Sean “Diddy” Combs has been found guilty on two federal charges of transporting women across state lines for pr*stitution but was acquitted of the more serious allegations of s*x trafficking and racketeering.
The verdict was read in a packed New York City courtroom on July 2 after three days of jury deliberation. The music mogul now faces up to 10 years behind bars, avoiding a potential life sentence had he been convicted on the case’s more serious allegations.
The courtroom erupted as Diddy’s split verdict was read aloud
Image credits: Shareif Ziyadat/Getty
The trial, which began in May, featured testimony from 34 witnesses. As the jury read its unanimous verdict, Diddy sat emotionless.
Before the decision, he had prayed with his children and hugged his legal team, according to the BBC.
The courtroom overflow room, where journalists and supporters were watching via video feed, reportedly erupted in noise as each verdict was announced.
Image credits: Diddy
Cheers were also heard outside the courthouse, where some of Diddy’s fans celebrated the outcome.
Combs was acquitted on three counts: r*cketeering, s*x trafficking of ex-partner Cassie Ventura, and s*x trafficking of another woman referred to only as “Jane.”
However, the jury found him guilty on two counts of transporting both women across state lines to engage in pr*stitution.
Image credits: Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty
Diddy has maintained his innocence despite the large number of charges that were levied against him.
Netizens were largely disappointed with the verdict.
“Someone got paid on that jury,” one commenter wrote.
“I would be investigating these jurors and see if they were bribed,” another wrote.
Image credits: Washington Post
A good portion of the prosecution’s case centered around allegations from Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, Diddy’s ex-girlfriend of 11 years.
She testified over several days while 8½ months pregnant, describing repeated ab*se and details of Diddy’s alleged “Freak-Offs,” according to People.
Ventura said she was forced to participate in the events and emotionally detailed the toll it took on her.
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Prosecutors introduced these accounts to support their trafficking claims, but Diddy’s defense team argued that the s*xual encounters had been consensual.
The jury ultimately sided with the defense on the most serious charges, but not on the transportation allegations.
Diddy’s legal battle may be far from over
Image credits: Diddy
While Combs has been found guilty on two counts, he has yet to learn how long he will spend in prison. His sentence will be determined at a later date during a separate hearing.
It is still unclear whether Combs will remain behind bars until then, though prosecutors have urged the court to keep him in custody.
His defense team, on the other hand, is pushing for him to be released on bail.
Image credits: Jemal Countess/Getty
Ultimately, it will be up to the judge to decide. Each of the charges Combs was convicted of carries a maximum sentence of 10 years, meaning he faces up to 20 years in total.
Prosecutor Maurene Comey has already signaled her position, saying, “It is clear that the defendant does pose a danger.”
She confirmed that the prosecution will seek the full 20-year sentence.
Netizens were largely disappointed at Diddy’s split verdict
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