American music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been found guilty of transporting women for prostitution but cleared of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges.
According to The New York Times, the verdict was delivered on Wednesday after an eight-week trial in Manhattan. The federal jury, comprising eight men and four women, reached the decision after 13 hours of deliberation.
Combs, 55, was convicted under the Mann Act for transporting two women, identified in court as Jane and Casandra Ventura, for prostitution purposes. Each count carries up to 10 years in prison.
However, he was acquitted of the more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, which could have earned him a life sentence if convicted.
Prosecutors described Diddy as the head of a criminal ring who used “power, violence and fear” to get what he wanted, including forcing women to engage in sex acts with male prostitutes while he watched and recorded.
In court, Diddy appeared emotional as the verdict was read. He clasped his hands in prayer, mouthed “thank you” to the jury, and covered his face briefly before smiling and shaking hands with his legal team. He also nodded towards his family.
His lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, admitted Diddy’s history of drug use and domestic issues but argued that the prosecution exaggerated the case. “This is his first conviction, and it’s a prostitution offence. He’s not a flight risk,” Agnifilo said, requesting that he be allowed to return to his Miami Beach home before sentencing.
The court has not yet fixed a date for sentencing.
