A US federal court has acquitted rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs of the most serious charges against him, racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, but found him guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
The court’s ruling means the rapper, famously known for his hit “Bad Boy for Life,” could face up to 20 years in prison, with each of the remaining charges carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years.
Judge Arun Subramanian announced that a sentencing hearing would be held next week.
According to CNN, Combs had faced five charges: one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
Following the verdict, Combs’ legal team defended his innocence.
Teny Geragos, one of his lawyers, told CNN, “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. That was proven true. The media got it wrong about Sean Combs every single day for nearly two years. He has not sexually assaulted anybody, certainly hasn’t sex trafficked anybody and the jury found that today.”
Defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo called the verdict a major win. Speaking outside court, he praised the jury for acquitting Combs of the more severe charges.
“Today is a win. Today’s a victory of all victories for Sean Combs. It’s a great victory for the jury system,” he said.
Inside the courtroom, Combs turned to his family and said, “We’re going to make it through this. I’ll see you when I get out.” He blew kisses at loved ones seated in the first two rows, adding, “I love you all. Be strong.” As he was escorted away, he turned to his mother, Janice Combs, and said, “I love you, mom.”
Judge Subramanian denied Combs’ bail, citing his history of violence and illegal behaviour as key reasons behind the decision.
The case began last September after a grand jury indictment. Initially, Combs faced three charges after being arrested at a luxury Manhattan hotel. In April, prosecutors added two more charges through a superseding indictment, bringing the total to five.
He pleaded not guilty to all charges. If found guilty of all, he faced life imprisonment. His trial began in May, and prosecutors presented over 30 witnesses.
Among them was his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, who gave graphic testimony about their encounters, which she claimed were orchestrated by Combs.