Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been found guilty of two of the five counts he was charged with, but the prosecution is still seeking a maximum sentence of 20 years
Ugly scenes broke out outside a federal court in New York, as Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs fans and critics clash following 12 jurors delivering a verdict earlier today. Combs has been found guilty of just two of the five counts he was charged with, however the prosecution is still seeking a maximum sentence of 20 years.
The 12 jurors in his sex-trafficking trial continued their deliberations for just 56 minutes today after struggling to come to a unanimous decision regarding count one.
Combs dropped to his knees inside court as he learned he had avoided life behind bars today. The jury found the Last Night singer not guilty of racketeering, and not guilty of sex trafficking ex-partner Casandra Ventura and another woman referred to as “Jane”
As Combs’ family reacted to the news, a furious clash broke out outside court moments after the verdict was delivered, with two men screaming at one another while referring to Cassie’s testimony that Combs beat her on multiple occasions. CCTV footage from an LA hotel in 2016 showed Combs attacking Cassie near the lift doors.
READ MORE: P Diddy trial verdict LIVE: Chaos outside court as Combs faces 20 years over guilty charges
One man shouted that “he beat her”, with the opposing man responding: “It doesn’t matter.” The initial man continued to shout: “He beat her, he kicked her.” While the other man screaming back: “And she liked it, how about that?” Another male supporter was seen holding a bottle of baby oil as they celebrated the verdict.
The trial, held at the Federal District Court in Lower Manhattan starting May 5, saw testimony from 34 witnesses, among them stars like Kid Cudi and Cassie herself. During her emotional testimony, Cassie recounted an assault by Diddy at a Los Angeles hotel back in 2016.
She further detailed to the court how Diddy had sexually assaulted her in her own living room. Now, with Combs convicted on two counts and cleared of others, her legal representative has released a statement: “This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023.
“Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution. By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice.
“We must repeat – with no reservation – that we believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial. She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion. This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors.”
After her testimony concluded on May 17, Cassie’s solicitor, Doug Wigdor, issued a statement acknowledging the difficulty of her experience: “This week has been extremely challenging, but also remarkably empowering and healing for me.
“For me, the more I heal, the more I can remember. And the more I can remember, the more I will never forget. I want to thank my family and my advocates for their unwavering support, and I’m grateful for all the kindness and encouragement that I have received.
“I’m glad to put this chapter of my life to rest. As I turn to focus on the conclusion of my pregnancy, I ask for privacy for me and for my growing family.”
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