Diddy Cleared Of Trafficking, Convicted Of Prostitution/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Sean “Diddy” Combs was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges but convicted of violating the Mann Act. The hip-hop mogul now faces up to 10 years in prison for transporting people for sexual purposes. The mixed verdict spares him a life sentence but threatens his career and reputation.
Quick Look
- Verdict: Combs acquitted of trafficking, guilty under Mann Act
- Prison Time Possible: Up to 10 years
- Charges Acquitted: Racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking
- Key Testimony: Cassie, ex-girlfriend; Daniel Phillip, male stripper
- Defense Stance: Claimed consensual adult relationships, no federal crime
- Potential Fallout: Career damage, sentencing date pending
Sean “Diddy” Combs Convicted of Mann Act Violation, Acquitted of Sex Trafficking and Racketeering
Deep Look
NEW YORK (AP) — Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was convicted Wednesday of a felony prostitution-related offense but acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put him behind bars for life, delivering a mixed verdict that may still carry significant consequences for his future.
The verdict came after three days of deliberations by a federal jury in Manhattan. While Combs, 55, avoided conviction on the most serious allegations that threatened to send him to prison for decades, he still faces a possible sentence of up to 10 years for violating the federal Mann Act, which bars transporting people across state lines for sexual purposes.
As the verdict was read aloud in court, Combs held his hands in a prayer gesture and turned toward the jury before hugging his defense attorney, Teny Geragos.
Combs was found guilty of arranging travel for individuals—including girlfriends and paid male sex workers—to engage in sexual activity, constituting a violation of the Mann Act. However, the jury acquitted him on racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges tied to allegations that he leveraged his wealth, influence, and occasional physical intimidation to manipulate his partners into repeated, drug-fueled group sex encounters.
The Bad Boy Records founder and his defense team had argued that while some of his actions may have reflected a controversial personal lifestyle, his partners were consenting adults, and the government had overreached with criminal charges.
Following the verdict, the judge offered the jurors guidance about speaking with the media and the public, as Combs appeared visibly relieved, subtly pumping his fist.
Earlier Wednesday morning, Combs appeared notably more upbeat in court than on prior days. He smiled, clasped his hands together, and exchanged embraces with several members of his legal team before sitting down to await the jury’s decision.
Moments before the verdict was delivered, Combs stood silently with his head bowed in prayer alongside his family. As proceedings ended, he blew a kiss and tapped his chest in a familiar gesture toward his relatives before marshals escorted him out of the courtroom.
The deliberations had proved tense and uncertain. On Tuesday, the jury signaled that it was deadlocked on the racketeering conspiracy charge, telling U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian that some jurors held “unpersuadable opinions” on the count, which carries a potential life sentence.
The jury also weighed two sex trafficking charges and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. While deliberations dragged on, speculation mounted that the panel might convict Combs on charges carrying substantial prison time.
During deliberations, jurors requested to review testimony from key figures in the case, including R&B singer Cassie, Combs’ former longtime girlfriend, and Daniel Phillip, a male stripper whom prosecutors alleged Combs paid to engage in sex acts with Cassie.
Prosecutors alleged that Combs forced two girlfriends into drug-fueled sexual encounters with male sex workers, depicting a secret world of exploitation masked by his celebrity persona.
Defense lawyers insisted the government was attempting to criminalize Combs’ consensual swinger lifestyle and argued that any misconduct amounted to personal, not federal, wrongdoing.
Throughout the trial, Combs maintained his silence in court, choosing not to testify.
In the end, the jury’s mixed verdict spares Combs from a potential life sentence but leaves him facing prison time and a likely devastating blow to his reputation and business ventures.
Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
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