Sean “Diddy” Combs has been convicted on two federal charges related to prostitution but cleared of more serious allegations including human trafficking and organised crime.
A jury in New York found Combs guilty of transporting sex workers across state lines, a federal offence in the United States. The verdict followed three days of deliberations and concluded one of the most high-profile trials involving a celebrity figure in recent years.
Combs, 55, had denied all five charges brought against him. The jury found him guilty on two counts and not guilty on the remaining three, which included accusations of human trafficking for sexual exploitation, blackmail, and leading a criminal enterprise.
The court heard claims from two women, one of whom was singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, that Combs forced them into drug-fuelled sex parties. Another woman, testifying under the name Jane, alleged that Combs financially controlled her life and used threats to maintain dominance.
The prosecution alleged that Combs used violence and intimidation to coerce victims into participation. The charges detailed incidents including beatings, kidnappings, and threats involving explicit recordings from private parties, referred to within his inner circle as “freak-offs”.
The jury did not find sufficient evidence to convict on the more severe allegations. Had Combs been found guilty of all counts, he would have faced a possible life sentence.
Instead, he now faces a maximum of ten years in prison. Sentencing will take place on 3 October, according to the judge Arun Subramanian, who has yet to determine the length of Combs’s sentence or any financial penalties.
Combs appeared relieved in court following the verdict. According to NBC, he knelt and seemed to pray, while members of his family clapped and cheered. CNN reported that Combs also stood and applauded the public gallery after the decision was read.
Despite the partial acquittal, the judge rejected the defence’s request for Combs to be released from custody. He remains detained pending sentencing.
The case follows a series of civil lawsuits filed against Combs in recent years. Plaintiffs have accused him of assault, rape, drugging, and intimidation. Combs has denied all allegations, describing the civil cases as attempts to gain attention and financial compensation.
Combs was arrested in New York in September last year and has been held in custody since the beginning of the criminal proceedings.
HT
