Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing the possibility of spending the next two decades behind bars after being found guilty on two of five federal charges—but his legal team is calling the verdict a win.
On Wednesday, a New York jury returned a mixed verdict in Diddy’s high-profile trial, convicting the music mogul of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution but clearing him of racketeering and sex trafficking charges.
The conviction could land Diddy up to 20 years in prison, and Judge Arun Subramanian denied his bail request, ordering him to remain in custody at Brooklyn’s MDC facility until sentencing.
🗣️ Diddy’s Lawyers Declare Victory
Speaking outside the courthouse, Diddy’s co-lead attorney Marc Agnifilo described the verdict as a victory for his client and for the justice system.
🗨️ “RICO and sex trafficking cases are like fighting fire-breathing dragons … and Diddy slayed this dragon,” Agnifilo said.
Teny Geragos, another member of Diddy’s legal team, echoed the sentiment:
🗨️ “I’ve said it for months—Diddy did NOT sexually assault anyone. The media got it wrong every day for two years, and the jury saw through the lies.”
Nicole Westmoreland, also on the defense, urged reporters to focus on the acquittals:
🗨️ “Thankfully, we have the right to a jury trial in this country. The jury found our client not guilty of the most serious charges.”
🚨 Bail Denied: Judge Cites Past Violence
Despite the defense proposing a $1 million bond and agreeing to regular drug testing, Judge Subramanian denied Diddy’s request for pre-sentencing release.
The judge cited the music mogul’s history of violent behavior, including the now-infamous video of him attacking Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel.
🗨️ “Mr. Combs has displayed a dangerous pattern that this court cannot ignore,” the judge said.
😡 Cassie Reacts: “Justice, At Least In Part”
Cassie’s attorney, Douglas Wigdor, spoke on her behalf after the verdict, expressing mixed emotions.
🗨️ “Cassie is relieved Mr. Combs was found guilty and faces significant jail time. This is a partial victory for victims of his abuse.”
📸 Scenes Outside the Courthouse
Emotions ran high outside the courthouse after the verdict. Diddy’s mother, Janice Combs, gave a thumbs-up to supporters as she left the building. Meanwhile, tensions flared between fans and detractors in the crowd, with one Diddy supporter loudly cheering the not-guilty verdicts on the most serious charges.
🕰️ What’s Next for Diddy?
Diddy’s sentencing hearing is set for July 8, where prosecutors are expected to push for a lengthy prison term.
If sentenced to the maximum, the 54-year-old mogul could serve up to 20 years behind bars.
👀 Key Witnesses During the Trial
The trial, which began in early May, featured explosive testimony from:
- Cassie Ventura, Diddy’s ex-girlfriend, who described years of alleged abuse.
- A woman identified as “Jane”, who accused Diddy of coercion and trafficking.
- Former Bad Boy artists and assistants, including Dawn Richard and a woman pseudonymously named “Mia.”
Kanye West even made a brief appearance during the trial, further fueling media frenzy.
🗨️ Fans Divided Online
Social media lit up as the verdict was announced:
🔥 “Diddy beat the big charges but still faces 20 years. Not the W his lawyers think it is.”
🔥 “The system is broken. He should’ve been found guilty on all counts.”
🔥 “This is America. A rich man gets off easy again.”
⚖️ The Big Picture
While Diddy’s lawyers are celebrating the acquittals, federal prosecutors are framing the verdict as a win for accountability.
A government spokesperson said:
🗨️ “Mr. Combs is not above the law. He will face the consequences of his actions.”
📢 TPR Question of the Day:
Do you think Diddy’s lawyers are right to call this a win, or should the partial guilty verdict overshadow everything?
👇 Sound off in the comments! Should Diddy get the max sentence?
