Sean “Diddy Combs was convicted of a prostitution-related offense but acquitted Wednesday of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put one of hip-hop’s most celebrated figures behind bars for life.
The mixed result came on the third day of deliberations. It could still send Combs, 55, to prison for as long as 20 years, and is likely to end his career as a hit-making music executive, fashion entrepreneur, brand ambassador and reality TV star.
The foreperson confirmed the verdict reached was unanimous.
After they read the verdict, Combs held his hands up in a prayer motion, looking at the jury, and hugged his legal team. Later, he was on his knees with his head in a chair, praying, as his family cheered.
Prosecutors walked by the scene.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian was weighing whether to grant Combs bail in the wake of the verdict. He adjourned the court while he considers whether to free Combs on bail. Submissions are due this afternoon.
Combs cleared of most serious counts, convicted of two
Combs was convicted of flying people around the country, including his girlfriends and paid male sex workers, to engage in sexual encounters, a felony violation of the federal Mann Act.
But the jury of eight men and four women acquitted Combs of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, related to allegations that he used his money, power and frightening physical force to manipulate his girlfriends into hundreds of drug-fueled sex marathons with the men.
Combs and his defense team argued that the women were willing participants and that none of his violence justified the severity of the charges.
After the verdict was read, the judge gave the jury guidance on speaking about the case to the media, to the public, and more.
Combs continued to pump his right fist subtly, seemingly satisfied that he was acquitted on the most serious charges.
Combs, 55, has been behind bars since his arrest in September. His lawyers argued that the acquittal on the most serious counts changed the legal landscape enough that he should get bail.
Resources for victims of sexual assault are available through the National Sexual Violence Resources Center and the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-4673.
