The mood in court changed when the judge denied bail, ruling that the rapper must remain behind bars in New York while awaiting sentencing on federal prostitution-related charges
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs made an emotional four-word comment to his mum in court after the judge denied him bail.
Diddy 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 embattled rapper, 55, was charged with sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution. He was found not guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, but found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
During the trial at the Federal District Court in Lower Manhattan, which began on May 5, the jury heard from 34 witnesses, including celebrities like Kid Cudi and Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie.
Diddy was said to have fallen to his knees, leaned on his chair with his elbows, and clasped his hands in prayer when the court’s decision was made public. He was found not guilty of racketeering and of sex trafficking former girlfriend Cassie Ventura and another woman referred to as ‘Jane.’
He initiated a round of applause that his family and legal team participated in, as clapping and whistling resonated throughout the courtroom. Before the verdict was read, Diddy asked the courtroom to pray for his family. As he learned of his fate, the rapper fell to his knees with his head down in a chair, seemingly praying again after avoiding life in prison for the highest charge in his case.
His family – who have supported him throughout – stood in the background clapping and cheering. His defence attorneys hugged each other and Combs then stopped up to embrace his lawyer Brian Steel.
But the mood in court changed when federal judge denied bail for the music mogul on Wednesday, ruling that the rapper must remain behind bars in New York while awaiting sentencing for his conviction on federal prostitution-related charges.
Combs then turned to his family and said: “We’re gonna make it through this.” He added: “I’ll see you when I get out,” before blowing kisses to the two rows behind him in the courtroom where his friends and family were sitting. “I love you all, be strong,” he said. Turning to his mother as he was being escorted out, he said: “I love you, mom.”
Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo called today’s verdict in the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs “a great victory” outside of the courthouse in New York City. Combs is due to be sentenced on October 3 at 10am local time – but the judge is prepared to bring the date forward.
If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999
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