In a stunning and closely watched federal trial, music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been found not guilty on the most serious charges of sex-trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. However, the jury did return two guilty verdicts on lesser but still serious federal charges: transportation for purposes of prostitution.
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The verdict, delivered minutes in a packed Manhattan courtroom, sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and beyond. Diddy, 55, quietly pumped his fist as the foreperson read the decision, showing some emotion.
Federal prosecutors had accused Combs of operating a complex criminal enterprise that they claimed spanned decades and involved coercion, manipulation, and abuse. The charges of sex-trafficking and racketeering conspiracy carried potential sentences of 15 years to life, and were considered by many legal analysts to be the centerpiece of the government’s case.
But after several weeks of testimony — including from former associates, employees, and alleged victims — the jury ultimately found that the evidence presented was insufficient to meet the high burden of proof required for those charges.
Despite being cleared of the most severe allegations, Combs was convicted of two federal counts: transporting an individual across state lines for the purpose of prostitution — a violation of the Mann Act. The charge, while less severe than sex trafficking, still carries significant legal consequences. The convictions could result in a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison.
Here’s what comes next: Diddy will be sentenced in the coming months. He will not spend the rest of his life in a federal prison. One question does remain: will Donald Trump pardon him?
Overall, this is a stunning verdict, and a win for Diddy and the defense.
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