Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense lawyers held a press conference after the rapper was found guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution but acquitted of the more series crimes: sex trafficking and racketeering.
Addressing reporters outside Manhattan federal court on Wednesday hours after the verdict was read, lead attorney Marc Agnifilo called it a “great victory.”
“It’s a great victory for Sean Combs; it’s a great victory for the jury system,” he said, noting that “prosecutors came at him with all that they had.”
Agnifilo also praised the “wonderful jury” that “listened to every word” and “got the situation right — or certainly right enough.”
Attorney Teny Geragos went on to describe Combs as “incredible” and the defense as a “dream team.”
She made sure to add, “I also have been saying this since the beginning of this case: Sean Combs has not sexually assaulted anybody. I’ve been saying this for months. We’ve said it with each lawsuit that came out, and today that was proven true.”
According to Geragos, “The media got it wrong about Sean Combs every single day for nearly two years.”
Attorney Xavier Donaldson also spoke and celebrated the jury’s “lawfully, good, just conclusion.”
The maximum sentence for a transportation to engage in prostitution charge — which is the crime in which an individual knowingly transports another across state lines or international borders for the purpose of prostitution — is 10 years.
Since Combs was found guilty of two counts, he potentially faces 20 years in prison.
His sentencing will take place on Oct. 3.
After the verdict was read, the 55-year-old pumped his fists in the air before getting down on his hands and knees on the floor to pray. He then stood up and blew a kiss toward his family and supporters, who erupted in loud cheers.
Agnifilo proposed a $1 million dollar bond, insisting the music mogul’s family could pay it immediately. He also asked for Combs’ immediate release as well as permission for him to travel to Florida, New York and Los Angeles until his sentencing.
Prosecutors objected to the request, and Judge Arun Subramanian ruled in their favor. Combs will remain behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Center until his sentencing.
He initially faced life in prison for charges of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution.
However, the day before closing arguments, prosecutors dropped attempted kidnapping, attempted arson and aiding and abetting sex trafficking.
The Bad Boy Records founder was arrested in September 2024 following the government’s months-long probe, which included raids on his homes that unearthed guns, thousands of bottles of lubricants and more.
Combs, who pleaded not guilty, was held without bail at the Metropolitan Detention Center leading up to and throughout his trial, which commenced on May 5 with jury selection.
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