Sean "Diddy" Combs sank to his knees in the courtroom, hands clasped in fervent prayer, after being exonerated on Wednesday of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that threatened to incarceration for life for one of hip-hop's most celebrated icons. The rapper, however, was found guilty of lesser prostitution-related offenses and was remanded without bail pending sentencing.
Outside Manhattan federal court, his attorney, Marc Agnifilo, hailed the verdict as a "resounding triumph," addressing a phalanx of microphones. "The jury grasped the nuances of the situation with remarkable precision," he declared. "Today marks a victory unparalleled."
The mixed verdict brought to a close a legal saga fraught with controversy, tarnishing Combs' affable "Puff Daddy" persona and derailing his multifaceted career as a Grammy-winning artist, music executive, fashion pioneer, brand ambassador, and reality TV star.
"I'll see you when I get out," Combs reassured his family, including his mother and children, before being escorted back to jail. "We'll weather this storm together."
Convicted of transporting individuals, including his girlfriends and male sex workers, across state lines for prostitution, Combs faces a maximum sentence of ten years. However, the jury acquitted him of three more serious charges, two of which carried mandatory 15-year terms and a potential life sentence.
Combs' legal team contends that, under federal sentencing guidelines, he could expect approximately two years behind bars. Prosecutors, however, argue for a term of at least four to five years, citing Combs' history of violence and other mitigating factors. Having been incarcerated since his September arrest, Combs has already served nine months of potential detention.
"Our fight continues, and we shall prevail," Agnifilo vowed. "We won't rest until he walks free into the arms of his family."
In a significant victory for Combs, the eight-man, four-woman jury cleared him of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, which alleged he used his wealth, power, and intimidation to coerce girlfriends into participating in drug-induced sex marathons with multiple men.
Combs' defense argued that the women were willing participants and that the alleged violence did not justify the severity of the charges. Agnifilo requested Combs' immediate release on bail pending sentencing, contending that the acquittals altered the necessity for his continued detention.
"He poses no flight risk. He's been granted a new lease on life," Agnifilo argued. However, Judge Arun Subramanian denied the motion, stating that Combs had not satisfactorily demonstrated, by clear and convincing evidence, an absence of danger to individuals or the community.
Combs, 55, remained stone-faced as the bond decision was rendered, scribbling notes and gesturing toward Agnifilo before raising his hand to attract the judge's attention. After a brief consultation with his attorney, he remained silent.
As he exited the courtroom for the final time, he paused to address his relatives, who had filled the wooden benches in support throughout the eight-week trial. "Stay strong. I love you," he said, pressing an imaginary kiss towards them.
Earlier, upon hearing the jury foreperson pronounce "not guilty" three times in succession, Combs triumphantly pumped his fist in the air, his gaze filled with appreciation as he scanned the jurors. With hands raised in a reverent gesture of prayer, he seemed to be giving thanks. Despite the judge's stern warning against outbursts, audience members struggled to mask their overwhelming relief; the very first "not guilty" elicited an uncontrollable "Yeah!" from someone in the spectators' gallery, clearly audible amidst the tense atmosphere.The judge will determine Combs' punishment, tentatively scheduling sentencing for October 3rd. However, a defense motion for an earlier hearing prompted a virtual court session to be set for Tuesday to address the matter.
Federal officials involved in the case commented on the verdict by highlighting the pervasive nature of sex crimes within various facets of our society. "New Yorkers, indeed all Americans, yearn for an end to this pernicious scourge and for the perpetrators to face the justice they deserve," stated Manhattan-based U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, alongside Ricky J. Patel, who heads the federal Homeland Security Investigations' office in New York, in a joint declaration.
Federal officials involved in the case commented on the verdict by highlighting the pervasive nature of sex crimes within various facets of our society. "New Yorkers, indeed all Americans, yearn for an end to this pernicious scourge and for the perpetrators to face the justice they deserve," stated Manhattan-based U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, alongside Ricky J. Patel, who heads the federal Homeland Security Investigations' office in New York, in a joint declaration.
The jurors deliberated extensively for approximately 13 hours spread across three days before rendering their decision. Earlier on Tuesday evening, they announced that they had reached a consensus on four counts but were deadlocked on the racketeering charge. At this juncture, the judge exhorted them to continue deliberating and to keep the partial verdict confidential.
Throughout the trial, which featured 34 witnesses and damning video footage of the rapper assaulting his former girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie (born Casandra Ventura), Combs chose to remain silent. Cassie's attorney, Douglas Wigdor, issued a statement after the verdict, lauding her bravery: "By courageously sharing her experience, Cassie has indelibly marked both the entertainment industry and the ongoing struggle for justice." Subsequently, in a letter to the judge, Wigdor requested that bail be denied to Combs, arguing, "Ms. Ventura fears that Mr. Combs may pose a threat to the victims who testified in this case, including herself, as well as to the wider community."
Cassie testified for four days about her tumultuous 11-year relationship with Combs, which commenced after she signed with his Bad Boy record label. She recounted how Combs became fixated on voyeuristic encounters involving sex workers and excessive amounts of baby oil, arranged with the assistance of his staff. These encounters, termed "freak-offs" or "hotel nights," often compelled Cassie to engage in humiliating acts with other men at Combs' bidding. When things did not align with his wishes, she alleged, he physically assaulted her.
Another ex-girlfriend, testifying under the pseudonym "Jane," revealed to the jury her repeated refusals to engage in sex with men hired for their encounters. "I'm not an animal. I need a break," she protested to Combs. Despite this, she felt compelled to comply with his demands, partly due to his financial support, which included paying her rent.
The Associated Press typically refrains from naming individuals who claim to have been sexually abused unless they come forward publicly, as Cassie had done.
The trial's most celebrated witness, rapper Kid Cudi (real name Scott Mescudi), recounted how Combs broke into his home late in 2011 after discovering his relationship with Cassie. Weeks later, when Cudi's car was firebombed, he believed Combs was somehow implicated. Combs vehemently denied any involvement.
