The American rapper has faced conviction for charges related to prostitution, yet has been cleared of more severe felony accusations.
American music executive Sean “Diddy” Combs bypassed a life imprisonment term on Wednesday, having been cleared of racketeering and sex trafficking, though he was found guilty on two felony charges tied to prostitution.
Combs’s past associates gave evidence during the seven-week trial at a Manhattan federal court, stating he had compelled them to engage in sexual acts with others for his personal voyeuristic pleasure at gatherings referred to as “freak-offs.”
The rapper could have received a life sentence if found guilty of the more severe accusations; however, the jury delivered a split decision after 13 hours of discussions, convicting him on two less severe counts of facilitating transportation for prostitution. According to legal commentators, sentencing guidelines indicate Combs could now serve two to five years in custody.
Judge Arun Subramanian rejected Combs’ bail application later Wednesday, referencing explicit 2016 hotel surveillance video shown during the trial. The footage showed Combs assaulting his then-partner Cassie Ventura, a primary witness for the prosecution.
”The defendant cannot prove… that he presents no threat to the public,” Subramanian stated.
The judge suggested October 3 as a date for sentencing, although the defense counsel sought an earlier online proceeding. Combs has remained incarcerated since the accusations were initially revealed in September 2024.
Douglas Wigdor, Ventura’s attorney, commended her evidence, stating it “made a lasting impact on both the entertainment sector and the pursuit of fairness,” even though the jury chose not to find Combs guilty of the trafficking accusation.
”We have faith in and back our client, who exhibited remarkable bravery throughout this trial. She displayed undeniable fortitude and highlighted the experiences concerning influential individuals in our society and the wrongdoing that has continued for decades unpunished,” the statement conveyed.
Additional women who claimed to be harmed by Combs gave evidence using the pseudonyms “Jane” and “Mia.” The tribunal additionally received testimony from two male escorts who stated they were compensated to engage in sexual activities with Combs, Ventura, and other individuals.
Lawyers for the defense contended that the accusations treated their client’s non-traditional personal sexual conduct as criminal, asserting that Ventura and others willingly took part and were not compelled.
Combs was earlier cleared in a prominent 1999 legal matter concerning illicit firearm possession, following a nightclub shooting in Manhattan which resulted in three injuries. He gained prominence amidst the 1990s hip-hop expansion and subsequently became among the entertainment sector’s most influential producers, with additional enterprises encompassing fashion and alcoholic beverages.