In a mixed verdict, jurors in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal criminal trial acquitted him of the most serious charges — racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking — but found him guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
Combs could receive a prison sentence of up to 20 years — the maximum is 10 for each of the transportation convictions. If he had been convicted of any of the other counts, the 55-year-old could have faced up to life in prison.
The defense has askedthat Combs be released while he awaits sentencing — a request the prosecution opposed. The judge said he’ll make a decision after the sides submit formal arguments at 1 p.m. ET.
After the verdict, Combs faced the courtroom gallery and clapped, and his family and friends erupted into applause.
Cassie Ventura “paved the way” for a jury to find Sean “Diddy” Combs guilty on some of the counts against him, her lawyer Doug Wigdor said in a statement.
“This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023. Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution,” Wigdor said.
He continued: “By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice.”
Wigdor said Ventura “exemplary courage throughout this trial,” and “brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion.”
Before he was lead out of the courtroom out by marshals, Sean “Diddy” Combs knelt down in front of his chair and bowed his head like he was praying.
When he stood up, Combs faced the gallery and clapped, prompting the gallery to clap and cheer.
Combs’ attorneys all exchanged hugs as the gallery continued to cheer for them.
Combs faced his family his face beaming. He said, “Thank you. Love you mom. I love you. I love you. I love you.”
His family and friends erupted into applause. Some family members wiped tears from their eyes.
After Combs left the courtroom, the family section starting chanting “dream team” to the lawyers who slapped each other on the back and embraced. Defense attorney Teny Geragos hugged members of Combs’ family with tears rolling down her cheeks.
In discussing a motion to release Sean “Diddy” Combs from custody on Wednesday, defense attorney Marc Agnifilo told told Judge Arun Subramanian that Sean “Diddy”Combs was looking at potentially spending the rest of his life in prison but he was acquitted of those charges.
“Mr. Combs has been given his life by this jury,” he said.
Agnifilo said Combs would be “nothing short of a fool” if he violated any condition set by the court if he was released.
“He treasures, I assure you, the opportunity that he has been given, and he will not run afoul of anything this court imposes on him,” he said.
