Sean “Diddy” Combs has been found guilty of prostitution-related charges, but was acquitted of more serious charges.
On Wednesday, a jury found Combs not guilty of one count of racketeering conspiracy, the most serious of charges that could have put the hip-hop mogul behind bars for the rest of his life.
Jurors also found him not guilty on both counts of sex trafficking, but was found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
The jury deliberated in the case for 13 and a half hours. Jury selection began on May 5.
Moments after the verdict, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura’s lawyer released a statement to Variety. Ventura and Combs were involved in an on-and-off relationship for 11 years.
“This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023,” Wigdor explained. “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.”
The jury found Combs guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, in connection with Ventura and another ex-girlfriend who testified under the pseudonym “Jane.”
“By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice. We must repeat – with no reservation – that we believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial. She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion,” the statement continued. “This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors.”
In November 2023, Ventura shocked the world when she filed a bombshell lawsuit against Combs accusing him of years of rape and abuse.
From there, a wave of lawsuits from others were filed against Combs.
As for the current case, the maximum sentence would be 10 years for the Bad Boy Records founder. Now a judge will determine whether or not to release the music mogul on bond.
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