for accusers like Cassie Ventura, who testified while nine months pregnant.

Even sociologists and legal experts have voiced concern over the potential chilling effect on future victims. “Reliving trauma in court, only to be dismissed, discourages others from ever coming forward,” said former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani.

Cassie, I believe you.
I love you.
Your strength is a beacon for every survivor.

— kesha (@KeshaRose) July 2, 2025

Ventura’s strength, however, has not gone unnoticed. Celebrities including Kesha praised her bravery, with the pop star writing: “Cassie, I believe you. Your strength is a beacon for every survivor.”

While the Sean Combs verdict is a blow to many, it doesn’t mean the battle is over. Combs remains in custody awaiting his October sentencing and still faces multiple civil lawsuits. As attorney Douglas Wigdor — who represented Ventura — said, her testimony shone a necessary light on how powerful men have long operated without consequence.

And as the internet now shifts from #FreePuff to deeper questions about justice, power, and accountability, one thing is clear — this story is far from over.