Hollywood's elite have been buzzing with reactions to the verdict handed down in the high-profile sex trafficking and racketeering case against Sean “Diddy” Combs. Though found guilty of transporting individuals for prostitution, Combs was acquitted of the graver charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. For six grueling weeks, federal prosecutors marshaled an array of witnesses and compelling evidence, yet ultimately fell short of convincing the jury that the former hip-hop tycoon had utilized his company as a criminal enterprise, conspiring with associates and employees to exploit and abuse women. At the heart of the prosecution was Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, Combs' former long-term lover, who bravely testified about years of alleged abuse, encompassing coerced non-consensual sex, physical violence, and threats designed to exert control.
Following Wednesday's verdict revelation, personalities across the entertainment industry took to social media to air their views. Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, a long-standing adversary of Diddy’s, posted on Instagram, "Diddy beat the Rico, that boy's a bad man!" he exclaimed, adding, "he's like the Gay John Gotti."
Aubrey O’Day, who once collaborated with the Bad Boy Records founder on the reality show 'Making the Band 3,' centered around his label's group Danity Kane, shared a video on her Instagram Stories as she reacted to the verdict. "Oh my God, not guilty on Cassie, not guilty on Rico, no way Jane will be found guilty," she said, filming a CNN segment announcing the verdict. "This makes me physically ill... Cassie must be feeling terrible. Ugh, I feel nauseous."
In a separate Instagram Stories post, O’Day penned a heartfelt message: "The cultural impact of this ruling is incalculable. It's heart-wrenching to witness how countless lives have been scarred by their encounters with Sean Combs, only for those narratives to fall on deaf ears in the eyes of a jury. I sincerely hope these jurors never witness a loved one endure what numerous survivors have described."
Over the years, O’Day has been open about her animosity towards Combs. After joining Danity Kane, she was ousted from the group in 2008, alleging on an episode of 'Call Her Daddy' that the mogul axed her because she "wasn't willing to do what was expected, not talent-wise, but in other respects." Expressing solidarity with Ventura, she added, "My heart goes out to Cassie, a woman who could've led a life and career free from fear and control. A woman who spoke her truth in court, only to have the world question her credibility rather than her courage."
"Neither women nor men, nor any artist, are the property of those who wield wealth, fame, and power. We are not expendable. Twelve individuals on a jury will not dictate our worth," she concluded.
Shortly after the verdict, O’Day appeared on 'Inside Edition,' stating that her reaction to the news was "a gut punch." "I'm blown away by the jury's decision," she added. "The evidence was overwhelming. For me, it was crystal clear."
Grammy-nominated singer Kesha also posted on X (formerly Twitter), standing in solidarity with Ventura. "Cassie, I believe you. I love you. Your strength serves as a beacon for all survivors," she penned. Last year, Kesha announced she was altering the lyrics of her 2010 hit "TiK ToK," changing "feeling like P. Diddy" to "fuck P. Diddy" amidst multiple sexual misconduct allegations against Combs.
Rosie O’Donnell echoed her thoughts on Instagram, writing, "I suppose a jury never wants to believe a woman stays out of fear of power and coercion – incredible – they assume women stay for what? Money? Fame? ‘They love the abuse’ – what a laughable joke – this verdict makes me furious #cassie."
