Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial: Rapper found guilty of two charges and not guilty of three charges
The jury has reached a verdict in Sean ‘Diddy‘ Combs’ sex trafficking trial. Jurors announced a unanimous decision had been made on July 2nd, on the third day of deliberations.
Combs was found not guilty of racketeering conspiracy, not guilty of sex trafficking Cassie Ventura, guilty of transportation for prostitution of Ventura and others, not guilty of sex trafficking Jane Doe and guilty of transportation for prostitution of Jane and others.
The two guilty counts of prostitution transportation each carry a maximum sentence of ten years in prison, with prosecutors seeking a total of 20 years behind bars for Combs.
As a result, the 55-year-old won’t be spending life in prison, which was a possible outcome. After each decision was read out, Combs’ supporters cheered at the front of the court as the overflow room exploded with noise.
Combs dated Ventura and Jane, who testified about “freak-offs” and “hotel nights.” They claimed the sexual encounters involved hiring male escorts as Combs watched and sometimes recorded them.
Prosecutors alleged that Combs ran a criminal enterprise with “total control and used his loyal staff,” and that it was “time for justice.”
Prior to the trial, Combs’ lawyers said, “No matter how many lawsuits are filed it won’t change the fact that Mr Combs has never sexually assaulted or sex trafficked anyone—man or woman, adult or minor.”
“We live in a world where anyone can file a lawsuit for any reason. Fortunately, a fair and impartial judicial process exists to find the truth, and Mr Combs is confident he will prevail in court.”
Combs previously pleaded not guilty to charges of racketeering, sex trafficking by force, and transportation for purposes of prostitution. He was arrested in September and detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn without bond.
Combs is yet to publically comment on the verdict.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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