After a 12 hours of deliberation, the verdict is seen as a victory for Combs, who was cleared of the most serious charges against him. His defense team opted not to call witnesses before resting.
A Federal Jury returned a mixed verdict in the high-profile trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs. The music and business mogul was found guilty on two counts of prostitution-related offenses under federal law, but was acquitted of all sex trafficking charges, including the RICO.
The case centered around allegations that Combs facilitated the transportation of women across state lines for sex work through his entertainment empire. Prosecutors claimed Diddy manipulated his power and influence to orchestrate illegal activity over a period of nearly 20 years. However, the jury rejected the most serious charges of sex trafficking, signaling that they were not convinced by the government’s portrayal of Combs as the architect of a coercive criminal enterprise. Nor were they convinced that Cassie, or any other women, were victims of trafficking.
Diddy’s lawyer had filed for bail pending sentencing.
The judge is yet to decide if Combs will be released pending sentencing. The defense requested that Combs be released today on a $1 million secured bond, subject to the conditions that he surrender his passport and limit his travel to specific jurisdictions in California, Florida, New York and New Jersey.
Defence Attorney is also hopeful for a presidential pardon by the US President Donald Trump.