Following an eight-week federal trial, Sean Diddy Combs was found guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution
but cleared of sex trafficking and racketeering charges on Wednesday.
Mr. Combs, 55, was found not guilty of the most serious accusations against him by a Manhattan jury.
With the help of a group of compliant workers, prosecutors had charged the well-known producer with forcing two ex-girlfriends, Casandra Ventura
and a lady who testified under a false identity as “Jane,” into having unwelcome sex with male prostitutes.
Diddy however maintained that the sexual actions were consensual and refuted all of the accusations.
For Mr. Combs, who was thrilled in court, the outcome is somewhat of a victory, even with a partial conviction.
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Had he been found guilty of more charges in the case, he might have received a life sentence.
Furthermore the he judge will decide the ultimate punishment, although he could receive a maximum of 20 years in jail
for the two transportation for prostitution counts (10 years for each count).
Meanwhile, After the verdict was read, Diddy Combs put his hands together and mouthed “thank you, thank you” at the jurors.
Later, he dropped to his knees, apparently in prayer, and started a round of applause in court.
His supporters and family began clapping and whistling for his legal team, who embraced each other.
Sean Diddy Combs Could Be Released On Bond
Immediately after Mr. Combs was cleared of sex-trafficking and racketeering charges,
a defence attorney requested that the judge release him from custody so that he could await punishment.
Before making a decision, the court stated that he would listen to arguments on the matter.
Furthermore the racially diverse panel of eight men and four women,
ranging in age from 30 to 74, sent several notes to the judge
during deliberations, both asking for evidence and expressing concern about one juror.
In the government’s closing argument, Mr. Combs was described as the leader of a criminal business who “used power, violence, and fear to get what he wanted.”
According to a prosecution, Mr. Combs coerced his women into having physically demanding sex sessions with hired men
while he masturbated and recorded them using threats, assault, and financial control.
The defence team for Mr. Combs however informed the jury during its closing argument
that the government’s evidence was incongruous with its position.
Although it admitted that Mr. Combs had used drugs and committed domestic violence,
it however maintained that the claim that he was a sex trafficker or criminal kingpin was “badly exaggerated.”